1939 Lincoln Model K

The Lincoln Model K was introduced in 1931, replacing the Model L, powered by an eight-cylinder engine, and rested on a 145-inch wheelbase frame with six cross-members and cruciform braces. A year later, a 136-inch wheelbase platform joined the list. It was Lincoln's sole model from 1931 through 1935 when it was joined by the Zephyr. While production of the Model K was low - typically a few thousand per year - the Zephyr sold in much higher numbers. While the Model K used traditional body-on-frame, the Zephyr had an integral body frame construction powered by a Ford-developed V-8. The Model K was exclusive for many reasons, particularly due to its labor-intensive construction, larger platform and engine, and prices that were in the $4,000 to $5,000 range. The Zephyr was more attainable by a greater audience, priced in the low $1,000s.

Both the Model K and the Zephyr continued in production through the second half of the 1930s, with the Zephyr soldiering on while the Model K production ceased in 1939.

The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr had a 125-inch wheelbase, a length of 210-inches, and powered by a V-12 engine with a 267.3 cubic-inch displacement and delivered 110 horsepower. Prices ranged from $1,320 to $1,800. The Model K had a 136- and 145-inch wheelbase platform, offered with both factory and semi-custom coachwork, and powered by a 414 cubic-inch V-12 with hydraulic valve lifters, four main bearings, a Stromberg downdraft two-barrel carburetor, and delivering 140 horsepower at 3,800 RPM. Both the 256.3- and 414-CID V12 were backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission with floor shift controls. The Model K had a double dry disc clutch and the Zephyr had a single disc plate clutch. Braking on the Model K was handled by Bendix Duo-Servo mechanical brakes, and the Zephyr had Bendix hydraulic internal expanding brakes. Both were on all four wheels.

Hydraulic valve lifters were added to the V-12 engine in 1937, and the engine was repositioned further forward on altered engine mounts. A new grille was added in 1938 with 18 instead of 30 horizontal bars as used previously. Standard sedan models had built-in trunks, and the exterior door handles and side beltline molding were comprised of stainless steel construction. The interior received minor updates, including to the upholstery, plus the addition of thermostat dash-panel lighting.

Changes on the Lincoln Model K were minimal for its final year, confined to wider steel wheel rims with steel spokes and a different carburetor. Five factory and sixteen custom bodies were offered with prices ranging from $4,800 to $5,100 on the factory bodies and $5,200 to $7,100 on the customs. Custom bodies were supplied by Willoughby, Brunn, LeBaron, and Judkins. Just 133 examples were built in its final year with the custom bodies being very exclusive with all but three constructed in single-digit quantities. 97 examples were fitted with standard sedan and limousine bodies made in Lincoln's own plants. The most popular body style was the 7-passenger limousine with 58 examples built.

by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2020