1930 Lincoln Model L

The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by engineer Henry Leland and his son Wilfred to produce Liberty Aero engines during World War I. Leland, who had founded Cadillac in 1903, decided to re-enter the luxury car market after the war was over with a new car; the Lincoln. Introduced in 1921, it was powered by a 358 cubic-inch L-head, 60-degree V-8 engine. Conventional V-engines of the era offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals. The engine powering the Lincoln, however, used expensive, precision-made fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed of the cylinders directly opposite each other. Leland's V-8 also had full pressure lubrication, an unusual feature for the period.

The first model, the Model L was produced from 1921 to 1930. The Model L, powered by a V-8, was comparable in size and price to a Cadillac but had a larger more powerful engine. The price of between $4,600 and $6,600 made the car only available to the most well-to-do. Leland's forte was not in styling and the car suffered from a stogy appearance and hard economic times. Lincoln tried a quick redesign with a set of twelve body designs by Hermann A. Brunn, but it was too late as dismal sales, the post-WWI recession, and an erroneous 4.5 million-dollar tax bill spelled the end of Lincoln.

The Lincoln Company was bought out of receivership in 1922 by none other than Henry Ford to balance the success of the economical Model T with the best-engineered and best-built luxury automobile in America. The Lincoln body styles were refined through the styling genius of Edsel Ford, creating designs that would make Lincoln one of the premier motor cars in the world.

Henry Ford's son, Edsel, was a talented designer with an innate sense of style. He was put in charge of Lincoln, and the automobiles that rolled out of the factory under his watchful eye reflected his vision. Production after the takeover began with the Model L, where the 'L' indicated that it had been designed by Henry and Wilfred Leland. The Model L remained part of the catalog until the V-8 was superseded in 1931 by the Model K.

1930 Lincoln Model L

With anticipation for the debut of an all-new model in 1931, the 1930 Lincoln received only minor updates. It continued to be built on a generous 136-inch wheelbase platform and was powered by a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine rated at 90 horsepower. In comparison, the 1931 Lincoln would have an even larger 145-inch wheelbase and its 384.8 CID L-head V8 engine produced 120 bhp. Additional improvements included freewheeling and synchromesh on second and third gears, a new double dry disc clutch, double-acting Houdaille hydraulic shock absorbers, and a cable-operated Bendix Duo-Servo brake system.

The engine powering the 1930 Lincoln had a Stromberg updraft carburetor, mechanical valve lifters, three main bearings, and a 4.81:1 compression ratio. It was paired with a three-speed sliding gear transmission with multiple disc clutch and floor shift controls. The braking system was comprised of a steel rod and Perrot setup on all four wheels. The steel spoke wheels measured 20 inches in size. One of the few mechanical updates was the new worm and roller-type steering system.

Painted fenders to match body colors were one of the few visual changes made to the exterior. The narrower, higher, and slightly more square radiator shell that had been updated for 1929 remained unchanged and was flanked on either side by cowl lights and positioned above the chrome-plated bumper. The list of body styles accommodated a variety of needs and uses, with both factory and coachbuilt bodies. The list of coachbuilders included in the factory catalog were Judkins, Willoughby, Brunn, LeBaron, Locke, Derham, and Dietrich.

Body Styles

Factory bodies included a club roadster with a rumble seat, a sport phaeton (with or without a double cowl), a seven-passenger sport tourer, a coupe, and a five-passenger sedan. Judkins offered a coupe (type 170) and a 4-door Berline, and many of the bodies they built received a unique windshield known as the 'Brewster windshield.' The coupe was strictly a two-passenger car and was devoid of a rumble seat. There was a golf club compartment door on the passenger side, and a leather-covered roof. The Judkins two-passenger coupe was introduced in late 1928 and built through 1930; 40 examples were produced in 1930.

In addition of the Sport Roadster offered in the 1930 Lincoln catalog, Locke also bodied a single dual-cowl Sport Phaeton (body style 163B). Locke's association with Lincoln began in 1926, the same year they established a factory in Rochester, New York. Initially, they offered Lincoln customers a convertible, roadster, town car, and landaullete. Their history in the automobile industry dates back much further - to 1902 - when they were established in New York City. The bodies they created adorned numerous prestige chassis, including Rolls-Royce, Packard, Pierce-Arrow, and Duesenberg. Locke bodied approximately fifteen examples of the Sport Roadster in 1930.

Willoughby offered a four-door, four-passenger Panel Brougham and a seven-passenger Limousines. Brunn offered a 7-passenger brougham and a five-passenger berline. Dietrich offered a four-door sedan and two-door coupe, both convertibles. Derham also produced convertibles - a roadster and a four-door phaeton. Approximately twenty examples of Philadelphia's Derham-bodied convertible phaeton were produced in 1930. It was designed from the outset as an open car and then closed, reversing the normal body-building practices of the era. The noiseless top was fitted over the tops of the front and rear windows, and its elegant body lines flowed naturally into a sloping rear deck.

LeBaron produced a sport sedan, Brougham, and a convertible roadster. The company was founded by two Brewster designers, Raymond Dietrich and Thomas Hibbard, in 1920. LeBaron Coachworks started out in New York as a design house, and a partnership with the Bridgeport Body Company allowed LeBaron to become a full-fledged coachbuilding firm in 1923. This was the same year that Raymond Dietrich met Edsel Ford at the New York Auto Show, and a demonstrator of the firm's capabilities led to Lincoln becoming LeBaron's best customer. In 1930, LeBaron would body approximately 100 Lincolns with the Convertible Roadster body style (denoted as the Model 185) and carried a princely sum of $6,900 when new. Styling features included a hidden rumble seat, dual side-mounted spare wheels, sweeping curves, and a convertible top that could be concealed neatly behind the two-seat cockpit.

Production

The 1930 Lincoln models were introduced in January of that year, and total calendar year production reached 3,515 units, which was significantly less than the 7,672 examples produced (calendar year production) the previous year. Although an all-new model was introduced in 1931, production would continue to slip as the world wrestled with the Great Depression. A total of 2,007 examples were produced in 1933 (calendar year prod.) before climbing slightly to 2,411 units in 1934. When the lower-priced Zephyr was added to the lineup in 1936, production increased dramatically, reaching 14,994 units (model year production) for the Zephyr alone. An additional 1,515 examples of the twelve-cylinder Model K were also built that year.

Dual Cowl Phaeton by Locke
Chassis number: 65674

The Lincoln marque came into existence in 1917 with the purpose of building Liberty aircraft engines during World War I. It was Henry Martyn Leland's second automobile company formed after he left Cadillac in a dispute with General Motors president Billy Durant. As the First World War came to an end, the government contracts were canceled. Instead of laying off the workforce, the business was converted to automobile production with the first Lincolns cars making their appearance in September of 1920.

It had taken a few years for the Lincoln's to convert to automotive production, and this was due to Leland's quest for excellence and perfection. A nationwide recession after the War put Lincoln into receivership and was later rescued by Henry Ford. The company was purchased for eight million dollars in 1922. Leland remained with the company for only four months, as a dispute between Leland and Ford had him abandon the Lincoln Company and ultimately the automotive business forever.

The Lincoln automobiles became Ford's flagship vehicles with the direction of the company put into the control of Henry's son, Edsel. Many of the cars were designed by legendary coachbuilders such as Brunn, Judkins, Willoughby, Murphy and Locke who outfitted the cars with some of the most desirable custom creations of the era.

This particular vehicle has a Locke body finished in Dual Cowl Phaeton configuration. It is believed that this car was once owned by Edsel Ford and Governor Frank Fitzgerald of Michigan. It spent twenty-one years of its life in the care of Eugene Eldridge. Other owners include David Rehor and Rick Caroll. In 1995 it was purchased by John Hazlitt at auction and later sold it to Mr. David Uihlein. It is finished in its original colors of Power Blue and Silver with black fenders and chassis. The interior features leather upholstery in Saddle Brown. It has its original side curtains and rods still in their factory packaging which were discovered upon removal of the front seat cushions. It has been treated to a restoration since new, and is in excellent condition. It was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $125,000 - $175,000. It was offered without reserve which worked well for the buyer who purchased this magnificent automobile for $93,500 including buyer's premium.

The DC Phaeton body is one of the more attractive of its kind, having been created by the legendary Locke & Company of New York City. Their history dates back to the dawn of the automobile and their craft was perfected by clothing such prestigious chassis as Duesenberg, Rolls-Royce, Packard and Pierce-Arrow. In 1926 the company expanded its operations with a new factory located in Rochester, NY. The first Locke-bodied Lincolns appeared in 1926 appearing in roadster, convertible, town car and landaulette styles in the Lincoln catalog. The DC Sport Phaeton bodies of Style 163B were built from 1927 through 1929 with a total of 298 created. This example with chassis number 656574 is the only one known to have been fitted to a 1930 chassis and is believed to have been near the end of the run. It was finished in either September of October and given the benefit of 1931 styling features such as its bumpers, horns, lights, steering column and a luggage rack.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Victoria Sedan by Dietrich

By 1930, the Lincoln Motor Company was being run by Edsel Ford. These Lincoln L Series cars were the first to have the famous leaping greyhound mascot on the radiator. The greyhound design was handpicked by Edsel, who commissioned the first one from the Gorham Foundry in 1929.

This 1930 Lincoln Dietrich Convertible Victoria was originally shown at the San Francisco Auto Show in 1930 and is the only known one of its kind. Originally the Dietrich-bodied convertible was dressed in yellow, but the initial buyer had the dealer paint it tan, because he thought the yellow was 'too flashy.' Today the tan color is wearing thin and the original yellow paint is showing through - an indication of the authentic preservation of the 90-year-old Lincoln. This example is equipped for long-distance touring with a 50-gallon fuel tank and a trunk rack in addition to the standard trunk. Especially rare are the Woodlite headlights and an accessory Owl spotlight, controlled from a T-handle on the dash. Jack Passey acquired the car at some point, and its current owner purchased the Lincoln from Passey's widow, Mona, in 2016, still beautifully preserved and sporting its original interior and top. The car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2006 and 2022.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton
Chassis number: 60817

There were minor changes for the Lincoln Model L in 1930, as the company was devoting its resources to the Lincoln Model K, which was set to appear in 1931. In many ways, the Model L was unchanged from the prior year. Noticeable changes were a painted bumper which now matched the body color. The drop-tops were given natural canvas tops and spare wheel covers gave the vehicle a modern appearance.

For 1930, Lincoln produced 4356 cars with twenty models to choose from.

Under the bonnet was a 384.8 cubic-inch L-head V8 engine that had three main bearings and Stromberg carburetors. it was capable of producing 90 horsepower. There was a three-speed sliding gear transmission and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. All Lincolns, in 1930, were given four-wheel brakes. Top speed was achieved at 80 mph with fuel consumption of 12 miles per gallon.

This 1930 Lincoln Model L Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Amelia Island, Florida where it was estimated to sell between $100,000 - $125,000. This model, known as a Model 176A, has four doors and seating for four. Only 53 of these Sport Phaetons were built in 1930 and sold for around $5,000, a considerable cost at the time.

This car is finished in gray and black with a tan top. A restoration was undertaken in 1990 and constructed to original, like new conditions. The Lincoln was judged 99 points and given a CCCA Senior award. It won Best in Class at the Lincoln Owners Club Annual National Meet.

A mechanical restoration was commissioned in 2005 and took part in the CCCA Grand Experience at Hickory Corners, MI a year later. It completed the 90 mile tour and was awarded a Class Award.

At the auction, the estimated value was accurate and the vehicle was sold for $118,800.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible Roadster by LeBaron
Chassis number: 64277

Lincoln made subtle changes to the Model L for 1930, helping to stimulate sales. Another feature was the introduction of four-wheel mechanical drums on the Model L, along with the added benefit of Gemmer worm and roller-type steering that gave more precise steering and considerably improved overall handling. Top speed was in the neighborhood of 80 miles per hour, with a 10-to-30-mile per-hour time of 5.2 seconds and fuel consumption of 12 miles to the gallon.

This example is one of around 100 units that were given LeBaron coachwork in the style of Convertible Roadster. These were priced at $6,900 new which made them obtainable only to the wealthy society. The current owner of this car is the singer-songwriter Toby Keith and has been in his family for several years, receiving a professional restoration by Gleen Wright Restorations. The car is painted in gray with black fenders, a tan cloth top and matching leather upholstery. Notable features include the rumble seat, golf bag/luggage door, dual side-mounted spares, opening windshield, chrome dashboard and instrument pane with a Seth Thomas clock, and a wood four-spoke steering wheel.

In 2009, this Model 185 L Convertible Coupe Roadster was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $90,000 - $120,000. The lot was sold for a high bid of $75,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton
Chassis number: 63658

This 1930 Lincoln Sport Phaeton was purchased new by an individual living in New York, who would keep the car until 1956. It then passed through several owners before coming into the Harrah Collection in 1977. Dr. Atwood purchased it from the Harrah's dispersal auction in September of 1984. It has been driven just 62 miles since that time.

The paint was probably re-applied in the 1950s. It shows some chips and pits. The car is straight and all the doors close well, but it is original and not without its flaws.

There were a mere 90 examples of these factory-built dual cowl phaetons built in 1930. Power is from the 384.8 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine and there is a three-speed manual transmission.

In 2009, this DC Sport Phaeton was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Arizona auction presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $110,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for the sum of $63,250 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe by Judkins

The first Lincolns under Ford's control appeared in 1923 with minor improvements. What remained was Henry Leland's engineering brilliance, in particular, with the big Lincoln V-8 and its 'fork and blade' connecting rods. This innovative and costly design allowed the cylinders to sit perfectly opposed from one another, bank-to-bank, making the Lincoln engine Detroit's smoothest operating V-8.

The 1930 Lincoln L Series was powered by a 385 CID L-head V8 engine with three main bearings and a Stromberg carburetor which offered 90 horsepower. The power plant was coupled to a three-speed sliding gear transmission and installed in a 136-inch wheelbase chassis with four-wheel brakes. The car weighed between 4750 and 6000 lbs depending on the coachwork. The top speed was around 80 mph. The L Series was produced in 1930 was 3,222 vehicles and prices ranged from $4200 to $7400.

1930 was the final year for the Lincoln L series and would be replaced the following year with a newly designed model. The 1930 was the most refined of the entire L series, particularly with its new worm and roller-type steering.

Judkins used a unique windshield on many of their bodies, known as the 'Brewster windshield.' There is no rumble seat; this is strictly a two-passenger car. This example has dual rear-mounted spare tires and the golf club compartment door on the passenger side. The price new in 1930 was $5,000. The leather-covered roof was standard trim and additional features included the golf club bag door and dual rear-mounted spare tires. It was originally sold in California and found in the 1950's by Lincoln collector Jack Passey.

The Judkins two-passenger coupe was a popular design and was featured at the annual automobile salons from 1926-1933. This Judkins Type 170 two-passenger coupe design was introduced in late 1928 and built through 1930. Only 40 examples were produced in 1930.

Sport Roadster by Locke
Chassis number: 13-4
Engine number: 62161

Henry and Wilford LeLand's Lincoln Motor Company began producing Liberty airplane engines in 1917. Leland decided to enter the automobile production business after the contract for the Liberty engines was fulfilled. The first cars were produced in 1920 but by 1922, after facing financial difficulties, Lincoln was acquired by the Ford Motor Company. Edsel Ford took the helm and saw the need to upgrade the styling of the Lincoln product line. He enlisted the finest American coachbuilders to produce new stylish bodies for the company.

By 1930 Lincoln was well-established as a premier luxury automobile manufacturer. They exhibited many special custom-bodied cars at the major auto shows. Lincoln exhibited at the 1930 Automobile Salon Show in New York City and Chicago. On the stand was a line of custom-bodied cars including a Locke and Company-bodied Sport Roadster. Priced at over $5,000 the Locke and Company body had an unusual disappearing top and a unique folding armrest. Only 15 of this body style were ever produced.

This sporty roadster was created by Locke & Company for Lincoln to debut in the 1930 auto shows in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The catalog of custom bodies listed its special features including the disappearing top, which is completely hidden under the rear cowl when put down, and an armrest in the center of the front seat - very unusual for the time. It also sports a rumble seat and golf door.

The car was seen and ordered at the Chicago show and delivered to a prominent doctor in February of that year. Only 15 of these models were produced, this being #13-4 type 5000, model 191 and engine #62161. Number 13 was the body tag designation for Locke and #4 was its production number of the 15 made. That makes this the oldest survivor of the three remaining Locke Sport Roadsters.

The current owners are the fourth owners - and they purchased the car in 1978. The car was restored by the owner's father who enjoyed doing it as a hobby.

Convertible Phaeton by Derham
Chassis number: 63842

Philadelphia-based Derham Coachbuilding Company was in operation until 1974. In 1928, the firm designed a four-passenger convertible phaeton on a Hispano-Suiza chassis for Countess Holstein. The car was displayed at Derham's showroom while two other examples were built by Derham's craftsmen for Chrysler and Packard chassis.

1930 was the final year of Model L production. Lincoln added the Derham design to its custom-body catalogue for 1930, and only 20 examples were built, with just three known to survive. The Derham convertible phaeton was a true open phaeton and a rakish sedan with crisp lines flowing into a sloping rear deck. The top could be fitted over the tops of the front and rear windows.

This particular example was carefully detailed by John Maitland, who purchased the Lincoln in March of 1952 for $200 from the Estate of Daniel Cook, who was given the car by his elder aunts, who had reportedly acquired the car directly off the floor of the New York Auto Show when new. When Mr. Maitland, purchased the vehicle it was in good original condition with approximately 50,000 miles. Mr. Maitland replaced the muffler, tailpipe, and running boards. The car was repainted and was given a new convertible top and spare tire covers.

After transferring to Detroit in 1956, Mr. Maitland sold the Lincoln. In 1958 it was acquired by Lima, Ohio's Norman Delaney, who had the engine overhauled, installed new rear-end seals, and retained the car through 1969. The following year it entered the Tom Lester Collection where it was refinished in Light Tan with Coffee accents and Orange wheels.

The L-head V8 engine displaces 384.8 cubic inches, produces 90 horsepower, and is mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the St. Johns sale presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $140,000 - $170,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $100,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton

This 1930 Lincoln 'L' Sports Phaeton was invited to the inaugural 1996 Amelia Island Concours and returned 18 years later to the 2014 Amelia Island Concours.

The Type 176-A body style was first offered in August 1929 at $4,200 F.O.B. in Detroit. This particular car was assembled on April 28th of 1930 with a special order auxiliary windshield benefitting rear seat passengers.

While Henry Leland, 'The Master of Precision' and creator of the Lincoln automobile was deeply dedicated to the highest manufacturing standards, it was Edsel Ford who developed the style of the marque. Edsel worked with the most noted coachbuilders of the time to provide a wide range of factory customs, with bodies built in the Lincoln plant of equal quality as well.

This car was restored for the former owner some 3 decades ago.

Sport Roadster by Locke

The Lincoln Model L was produced from 1921 to 1930. The first Lincoln Ls were powered by a 60-degree V8 engine producing 80 horsepower and had a guaranteed top speed of at least 80 horsepower and had a guaranteed top speed of at least 70 mph. The 1930 Model L featured a larger 384 cubic-inch V8 producing 90 horsepower.

This Sport Roadster is the rarest of them all, with Locke coachwork featuring a disappearing top. Lincoln exhibited the Locke-bodied Model L Sport Roadster at the 1930 Automobile Salon Show in New York City, and it had a price tag of just over $5,000. Renowned Lincoln collector Jack Passy bought it in the 1970s in very original condition from its second owner. It has long taken price of place in his extensive collection of Lincolns.

Convertible Roadster by LeBaron
Chassis number: 64754

This Lincoln Model L is one of 100 examples fitted with LeBaron Convertible Roadster coachwork, denoted as the Model 185. When new, it had an exorbitant price of $6,900. The car features sweeping curves, a hidden rumble seat, dual side-mounted spare wheels, an upright windshield, and a convertible top that folds behind the two-seat cockpit.

This car has spent much of its life in the Pacific Northwest in various collections. It was entirely restored in the 1970s and has been well cared for since that time. It is painted in Sea Foam Green with dark green paint accented by gold pin-striping. The original broadcloth seats were kept intact, superficially reupholstered with green leather.

It is believed that this Lincoln has covered just 25,448 miles since new.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton

This 1930 Lincoln Model L mirrored its 1929 predecessor almost exactly, which perhaps most notably to the eye had a higher, narrower and slightly more square radiator shell. This particular Model L carries a four-door four-passenger Sport Phaeton body (Type 176A), which also debuted in 1929. Most Lincolns came well equipped and most carried side-mounted spares, but this Sport Phaeton has dual-mounted rear spares, which gives the car a longer, more dashing look. This Sport Phaeton was originally sent to California, and it was later owned for a time by Lincoln advocate Jack Passey. It eventually made its way to George Townsend, who restored it to a very high standard. The current owners purchased it in 2008, and worked with Passey to make certain the car was absolutely as close as possible to its original state.

Sport Roadster by Locke

This 1930 Lincoln Model L was custom-bodied by the Locke company as a roadster with a fully disappearing top. Lincoln wanted to showcase a unique roadster at the 1930 Paris Auto Salon, and Locke was charged with the task of creating it. In the process, Locke fully developed the art of the disappearing convertible top, finishing the look with a windshield that also folded down. The final car, painted in a unique Ascot Maroon color scheme with a maroon leather interior, was one of the last true roadsters produced by Lincoln. Some of the world's foremost Lincoln collectors have owned and cared for this car. Tony Heinsbergen acquired the car in the 1950s from an early automotive preservationist who had used the car through World War II before retiring it, and Tom Powels purchased the car from Heinsbergen in 1958. The roadster is now in the care of Tom's son Leland, and it remains as delivered.

Sedan
Chassis number: 64236

This 1930 Lincoln Model L Seven-Passenger Sedan was assembled on June 25th of 1930 and it is believed to have been given a frame-off restoration from 2014 through 2017. Its exterior is finished in maroon over a tan cloth interior with tufted upholstery detailing and rear-facing jump seats. There is a mirror-polished dashboard, roll-up window shades, taupe wire wheels wrapped with wide whitewall tires, cowl lights, a luggage rack with a color-matched metal trunk, a greyhound mascot leaping above the radiator, and dual, side-mounted spares with polished metal covers. The 385 cubic-inch L-head V-8 engine is paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Roadster by Locke
Chassis number: 63083

This special sporting Lincoln is one of 15 Disappearing Top Roadsters built by the coachbuilding firm of Locke & Co. for the 1930 Lincoln Model L lineup. That was the last year for Lincoln's famous Model L V-8 chassis which had brought the Lincoln marque to prominence in the luxury car market. With a powerful 384 cubic-inch V8 engine, boasting a then-significant 90 horsepower, the Lincoln had become a favorite with law enforcement - as well as those miscreants they had to pursue! The special compartment behind the passenger seats, which completely concealed the folding top assembly, was a new design element soon to become more widely accepted during the transition from open roadster styles to the more-suitable-for-all-weather convertible coupes of the 1930s.

Sport Tourer
Chassis number: 62708
Engine number: 62708

The Lincoln Motor Company was acquired by Henry Ford in 1922, who placed his son Edsel in charge of the luxury concern. Edsel's aesthetic sensibilities were complemented by the Ford Motor Company's considerable engineering resources, resulting in the creation of a grand automobile that was considerably different from Henry's one-size-fits-all formula for transportation. Instead, the Lincolns were customizable and offered in a plethora of attractive body styles. Before long, Edsel had revitalized the struggling luxury brand's prospects, and the success of the Model set the stage for the introduction of the Model K in 1931. The previous year, the Model L was given minor updates which included the adoption of a worm-and-roller steering system.

This particular 1930 Model L Lincoln wears a seven-passenger sport touring body, one of 79 examples to receive this style of coachwork. In 2013, the car was owned by an individual from Wales when it was acquired by another European collector. Only recently has it returned to the United States from overseas.

This Model L has a maroon and black exterior with a leather interior. There is a second windshield and wind wings for rear seat passengers.

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Tourer
Chassis number: 64529
Engine number: 64907

This 1930 Lincoln Model L Sport Touring originally wore a Sage Brush Green exterior with Eagle Ottawa leather interior, with the chassis, fenders, wheels, and splash aprons all painted body-color. The car became part of the fleet of Gerardo Machado, president of Havana, Cuba. It was delivered either via the Ford branch in Havana, Cuba or the Miami dealer. When President Machado fled the country in 1934, his Lincolns stayed behind. The Cadillac was serving as a taxi in Cuba in 1958 when it was discovered by Adam Wantuck. Mr. Wantuck acquired the car and loaded it onto his cruise ship, bringing it with him back to Miami, then drove it home to New Jersey. The car remained in the Wantuck family for two generations.

In the late 1990s, the car was given a restoration by Navesink Restorations of Monmouth, New Jersey. The brightwork was refinished by Paul's Chrome Plating and the interior was upholstered by Everlast Auto Interiors of Linden, New Jersey. While in the care of Chris Wantuck, the car became a Senior First Prize winner with both the AACA and the CCCA in 2004. After Mr. Watnuck's passing, his family donated the car to the AACA. In 2024, the car was sold at auction, with the proceeds used to benefit the organization.

by Dan Vaughan

The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland and acquired by Ford in 1922. Leland, one of the founders of Cadillac, had left Cadillac during the First World War to form the Lincoln Motor Company, which was intended to build Liberty aircraft engines. He had left Cadillac due to a disagreement with General Motors boss William C. Durant. When Leland left, he was 74 years old, and chose the name Lincoln after the President he had voted for in 1864. At the conclusion of the War, Leland was forced with the decision to close the plant, or try to find another business for the 6000 employee's and the factories. The factory was retooled to accommodate luxury automobile manufacturing.

The transition period and process was difficult and the company entered financial difficulties. It was bought by the Ford Motor Company, and served as a personal victory for Henry Ford. During the very early years of automobile production, Henry Ford had been forced out of his second company by a group of investors led by Leland. Henry Ford's original company was later renamed Cadillac and later purchased by rival General Motors. This would later become Lincoln's chief competitor.

In 1927, the Lincoln marque adopted the greyhound as their emblem, which was later replaced with diamond, which is still in use in modern times.

The Lincoln L Series was powered by a 60-degree V8 engine producing 80 horsepower and had a guaranteed top speed of at least 70 mph. Those who did purchase a very early Lincoln automobile had to wait nearly a year for delivery, as the company was behind by eight-months and deliveries did not commence until September of 1920. The post-war recession, slow delivery time, and dated appearance all affected sales negatively. The board members put the company up for sale in 1922, and Henry Ford took the opportunity to enter the luxury car segment.

Henry's son, Edsel Ford, was given the responsibility of running the Lincoln Company. Quality and sales improved. The engines were given aluminum pistons and improved cylinder head cooling which greatly increased the vehicles durability, ride, and performance. The wheelbase was enlarged from 130-inches, to 136-inches in 1923. Some of the finest coachbuilders of the time were invited to work their craft. Names included Brunn, Dietrich, Holbrook, Judd, LeBaron and Locke.

By 1928, the engine had been enlarged from 357.8 cubic-inches to 384.8 cubic-inches and horsepower increased to 90.

by Dan Vaughan

Considered to be one of the most elegant of chauffer-driven automobiles of the 1920's, the Lincoln Model L Towncar was introduced in 1924. The Model L was an exclusive portrayal of the brand that represents everything that embodies American Luxury, Lincoln. Founded by Henry M. Leland in 1917, Lincoln Automobiles were operated under the Ford Motor Company. LeLand's favorite President had always been Abraham Lincoln, and at the age of 74, Henry founded the Lincoln Motor Company.

Beginning with the same desire for upscale markets that has carried through the years, the vehicles produced in the 1920's were just as exquisite and they are today. Leland has been recognized for his reputation for quality vehicles for the entirety of his career. Also known for prestige and status, the Lincoln automobile has been produced upon a standard of luxury and excellence.

Leland was an expert at producing cars that were of the greatest care and quality, but he was not adept at adding the finer points of styling to the Lincoln. The tight economic times and the stogy appearance of the Lincolns forced sales to droop. Customers could not afford the $4600-6600 price tag, though it was comparable in size and price to the Cadillac, the amount equaled most annual salaries. The Ford family swooped in at this time and purchased Lincoln at an incredibly low sales price.

Eventually Edsel Ford came onto the scene with his passion and flair for the finer things in life, and soon became responsible for the refined, elegant styling that made Lincoln one of the premier motor vehicles in the world. Hand selected by Edsel and produced by Gorham, an auspicious greyhound mascot was mounted to the Lincoln Model L Towncar in 1929.

Coachbuilder Judkins was responsible for the bodying of the Model L. Powered by a flat-head V8 engine of 358 inches, the Model L was capable of delivering 90 horsepower through a 3-speed manual transmission. By 1923 the 136 in, version was the only one left while the 130in wheelbase was dropped. In 1925 the Model L was being shaped into a truly exquisite vehicle under the skill and direction of Edsel Ford's designs in 1925. Minor styling updates were very apparent.

Edsel also became the first luxury car builder that made custom bodied vehicles during the mid-20's that were directly available in catalogue form that was from the automaker itself. Custom body manufacturers were also used extensively which resulted in the increase of more styling improvements and updates. The most exclusive and expensive Lincoln model cost $7200 in 1925.

Having created a reputation in 10 years which Cadillac, Packard and Pierce-Arrow had attempted for nearly 30, Lincoln rounded out the model run of the L in 1930. A more refined V8 and available 120 HP in the Model K eventually replaced the Model L in 1931. The Model K also featured duo servo brakes and 145 inch wheelbase.

Equal to the finest vehicles in the world, the Lincoln had very clearly established itself as a producer of luxury vehicles. (Ironically enough, the most consistent competitor that Lincoln has faced for decades has remained Cadillac, a company that was also founded by Henry Leland.)

by Jessican Donaldson