1925 Lincoln Model L

Henry M. Leland was a machinist, inventor, and businessman who had an important and far-reaching influence on the American automotive marketplace. His skills as a machinist were fine-tuned in the firearms industry and helped him become a leading-edge automobile developer during the turn of the 20th century, applying many of the lessons learned in the firearms business to the automobile, most importantly, the use of interchangeable parts. The machine shop, Leland & Faulconer, became a supplier of engines to Ransom E. Olds's Olds Motor Vehicle Company, later to be known as Oldsmobile.

In 1902, the Henry Ford Company enlisted his skills to appraise their assents prior to liquidation. Henry Ford left the company, along with several key partners, in March of 1902 following a dispute with his investors. The financial backers, William Murphy and Lemuel Bown enlisted Leland, who provided the appraisal and suggested they reorganize and build a car based on an engine Leland supplied to Olds. A new company was created on August 22nd of 1902, called the Cadillac Automobile Company, using the Henry Ford Company factory at Amsterdam Avenue and Cass Street. In 1905, the Cadillac Company merged with Leland & Faulconer Manufacturing and quickly established a reputation for precision engineering. They became the first volume manufacturer to offer a fully enclosed car, in 1906, and in 1908 they participated in the interchangeability test in the United Kingdom and were awarded the Dewar Trophy for the most important advancement of the year in the automobile industry. In 1909, Cadillac was sold to General Motors, but Leland remained in charge. In 1912, he headed the development of the electric self-starter alongside Charles Kettering.

In 1916, Leland left Cadillac following a dispute over the production of Liberty Aircraft engines, and subsequently founded another American luxury marque, Lincoln, named after the president for whom he had first voted in 1864. This company was not initially intended for automobile production, instead, it built Liberty engines for a government contract. After a brief period, the Armistice came to a close, prompting Leland to switch to automobile production.

Henry Leland's first model since he formed Lincoln Motor Company following his contentious departure from Cadillac was the Model L. It was introduced in 1917 and wore bodies designed by Leland's son-in-law, Angus Woodbridge, who had been trained as a lady's hat maker. The mechanical aspects of the Lincoln benefitted from Leland's expertise and experience, using precision engineering with rugged and compact components. They were powered by a 60-degree V8 engine with fork-and-black connecting rods, full-pressure lubrication, a large torque tube drive, and initially developing 81 horsepower. The coachwork, however, was stodgy and dated. Coupled with the post-World War I recession, the company soon experienced difficult financial times, prompting Leland to sell Lincoln to Henry Ford in 1922 for $8 million.

Henry Ford's Model T was America's best-selling automobile thanks to its durability, practicality, and affordability. He dominated the low-priced market, and with the Lincoln, Henry Ford hoped to do the same to the luxury car segment. Henry Leland left after four months, and Mr. Ford assigned his own son Edsel to head the new division. Edsel was more than just a successor to the Ford fortune, he was a talented designer who understood the importance of style on a high-end automobile. He created new designs for the L-series, streamlined the production process, improved handling with the addition of hydraulic shock absorbers, and turned Lincoln into a profitable business in less than a year.

By 1925, the Model L was devoid of cowl lights, wore a new nickel-plated radiator shell, factory-installed bumpers, and had a Gorham-produced greyhound radiator ornament. The radiator ornament began as an optional but was adopted as standard during the year. The steering ratio of 12.67:1 was replaced during the year with a 15:1 ratio, and the emergency brake lever was improved. The 60-degree, L-head V8 engine continued to displace 357.8 cubic inches, used mechanical valve lifters, three main bearings, a Stromberg updraft carburetor, and delivered 90 horsepower at 2,800 RPM. It was backed by a three-speed sliding gear manual transmission with floor shift controls and multiple disc, dry plate clutch. Mechanical brakes on two wheels provided the stopping power, although Lincoln's built for the Police used four-wheel brakes.

The Lincoln automobiles were offered in a wide array of factory and custom bodies. External coachbuilders included Brunn, LeBaron, Holbrook, Dietrich, and Judkins. Prices ranged from the high $3,000s to the upper $6,000s (or more depending on coachwork, options, and trim). Optional equipment included disc wheels, Rudge-Whitworth wire wheels, painted radiator shell, side-mount covers, natural wood finish wheels, and dual side-mount spares. During 1925, 8,451 examples of the Lincoln were built, an increase over the 7,053 produced in 1924, and similar to the 8.787 produced in 1926. Similar production figures continued through the remainder of the 1920s before dropping to 3,515 in 1930 due to the Great Depression. Lincoln production would soldier on through the mid-1930s with production below 4,000 units annually. In 1936, the unibody-built Lincoln Zephyr was introduced, with modern and aerodynamic styling that quickly caught the attention of consumers, and nearly 15,000 examples were sold that year, along with 1,515 of the top-of-the-line Model K. The Zephyr was joined by the Continental in 1940 which would continue to define the styling used through the 1940s (sans the World War II years).

by Dan Vaughan

Sport Phaeton by Brunn

Following the purchase of Lincoln by the Ford Motor Company young Edsel Ford set out to enliven Lincoln styling with a series of custom bodies built by several famous coachbuilding firms. One of Edsel's favorite builders was the Brunn Company of Buffalo, New York. This Brunn Phaeton set the style for open Lincolns to follow.

Coupe by Judkins
Chassis number: 24905
Engine number: 24905

This two-passenger car with coachwork by the old firm of John B. Judkins & Company personifies the term Preservation. For 87 years owners have done their best to keep this extremely rare coupe safe from the elements, its surfaces clean and protected, its upholstery safe from hungry moths, and its brightwork properly polished and treated.

Berline by Judkins
Chassis number: 26405

Even before establishing the Lincoln Company, Henry Martyn Leland earned his reputation as Detroit's 'Master of Precision.' Lincoln apprenticed in the armories of New England where he adopted the principles of close tolerance manufacture of interchangeable parts and advanced precision manufacturing techniques. He refined these techniques while working at machine tool manufacturer Brown & Sharpe, and continued to use these principles in Detroit as a machine tool distributor. A short time later, he set up Leland & Faulconer as a precision supplier to the booming auto industry.

After helping to establish Cadillac's reputation as 'The Standard of the World,' he left to form a company using his surname, Lincoln. The first Lincoln vehicle's to emerge were well built and superbly engineered. Introduced in 1921, they were powered by a 358 cubic-inch L-head 60-degree V8 engine. They used fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed the cylinders directly opposite each other rather than the more traditional V-engine setup which offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals. Another unusual feature for this period was the full pressure lubrication system on Leland's engine.

The mechanical components of the Lincoln were impressive; however, the styling was stodgy and out of date. They sought the help of Brunn & Company of Buffalo, New York to help freshen up the line. Brunn quickly created twelve body designs, but it was too late as dismal sales, the post-WWI recession and an erroneous $4½ million tax bill spelled the end of Lincoln. The company entered receivership only to be rescued by Henry Ford.

After Leland left just four months later, Edsel Ford took charge and quickly commissioned some of the finest American coachbuilders to create designs for Lincoln. Locke, Judkins, Dietrich, Derham, LeBaron and others soon joined Brunn. Ford's engineers did what they could to improve Leland's V8, changing to aluminum pistons and revising the heads for better cooling.

This particular Model L is a Three Window Four Passenger Sedan with coachwork by Judkins. It was once in the Harrah collection and later purchased by Eugene Beardslee. The Harrah Collection had performed a restoration, transforming it into a show-quality example. It is painted in Orriford Lake gray, over black fenders. The colors continue onto the interior. There are wood door cappings, and a polished aluminum dash panel. In the rear is a trunk that contains a period tool roll, jack and wheel spanner. Accessories include BiFlex bumpers and stirrup-mounted chrome headlamps.

In 2013, the car was offered for sale at Bonhams Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $65,550 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Roadster by Brunn
Chassis number: 27771
Engine number: 27771

The smallest of the Lincoln L-Series was the 2-door, 2-passenger roadster. This example with the rumble seat was designed and built by Brunn and was a wedding gift for the original owner's wife. She loved the car so much she named it 'Sis'. It was her only vehicle for her entire life and she drove it over 80,000 miles. She even had her house modified so that she could park the car in her living room. It is believed that only six of this particular model were built and only four remain in existence. This car has been faithfully restored to its original condition by its current owner.

Seven-Passenger Police Flyer by American Body Company
Chassis number: 26004
Engine number: 26004

The 'Police Flyer' was offered by the Lincoln Motor Company and came equipped to suit the needs of its blue-uniformed buyers. It came with available options that were not yet offered to the general public, the most important being the addition of four-wheel brakes - two years before becoming available to private customers.

It is believed that this example was built on April 13th of 1925. It is believed to be one of only 15 of the Style 124C bodies with just three of those built on the 1925 chassis.

It is believed that this vehicle may have been originally supplied to the City of New York. One of its early owners was Harold K. Williams, of South Ashburnham, Massachusetts, from whose estate it was acquired by Robert P. King, of Gardner, Massachusetts, in 1966. In the eighties, it was acquired by the father of the current owner.

In the mid-1980s, the car received new paint and a new top. It is believed that the preserved interior is original. The body has never been removed from the frame, and the engine, transmission, sheet metal, and wood framing are all original. It has its original tonneau cover and side curtains.

Limousine by Brunn

This 1925 Lincoln Model L wears a 'semi-custom' Limousine body by Brunn & Company of Buffalo, New York, Edsel Ford's favored coachbuilder. The present owner purchased it from an individual from Colorado, who had purchased it from an individual named Mr. Salvatore in Sarasota, Florida.

The car is finished in burgundy and black paint. It has the original division window glass and a correct intercom.

by Dan Vaughan

Berline by Judkins

This formal Lincoln L Series Berline Sedan wears coachwork by Judkins. It has been given a two-year restoration and is a multiple AACA show-winning American Classic. It is finished in three-tone grey, white and black with a grey fabric interior. There is a complete ownership history from new, and is fitted with some rare options including a Fatman steering wheel, 6 original Rudge knock-off stainless steel spoked wire wheels, original luggage inside rear trunk, Interior roll up shades, complete original tool kit and spares, and Lincoln Motometer. Power is from a 60-degree V8 engine giving it a top speed of at least 70 mph.

by Dan Vaughan

Berline by Judkins
Chassis number: 29341

This early Lincoln was first owned by Emil and Caroline 'Lina' (formerly Sutter) Leuenberger, who founded the famed Sutter Home Winery in Napa Valley. It is believed that they spotted the car on display at the San Francisco Auto Salon and immediately purchased it there. After a dozen years, the Leuenbergers gave the car to their chauffeur, Ernest Peterson, who later move in with the Milanis next door and sold the car to them. After several other notable owners, including Jack Passey, the current owners became its caretakers in 1982.

The 3 Window Berline was among the semi-custom bodies Judkins contracted to Lincoln. The Type 140 body style, offered from 1924 to 1926, came in three configurations: a 2 Window Berline, a 2 Window Berline that was semi-collapsible, and this 3 Window Berline. A 2 Window Sedan and a 3 Window Sedan were also available. This Berline is one of just 24 of its type built in 1925. All of the 3 Window types came with artillery wheels and dual spares carried on the rear. Amazingly, this car retains its original body paint and interior upholstery, and the trunk has two fitted suitcases.

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