1926 Lincoln Model L

Henry Martyn Leland, Detroit's 'Master of Precision,' trained in the armories of Hartford and Springfield, and later worked for Brown & Sharpe in Providence where he assisted in perfecting equipment for accurately grinding surfaces. Brown & Sharpe then sent him to Detroit to sell precision measuring instruments and machine tools and gauges. Leland eventually founded Leland & Faulconer, Inc. as an independent machine shop and assembler. The company built engines for Ransom Olds' Oldsmobile, among other items.

Following a dispute between Henry Ford and his investors, Leland was hired by the directors of the Henry Ford Company to appraise the machinery and factory. While the investors and directors wanted to build expensive, luxury cars, Henry wanted to build low priced cars.

Leland performed his appraisal but suggested the company stay in business, selling vehicles powered by an engine he had designed. The investors agreed, and the company was renamed Cadillac which eventually became part of William Crapo Durant's General Motors. Leland remained with Cadillac, and when the company was presented with a government contract to build Liberty aircraft engines for World War I, Durant refused. Wanting to support the war effort and capitalize on the lucrative contract, Leland left to set up a new company named for the first president he voted for, Lincoln.

After the contract ended, Leland and his son Wilfred went back into the automobile business. The first Lincoln automobile was introduced in 1921 powered by a 358 cubic-inch L-head 60-degree V8 engine benefitting from Leland's pretension for precision engineering. While most conventional V-8 engines offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals, Leland's Model L used precision-made fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed the cylinders directly opposite each other. Another unusual feature for the period was the full pressure lubrication system.

Unfortunately, the styling did not complement the fine engineering and left a lot to be desired. Trying to rectify the problem, Lincoln enlisted Hermann A. Brunn to redesign the bodies, resulting in a set of twelve body designs. By this point, it was too little, too late, as sales dwindled quickly due to the post World War I recession and an erroneous $4½ million tax bill.

In 1922, the company was bought out of receivership by Henry Ford who was seeking a company to compliment his Model T but on the other end of the price spectrum. Henry's son Edsel was placed in charge and quickly set about resolving the shortcomings, specifically the stodgy styling. Edsel enlisted such custom coachbuilders as Brunn, Judkins, Willoughby, Murphy, and Locke to provide bodies, with many of them appearing in Lincoln's catalogs.

The 'L' indicated its design by Henry and Wilfred Leland and would remain the catalog designation until the V-8 was superseded in 1931.

Along with new styling, Edsel streamlined the production process, saving vast amounts of money and turning Lincoln into a profitable business in less than a year. By 1925, the L-Series received another restyling that included a new nickel-plated radiator shell. The 90 horsepower V-8 and three-speed transmission remained, a variety of body styles were offered, and sales were strong.

1926 Lincoln Model L

The 1926 Lincolns appeared with only minor modifications. Prices range from $4,000 to $7,200 (or more) depending on the coachwork, and 8,787 examples were produced, a slight increase over the 8,451 produced the prior year. Non-movable 19-inch wheels became available during the model year, with a smaller cross-section and molded to form finger grips on its lower surface. The wheel and spokes were of black walnut construction, and the headlight tilting lever was now positioned below the horn button on the hub. The 357.8 cubic-inch V8 engine had a new centrifugal-type carburetor air-cleaner and a new distributor cam. The engine was backed by a three-speed sliding gear transmission with a multiple disc, dry plate clutch. Stopping power was provided by mechanical brakes on the two rear wheels. Lincoln automobiles produced for police use had four-wheel brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Custom Berline Limousine by Dietrich
Chassis number: 33312

This Lincoln Model L carries the original body tag 'Type 147-B No. 1-177' with coachwork by Raymond Dietrich in the Berline Limousine bodystyle. It has a landaulet folding rear portion, a dual wind-up clock (one in front and one in rear), rear smoking kit with retractable electric cigar lighting, front shades for all passenger windows, aftermarket (1930s) radio, original luggage set, theft-proof locking dual side mount tire holders, tool set, remote headlamp beam adjusters, and transmission-mounted tire inflation system. There is fitted luggage with matching keys and locks. It has been driven a mere 2,000 miles since the early 1960s. It has been cosmetically updated and is recognized as Full Classics by the CCCA.

In 2008, this Custom Berline Limousine was offered for sale at the Hilton Head Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by Worldwide Auctioneers. It had an estimated value of $55,000 - $75,000. As the gavel fell for the third and final time, the lot had been sold for a high bid of $51,700, including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Custom Berline Limousine by Dietrich

Lincoln's seven passenger sedan was popular with both families and businesses. This is the family version. It was also available with a division window and chauffeur's compartment, which would be trimmed in leather.

This seven-passenger sedan was designed for Lincoln Motor Company by Ray Dietrich and built in the Murray Body Shop in Detroit for installation on the Lincoln chassis.

The Lincoln chassis contained the legendary Leland-designed V-8 motor which developed 90 horsepower. The Lincoln Motor Company had been acquired by Ford in 1922 and Edsel Ford immediately became president and developed strong relationships with custom body houses such as Dietrich.

Fully Collapsible Cabriolet by Dietrich

This handsome early and quite formal Lincoln was delivered new to Hollywood movie magnate Jack Warner and has been seen in several films. It eventually was displayed in the Cars of the Stars Museum. It was brought to the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance after a fresh and complete restoration. This car is one of the earliest of Ray Dietrich's designs to bear the bodyplate of his new firm, Dietrich Inc.

This Lincoln 149A was one of two examples built in 1926 and one of only 14 built in the entire 1925-6 model run. The fully collapsible 5-passenger cabriolet was built by Dietrich. The L was powered by a 358 cubic-inch flat-head V8 engine with aluminum pistons producing 90 horsepower. The powerplant was mated to a three-speed manual transmission.

Cabriolet by Brunn

By 1926, under the guidance of Edsel Ford, Lincolns were offered with a wide variety of custom bodies. Among these was the Type L-137 Brunn Cabriolet, a formal town car that allowed a gentleman to wear his top hat inside the car even with the rear passenger roof closed. Fifty-two of these cabriolets were built at the Brunn facility in 1926 but this is the only one known to have survived. According to the factory build sheet, this car was originally shown by the Lincoln Motor Car Company at the 1926 Los Angeles Auto Salon. It was later owned by the Fox Movie Studio, which retained it until the early 1940s, and legendary Lincoln collector Jack Passey purchased it in 1964.The car, which has been driven less than 43,000 miles during its lifetime, was recently restored to its correct 1926 configuration. The 2018 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance as the first time it had been shown at any major concours.

Landaulet by Willoughby
Chassis number: 39228

This Lincoln is one of 10 built with a Berline Landaulet body by Willoughby, and it is believed to be the only complete surviving Lincoln with this body. The car's original owner was Mary See, whose delicious creations had inspired her son to open his own confectionery, See's Candies, based in Los Angeles, California, just a few years prior, in 1921. By the early 1970s, the car had passed into the hands of Kenneth Vaughn, co-owner with racing great Phil Hill of that era's top restoration shop, Hill & Vaughn, where this car was lovingly revived. In 1977, the car was sold to Brian Maclean See, and it later passed to notable Lincoln collector Thomas Powels and to Brian Harlamoff before passing to Max Neary in 2019. The careful restoration work of Hill and Vaughn has held up well, and the car still boasts its original cloth interior in back.

Custom Berline Limousine by Dietrich
Chassis number: 33503

The Lincoln Company was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland, creator of the Cadillac automobile. Lincoln automobiles were intended as an alternative to the utilitarian and ubiquitous offerings of other marques, allowing customers to choose from a variety of beautiful coachbuilt exteriors. Lincoln's sales literature of the era stated: 'The builders of motor cars, long concerned with solving engineering problems, have in the past given insufficient thought to the beauty of design.'

Lincoln was quickly greeted with the economic woes of the post-World War One recession, and unable to compete, Leland sold his company to Henry Ford in 1922, who promptly appointed his son Edsel to lead the division. Edsel shared Leland's vision of aesthetics, and bestowed a restyling upon the Model L that complemented its mechanical prowess. The interiors were richly appointed, and the exteriors were given a nickel-plated radiator grille, front and rear bumpers, and the absence of cowl lights. A plethora of body styles remained available from coachbuilders such as LeBaron, Fleetwood, and Judkins, as well as Buffalo, New York-based coachbuilder Brunn & Company.

Brunn & Company built their reputation on quality and elegant designs. They offered a range of body styles, from limousines to two-seater roadsters. This particular Model L wears Brunn & Company coachwork in the form of a 'Beetle Back' Roadster, one of six examples built with just three surviving today. Styling features include a softly tapered rear end and steeply raked windshield.

This 'Beetle Back' Roadster was given a restoration approximately five decades ago by Kenneth Pearson of Wauconda Tool and Engineering. The exterior is finished in a light green with a dark green beltline. It resided in a Michigan-based collection for several decades before entering the Jepson Collection in 2010.

This Model L is powered by a 357 cubic-inch V8 engine delivering 90 horsepower. Its list of period accessories includes a leather-trimmed rumble seat, nickel-plated brightwork, a Greyhound radiator mascot, chrome wire wheels, and matching dual rear-mounted spares.

This 'Beetle Back' Roadster won an AACA First Junior at Lake Forest, AACA First Senior at Central Spring Nationals, and many more awards at prestigious shows and concours events.

by Dan Vaughan

Tourer

Designed by Angus Woodbridge, the L series Lincoln was launched for the 1921 model year and remained in production until 1930. This example is fitted with four-door coachwork from the American Body Company of Buffalo, New York, and features a second cowl dividing the front and rear seating areas. The 357 cubic-inch L-head V8 features a 60-degree angle between cylinder banks along with 'fork and blade' connecting rods. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a three-speed, sliding-gear transmission with reverse, and suspension is via semi-elliptical leaf springs all around.

Brougham Glass Partition by Brunn
Chassis number: 34509

This 1926 Lincoln Model L Brougham Limousine with glass partition has seating for seven passengers and coachwork by Brunn. It has a green and black exterior, a green interior, and a black driver's seat. There is a roll-up privacy class, a MotoMeter, wood-spoke wheels, wide whitewall tires, and a side-mount spare tire. The engine is a 358 cubic-inch V8 unit paired with a three-speed manual transmission.

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