1931 Lincoln Convertible "Model K"
Specifications
Engine: 384.8 CID L-Head V-8 Engine
Horsepower: 120 BHP at 2,900 RPM 3-Speed
A Little History
The Lincoln Model K remains one of the most versatile of the pre-war era automobiles, as this iconic coach was equally at home racing down the causeway as it was neatly parked on a manicured, country lawn. At the time, many wealthy automobile aficionados were looking for a car that was impressive, performance-grade and sporting, yet unpretentious and true to rustic and rugged American roots. They found just that in the Lincoln Model K.
The Model K, with its 145-inch wheelbase replaced Lincoln’s earlier 136-inch Model L chassis. Among other upgrades like improvements to driving performance, the longer chasis made these cars more attractive to coach designers. One such designer was LeBaron who designed the body for this car in particular and was founded by the famous coachbuilders Thomas L. Hibbard and Raymond H. Dietrich.
Particular care was spent designing the beautiful convertible top, as this feature was a very popular body style with Lincoln customers who often enjoyed these cars as their summer home vehicle of choice.
Did You Know?
Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland, who had also founded Cadillac in 1902. Originally, Lincoln was intended to build Liberty Aircraft engines for World War I, yet, when the war ended in 1918, the Leland family repurposed the Detroit-based plant to produce luxury cars.
The Leland-designed Lincoln chassis was considered a feat of automotive mastery, however sales lagged due to what was considered to be the marque’s “awkward styling.” After struggling through the 1920 Recession, Lincoln was purchased by Henry and Edsel Ford in 1922. It was under Ford’s leadership that the Leland-designed chassis was united with a clean, eye-catching design in the Lincoln K-Series. Lincoln Ks are in fact named after the earlier Ford Model K, which was popular among drivers in the first decade of the 1900’s.
