Lincoln Model K 1938 Convertible Roadster by LeBaron
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Car producer : |
Lincoln |
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Model: |
Model K 1938 Convertible Roadster by LeBaron |
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Year: |
1931-1939 |
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Type: |
Roadster |
By 1937, the Zephyr had joined the lineup, but Lincoln continued to offer its prestigious Model K with 17 custom body styles, the customs supplied by LeBaron, Brunn, Judkins and Willoughby. Perhaps influenced by Cord, the stylists saw simplicity as a key feature. The front headlamps were now of an art deco teardrop design that had been streamlined into the front fenders, and the V-front windscreens were fitted on all standard bodies. Belt moldings were removed and replaced by a narrow crease, and the doors extended down almost to the running boards. These were all influences of the revolutionary and popular John Tjaarda designs. From an engineering standpoint, the V-12 engine was fitted with hydraulic lifters and a different cam contour and was placed further forward, sitting on altered engine mounts.
The J.B. Judkins Company of Amesbury, Massachusetts, was one of the old-line carriage builders. By 1910 the firm had converted entirely to auto bodies and by the late 1920s had developed a close relationship with Lincoln. Some bodies were wholly bespoke, but others, like this 367-A Two-Window Berline, were built in limited series, in this case just 47 for the year. Most Judkins cars had leather tops. It is additionally unusual for its tan whipcord upholstery, with arm rests both front and rear indicating it was intended to be either chauffeur- or owner-driven.
Edsel Ford had long since resolved the first Lincolns' stodgy body designs by relying on Ford's own designers and a loyal retinue of coachbuilders including Brunn, LeBaron, Willoughby and Judkins. The coachbuilders supplied both individual bodies and a steady stream of up-to-the-minute ideas, which could be incorporated in Lincoln's own coachwork. 1938 brought important visual changes in Lincoln design, including a new grille, and revised hood side shutters and side trim, which eliminated the thermostatically controlled hood shutters.
416 Model K's were built in 1938, but only 8 of them received the sporting Roadster coachwork by LeBaron.
Lincoln built just 133 12-cylinder Model K examples in 1939, the last year for the exclusive, luxurious model produced since 1933. No fewer than 21 different body designs were available from Brunn, Willoughby, Judkins and LeBaron, with all but three built in single-digit quantities. That number included the two-passenger coupe by LeBaron, of which just four are thought to have been built.
