Lincoln Model KB 1932 Sport Phaeton by Brunn
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Car producer : |
Lincoln |
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Model: |
Model KB 1932 Sport Phaeton by Brunn |
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Year: |
1931-1939 |
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Type: |
Phaeton |
The two brands would continue to share a stylistic connection and both would receive new power plants. Ford would adopt the legendary flathead V-8 and Lincoln would get a powerful V-12. Initially employing the "fork and blade" design of the Leyland designed V-8 the new engine was smooth, robust and significantly more powerful than the eight. The Lincoln K-series was split in 1932 into two lines, the V8 carryover Model KA short wheelbase and the new V12-powered Model KB long wheelbase. The V8 car reverted to a 136 in (3454 mm) wheelbase, though engine output was pushed to 125hp (93 kW). The KB, on the other hand, featured the marque's new L-head V12 engine. The 447.9 ci (7.3 L) 65° L-head unit produced 150hp (112 kW).
Both series featured a new grille with less of a surround, vent doors rather than vertical louvers on the sides of the hood, a parking light on top of each front fender, and 18 inch wire wheels.
The new Lincolns for 1932 showed a refined styling that significantly updated the aging L model. The fresh look incorporated a Ford style radiator shell, and the car rode on more modern 18" wire spoke wheels, and was offered in, as was customary for Lincoln, an extensive catalog of body styles including many expensive custom styles. Lincoln's custom offering was very impressive; they had cataloged styles from most top custom body makers including LeBaron, Dietrich, Willoughby, Waterhouse and Brunn.
The KB chassis would earn legendary status in period and today is a highly desirable senior CCCA classic. Praised for its excellent driving qualities, with exceptionally light and predictable steering and fine power-boosted brakes, the KB has become quite popular with seasoned classic era enthusiasts with an appetite for touring.
Lincoln’s 1932 Model KB would eventually come to represent their final offering of the Classic Era, with a massive fork-and-blade V-12 that was largely hand-built, and which provided ample power and cosseting smoothness of operation. It wouldn’t be right to describe such an elegant carriage as “a hot rod Lincoln,” but it was known in the 1930s that the wealthy gentleman or lady who preferred to drive themselves, and who preferred to do so at a very high rate of speed, often chose a KB. A Judkins body on this chassis created a Classic Era “sleeper” of sorts; a car that would not provoke unkind words from the fellow members of one’s country club, but also one that could become an enjoyable public nuisance on the open roads back to the city.
