West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this 1935 Lincoln Model K V12 LeBaron Roadster, 1 of 30 built in this striking open body style. Well-restored and thoroughly maintained with the original matching engine stamping shown with the chassis tag showing the matching number.
1935 LINCOLN MODEL K V-12 ROADSTER
1 OF 30 PRODUCED WITH LEBARON COACHWORK
414 c.i. 150HP L-HEAD V12 ENGINE
3 SPEED MANUAL TRANSMISSION
CCCA FULL CLASSIC
DUAL SIDE MOUNTS WITH STEEL COVERS
BLACK LEATHER UPHOLSTERY
SIDE LOUVERED HOOD
TWO GUAGE CLUSTER
LOCKING GLOVEBOX
SUPER RAY FOG LAMPS
RUMBLE SEAT
REAR SEAT FOOT REST
DUAL MIRRORS
17" WIDE WHEELS
WIDE WHITEWALL TIRES
GRAYHOUND RADIATOR MASCOT
Widely considered the most desirable of the Classic Era Lincoln models, this rare K Convertible Roadster is believed to be one of only thirty examples coached by LeBaron, with reportedly only 3 known to remain.
The Lincoln K series (also called the Lincoln Model K, in line with Ford nomenclature) is a luxury vehicle that was produced by the Lincoln Motor Company between 1931 and 1940. The second motor line produced by the company, the Model K was developed from the Model L, including a modernized chassis on a longer wheelbase.
In 1931, Lincoln introduced a V-12, becoming a feature of the company for nearly 20 years. One of the most exclusive vehicles produced in the United States during the 1930s, the Model K competed domestically against the Cadillac V-12 and V-16, Packard Twin Six, Chrysler Imperial, Pierce-Arrow Model 53 and the Duesenberg Model J, as well as bespoke bodied ultra-luxury models from Hispano-Suiza, Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Bugatti, and Mercedes-Benz. Alongside multiple body configurations produced by Lincoln, bare chassis were provided for coachbuilders.
Lincoln made significant design changes in 1935, both with their model designations and engineering of their well respected luxurious automobiles. These changes began with the elimination of the KA and KB chassis numbers determining the wheelbase. All cars would be considered K-Series and have model designations instead.
Both 136-inch and 145-inch choices in wheelbase still existed, but now each chassis would be offered with your choice of body, so buyers no longer felt obligated to buy the longer wheelbase to have the most prestigious offerings from Lincoln.
The stylish open Roadster body sports a rakish windshield, flowing fenders with skirts and running boards, and elegant side-mounted welded steel-spoked wheels. The significant small-mesh grille, hood side-louvres and iconic greyhound ornament, framed by the chromed headlights and a single piece front bumper, produce an overall aesthetic of sporty flamboyance.
The top is completely retractable into the recess behind the front seats, producing a clean open-car contour, even when the ample two-seater rumble is erected in the rear deck. A side panel accesses the interior luggage space sufficient for golf clubs or weekend totes, while the rear luggage rack facilitates larger bags. The external grandeur is mirrored by the Art Deco styling of the interior with its leather upholstery and dual-dial instrument panel, accented with brightwork knobs and levers.
The 1935 model was markedly quieter than its predecessors, as it benefited from the addition of five rubber engine mounts. Furthermore, hydraulic shock absorbers, which automatically adjusted to temperature and road conditions, plus a new synchronized gearing mechanism, rendered the ride noticeably smoother. This gorgeous 1935 K Convertible Roadster presents in stunning yellow, true to the Lincoln K flagship model in the original sales brochure.
By 1935, the fine car market had all but disappeared. With the world gripped by the most serious economic depression of all time, many could no longer afford such luxuries. Even those that were still able to buy fine automobiles felt that it was inappropriate to spend such huge sums when so many were suffering financially. As a result, most of the great manufacturers were either bankrupt or nearly so. Lincoln would be one of the few survivors, due to the support of the Ford Motor Company. Edsel Ford retained a strong interest in these cars, and he actively supported the great designers of the time with commissions on Lincoln chassis.
Improvements for 1935 would include a better center of gravity by moving the passenger compartment forward a full 11-inches to distribute and balance weight more evenly on the axle centers. The engines were now installed with five rubber mounts along with an improved camshaft and needle bearing tappet rollers for more silent operation. They also offered a better, smoother suspension. An engine oil filter and free-wheeling were now standard equipment, and helical cut gears and new synchronizing allowed for better, easier shifts from the transmission.
Although, the longer wheelbase proved more popular with sales totaling 820 vehicles, the more desirable today are the 136-inch special order models from the LeBaron and Brunn coachbuilding shops. Only 580 cars would find this well-balanced, shorter chassis in 1935. Of those, only 30 would become the gorgeous special order LeBaron Convertible Roadster, designated Model 542, such as this rare and fantastic example.
The shear presence and design of this LeBaron Convertible Roadster is impressive. Its size, curves, color, design, and rarity really make it irresistible when viewing in person. The rake of the windshield and convertible top, the curvature of the crowned, skirted fenders, the overall shape of the rear deck hiding the rumbleseat, and the forward grille all comprise a sleek and stimulating Lincoln.
All Lincoln owners in 1935 were honored with leather interior seating, Art Deco inspired two-gauge instrumentation clusters, locking glovebox, sidemounts with steel covers, rear luggage rack, 17-inch wire wheels and whitewall tires as standard equipment. The greyhound mascot on the radiator was now a fixed ornament as well. The L-head engine measures 414 cubic inches and produces 150 horsepower while paired to a three-speed manual transmission.
This is an early built example and ready to enjoy immediately.
LeBarons convertible roadster was built on a shortened, sportier 135-inch wheelbase chassis, and only 30 examples were produced, at a price of $4,600 each in 1935, reserving them for only the worlds wealthiest buyers., and it is one of reportedly only three that survive today.
K4419 has benefited from a now older but still very comprehensive professional restoration to high standards. The interior, engine bay, and undercarriage are detailed, and the car is equipped with dual side-mounted spares with matching painted metal covers, as well as accessory rearview mirrors. It has continued to be well cared-for and has been extensively sorted mechanically and cosmetically; it presently shows 363 miles since restoration.
The Model K Convertible Roadster is rarely seen and highly collectible, as it is one of the most beautiful Lincolns of the Classic Era. Offered here is one of the few survivors. It has been beautifully restored, presented, and maintained, and it ready to be enjoyed on the show field or the open road.
