Competition in the American luxury market was heating up in the early Thirties, and Lincoln responded in 1931 with the Model K, signaling a move beyond the Leland legacy. The respected Leland-designed V-8 with its fork-and-blade connecting rods remained for 1931 but with new cylinder heads, manifolding, and a downdraft 2-barrel carburetor (the first appearance of a downdraft 2-barrel on any American automobile.) Its horsepower increased dramatically, now being rated at 120 brake horsepower, up 1/3 from the same displacement's 90bhp rating in 1930. More significantly, Lincoln introduced an all-new drop-frame chassis with up to the minute features and a 145-inch wheelbase, nine inches longer than 1930. Nineteen-inch wheels complemented the dropped frame while a new gearbox with freewheeling and synchromesh on the two top gears, a double disc clutch, Houdaille double-acting shock absorbers, and Bendix Duo-Servo brake booster reflected how thoroughly Lincoln was being transformed. The reason for all this updating would become apparent in 1932 when Lincoln dropped into the new frame a new, 448 cubic inch V-12 to create the Model KB. In 1932 and '33 there was still the option of a V8 car, but the KB quickly usurped these, birthing a now legendary model for the company. Mr. Den Hartogh was able to secure this early KB in 1995, the car arriving by container in June of that year as noted in a customs document on file. Comparison with its predecessors and even the same year's V8 Model shows that both the engine and the aesthetics had evolved, the V12 body styles being altogether modern and distinctive. Inspection of the KB today shows it to have most likely been repainted in the stately rich Brewster Green livery with black body moldings and wings, all contrasted well by the rich chrome radiator and trim, and its wheel wells lightened by white wall tires. Opposing its more modern exterior finish is an interior that at once would appear to be original and showing only limited wear to the grey cloth, all piped in leather bead.
Competition in the American luxury market was heating up in the early Thirties, and Lincoln responded in 1931 with the Model K, signaling a move beyond the Leland legacy. The respected Leland-designed V-8 with its fork-and-blade connecting rods remained for 1931 but with new cylinder heads, manifolding, and a downdraft 2-barrel carburetor (the first appearance of a downdraft 2-barrel on any American automobile.) Its horsepower increased dramatically, now being rated at 120 brake horsepower, up 1/3 from the same displacement's 90bhp rating in 1930. More significantly, Lincoln introduced an all-new drop-frame chassis with up to the minute features and a 145-inch wheelbase, nine inches longer than 1930. Nineteen-inch wheels complemented the dropped frame while a new gearbox with freewheeling and synchromesh on the two top gears, a double disc clutch, Houdaille double-acting shock absorbers, and Bendix Duo-Servo brake booster reflected how thoroughly Lincoln was being transformed. The reason for all this updating would become apparent in 1932 when Lincoln dropped into the new frame a new, 448 cubic inch V-12 to create the Model KB. In 1932 and '33 there was still the option of a V8 car, but the KB quickly usurped these, birthing a now legendary model for the company. Mr. Den Hartogh was able to secure this early KB in 1995, the car arriving by container in June of that year as noted in a customs document on file. Comparison with its predecessors and even the same year's V8 Model shows that both the engine and the aesthetics had evolved, the V12 body styles being altogether modern and distinctive. Inspection of the KB today shows it to have most likely been repainted in the stately rich Brewster Green livery with black body moldings and wings, all contrasted well by the rich chrome radiator and trim, and its wheel wells lightened by white wall tires. Opposing its more modern exterior finish is an interior that at once would appear to be original and showing only limited wear to the grey cloth, all piped in leather bead.
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.jpg "Source: Christie's")
.jpg "Source: Christie's")
