Coachwork by LeBaron

Engine - 414 cubic-inch twelve cylinder
Transmission - 3-Speed synchro-mesh
Horsepower - 150
Production - One of twelve built in this body style for 1938


“The Car of Refinement”

Introduced in 1931, the Lincoln Model K was a dramatic advancement over its Model L predecessor. The Model K would start life in 1931 as only a V8 offering, until 1932 when Lincoln would introduce the KB Twelve, differentiating from the continued KA V8 model. By 1934 Lincoln would adopt a twelve cylinder engine as standard across all K Models, further differentiating by wheelbase for the A and B offering. Lincoln continually made mechanical improvements to the Model K engine, suspension, and driveline through all production years.

Throughout the later years of the Model K production, suffering from the popularity of the modern streamlined Lincoln Zephyr, the Model K numbers would decrease dramatically. The new Lincoln flagship model for 1940, the Continental, would officially mark the end of Model K production altogether. Lincoln never lost focus of its custom offerings for the Model K, maintaining 17 custom body style offerings from various coach builders like Brunn, LeBaron, Judkins, and others, in addition to four standard body options.

The Lincoln Model K for 1938 received minor cosmetic upgrades including a front grille redesign and a hoodside redesign due to the elimination of thermostatically controlled radiator shutters. The exterior door handles were now of stainless steel construction. Mechanical improvements included an upgraded synchromesh transmission and improved brakes, more resistant to fade. The custom LeBaron Coupe seen here is one of twelve produced for the 1938 model year.