Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 141
1933 Lincoln KA Convertible Roadster Coachwork by Dietrich Chassis no. KA2179 Engine no. KA2179
Estimate: US$150,000 - US$200,000
Lot 141
1933 Lincoln KA Convertible Roadster Coachwork by Dietrich
1933 Lincoln KA Convertible Roadster
Coachwork by Dietrich
Chassis no. KA2179
Engine no. KA2179
Coachwork by Dietrich
Chassis no. KA2179
Engine no. KA2179
384ci V-12 Engine
120bhp at 3,500rpm
Dual Throat Downdraft Carburetor
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Vacuum Boosted Mechanical Brakes
*Rare and desirable coachbuilt Convertible Roadster by Dietrich
*One of 6, of which few remain
*Winner of CCCA Senior Award, and AACA National First Prize
*A wonderful Classic for concours events
*A Classic Car Club of America full classic
THE LINCOLN KA
Henry Leland was a founding executive at Cadillac. When William Crapo "Billy" Durant's General Motors got control of Cadillac, Leland stayed on, but later left started Lincoln. Leyland's standards were both high and expensive, and he soon got in financial trouble. Henry Ford, through the Ford Motor Company, bought Lincoln in 1922 at public auction for a paltry eight million. Leyland lasted but six months before Edsel Ford took over.
By the early 1930s the Depression was taking its toll but luxury was still selling. In 1931, Lincoln introduced the K model on a 145 inch wheelbase, powered by a V-8. The next year, the line was bifurcated, the K V-8 becoming the KA and a new V-12 was fitted to the KB. With an eye to economics, Lincoln introduced another V-12 in 1933, featuring aluminum pistons and detachable cast iron heads. The new engine was much easier to build and service. By 1934, both KA and KB used the new engine, now enlarged. The difference between the two models was now limited to wheelbase length.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Lincoln KA in this sale is a 1933 model, the only year in which both KA and KB V-12 engines were made. As such, it is a rarity, with less than 90 of these KA Convertible V-12 Roadsters being built. The body is by Dietrick- one of 6 built in that year. According to the CCCA, this particular car is believed to be one of three survivors.
The early history of this vehicle is unfortunately not known. In the late 1990s, the car went through a complete frame off restoration. After this restoration, the car was shown at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours and was also used as the promotional car that year. It also participated in the Pebble Beach Tour.
The huge two-seater is one of the great American classics with its yellow livery and tan top. The front features that year's new sloping grille accented by chrome mesh. Huge headlights accompany the impressive grille.
Moving back, the bonnet sides are louvered and there are twin side mounts with chrome surrounds and rear-view mirrors mounted on top. Wide white walls and wire wheels add to the impressive profile. The dashboard has an ovoid triple-instrument cluster, not unlike those seen on period Chris-Craft marine runabouts and post-war hot rods. The overall impression of sporting luxury is finished by the large, detailed leather travel trunk at the rear. It features stops of its halcyon era, like the 1939 World's Fair, the Drake in Chicago and the La Mañana in La Jolla. The Classic Car Club of America recognizes this Lincoln as a Full Classic with all the invitations to prestigious events that go with that designation.
Presented in immaculate order and prior receipt to of a HCCA Senior Award, as well as a Senior AACA award in 2008. This sporting Lincoln is ready for its next CCCA Caravan Tour, or as an entrant in any number of Concours events.
Saleroom notices
Please note, this is a 1934 Lincoln KA. As such, it is fitted with the new-for-'34 414ci L-Head V12 producing 150bhp at 3,400rpm. Additionally, this Lincoln is a CCCA Premier Senior Award winner (no. 2730). Also note, this vehicle is titled under the model year 1934.
Additional information
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