1929 Lincoln Model L Seven-Passenger Touring

385ci L-Head V-8 Engine
Single Holley Carburetor
90bhp at 2,800rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Mechanical Drum Brakes

*Offered from the Austin Automobile Collection
*Luxurious, quality-built Lincoln Model L
*Elegant Touring coachwork
*A CCCA Full Classic®


THE LINCOLN MODEL L

Formed in 1917 by Cadillac founder Henry Leland, following a dispute with visionary but flighty GM head William Durant, Lincoln's very first order of business was the production of Liberty aircraft V12s for American WW1 efforts. The legendary Detroit firm's first car, the Model L of 1920, perhaps influenced by aeronautical practices, utilized fork-and-blade connecting rods in its powerful and advanced V8, allowing for compact dimensions despite its large displacement.
Facing imminent bankruptcy, Lincoln was acquired by Henry Ford in 1922 at the behest of his son and sole heir Edsel. Correctly deemed as a high-quality, superbly well-engineered machine by Ford, the Model L would continue production largely unchanged through 1929.


THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1929 example represents the final production year for the Model L, and the last of the pre-Ford engineered Lincolns. A four-door Touring resplendent in nickel, wood, canvas, leather, and steel, the car's grand proportions, sporting roofline, and elegant detailing leave little doubt that it is something very special.

At the front, Lincoln's once-signature leaping greyhound hood mascot sits atop a gleaming, polished nickel-plated radiator with thermostatically-controlled automatic louvers. Full fenders, dual, covered spare tires, continuous running boards, sophisticated colors, and graceful detailing further underscore the car's elevated status, even to those unfamiliar with the design vernacular of 1920s luxury automobiles.

Inside, the driver and front seat passenger face a comprehensively equipped dashboard including a speedometer, odometer, trip meter, ammeter, oil pressure, coolant temp, and fuel level gauges. Many think of swirled glass shift knobs as an early hot rodding trend, but in reality these beautiful wand toppers date back to the early Art Deco Era; the one fitted here adds a welcome bit of jewelry for the eye and hand.

At the extreme rear of the car's interior rests a wide, generously padded leather sofa for up to three, while a pair of occasional use jumpseats fold up and out of the way against the second, middle cowl. The engine bay is a particular highlight, showcasing the car's beautifully engineered, aero-inspired ford-and-blade V8. Note the variety of finishes, beautifully cast accessory gear drive housing, carefully concealed spark plug wires, and hefty, exquisitely knurled oil filler cap.