The Lincoln Automobile Continued
Last updated 5/22/2015 at 3:24pm
The 1930 Lincoln was powered by a 385 cubic inch L-head V-8 engine with three main bearings and a Stromberg carburetor that developed 90 horsepower, and was coupled to a three speed sliding gear transmission. This was installed in a 136-inch wheelbase chassis with four wheel brakes. These cars weighed between 4,750 to 6,000 pounds depending on the coachwork installed. The top speed was 80 mph. These cars would average around 12 mpg.
1930 was L series' final year and was replaced in 1931 with the model K series. Lincoln produced 4,356 cars in 1930 with twenty different models to choose from. It was also the first year displaying the famous leaping greyhound mascot on the radiator. This greyhound design was hand picked by Edsel Ford himself. The Lincoln automobiles became Ford's flagship vehicles. Many of the cars were designed by legendary coach builders such as Brunn, Judkins, Willoughby, Murphy, and Locke, who outfitted the cars with some of the most desirable custom creations of that era. Lincoln clearly established itself as a producer of one of the finest vehicles in the world. Ironically, Cadillac has remained Lincoln's most consistent competitor for decades. Cadillac is also a company originally founded by Henry Leland.
In 1931 the original Model K appeared in a two-or-four door phaeton (open). The latter was available in a dual-cowl model. The 384.8 cubic inch engine was a derivative of the earlier L series 60 degree V-8 with a duel venturi downdraft carburetor; higher compression, and altered timing upped the horsepower to 120.
The 1932 K series was split into two lines: the V-8 carryover Model KA and the new V-12 powered Model KB. The V-8 model engine was upped to 125 horsepower.
The KB model featured the marque's new L-head V-12 of 447.9 cubic inches that produced 150 horsepower. Both series featured a new grill, vent doors rather than vertical louvers on the sides of the hood, a parking light on top of each front fender, and 18-inch wire wheels. The younger generations think 'big wheels' are the latest and greatest, but were superseded some eighty-five years or so. Denny's favorite saying is, "Big wheels are like a thong - anyone can put them on - doesn't mean it looks good!"
We will continue with Lincoln for several more issues. Lots of fun with different models to cover into the '60s and beyond - See ya' next issue.
––– Henry the Truck
Contact Denny and Henry for questions or comments at mzfire50@yahoo.com.
