Chassis No. K7604

Engine No. K7604

American engineer Henry M. Leland was a transformative figure in the burgeoning Detroit automotive industry, founding Cadillac in 1902 and remaining with the company until leaving to form Lincoln Motor Company in 1917. Initially known for the sophisticated Liberty V12 aircraft engine, Lincoln shifted to luxury automobiles but struggled post-World War I, leading to its sale to Henry Ford in 1922, who promptly appointed his son Edsel to lead the division. Fortunately, Edsel Ford shared Leland's vision of offering richly appointed, custom-built vehicles, cementing Lincoln as one of the top American luxury marques with the first new Lincoln under Ford ownership, the 1931 Lincoln Model K.

Initially available in two series, KA and KB, the Model K line was consolidated by 1935 to a single variant powered by the firm's flagship "L-head" V12 engine. Edsel spared no expense in delivering some of the most luxurious motorcars on the market, offering a breadth of custom bodies all in excess of $4,000 – significantly more expensive than the V12 Cadillacs and Packards of the era. No less than 21 unique body styles were available from various noted coachbuilders in 1937, including the beautiful two-passenger Coupe by LeBaron presented here.

Beautifully proportioned with a low roofline, long hood, sloping rear deck, and sitting atop a short 136-inch wheelbase chassis, this particular LeBaron Coupe is one of a mere 24 constructed in 1937 with fewer than ten known to survive today. The Coupe's "chopped" hot-rod-esque appearance was designed under the direction of Edsel Ford himself, who mandated that the streamlined, Art Deco teardrop design was not interrupted by belt moldings or side-mounted spares. According to prominent collector Dave Kane, this rare example, chassis number K7604, was discovered some years ago tucked away in the back of a body shop. Owing to the car's remarkable originality, including its matching numbers engine block stamped K7604 (the bell housing is stamped K8724, indicating it could have come from another Model K from the era), and its odometer showing just over 51,000 miles – believed by Kane to be the original mileage – the decision was taken to conduct a concours-quality restoration to its factory specifications. This included renewing the Lincoln in its elegant original finish of Canal Grey with Vermillion pinstriping and a black leather-trimmed top. Inside, the beautifully crafted Art Deco interior was trimmed with grey broadcloth upholstery and adorned with wood accents.

In 2014, then under the care of well-known Lincoln collector Tom Brace of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, the freshly restored Coupe was awarded the revered Lincoln Trophy – which accompanies the car – at that year's Mid-America National Meet. Also while in Brace's ownership, the car was shown at the 2017 Cobble Beach Concours d'Elegance as well as the 2018 Mid-America National Meet where it received the Elliston H. Bell Founder's Trophy for the most outstanding Senior Lincoln. After years of persuasion, Brace sold the award-winning Coupe to Dave Kane, who immediately continued the car's success on the concours circuit by showing it at the 2021 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance, receiving The Ford Motor Company/E.T. "Bob" Gregorie Trophy for Enduring Design Excellence.

Offered from a prominent Southern California-based collection of American classics, this outstanding classic coachbuilt Lincoln is presented in beautiful overall condition and would undoubtedly continue to excel at the most exclusive concours events in the world under new ownership.