The high-water mark for the Lincoln Motor Company was its entry into the multi-cylinder war, the KB, introduced for the 1932 model year. During its short three-year production run, just over 2,200 examples were built. Most of these expensive 12-cylinder Lincolns carried coachwork designed and built in-house, such as this factory-bodied Seven-Passenger Touring, style no. 273. Approximately 20 of these handsome cars were produced; as few as four survive today.

The example presented here, chassis KB3478, was purchased new by Col. Ezra Parmalee Prentice, an attorney whose influential New England family had close ties to the Vermont Supreme Court and Yale University. In 1901, Col. Prentice married Alta Rockefeller, the daughter of Standard Oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller. Their family lived in New York City, in a Brownstone willed to the Museum of Modern Art, and summered in Massachusetts’ Berkshire Hills, where they owned a 1,400-acre farm with a 72-room mansion. It is believed that Mr. Prentice kept his Lincoln until the early 1950s, when it was sold to a fellow New Yorker.

Long an admirer of prewar Ford and Lincoln automobiles, Mark Smith became this KB’s third private owner in 2005. Parked since the 1970s with a seized engine, the Lincoln was entrusted to Stephen Babinsky, who sympathetically repaired the car and returned it to running order. Soon after this work was completed, Mr. Smith loaned the unrestored Lincoln to the Saratoga Automobile Museum for their “barn find” exhibit organized by historian Ken Gross.

Tastefully kept in unrestored condition, including much of the paint, top, and interior, the KB shows just over 60,000 miles on its odometer. Ezra Parmalee Prentice’s monograms are still visible on both rear doors and the car possesses a wonderful patina throughout.

Offered here is an outstanding American Classic fit for the connoisseur: one of Lincoln’s most desirable models, boasting attractive open coachwork, tremendous originality, and Rockefeller family provenance. As the number of significant classics preserved in unrestored condition continues to dwindle, cars like this KB ought to be regarded as treasures. Just three appreciative owners have cared for this Lincoln over the past 89 years. The opportunity to carry on that tradition now falls to its next owner.

*Please note that this Lot, like all vehicles in this Auction, has been in long-term static storage and may not be currently operational. It will require mechanical attention prior to any road use.

Gooding & Company presents and conducts the Estate of Mark Smith Auction under the authority of John J. Rendemonti, Executor of the Estate of Mark J. Smith, duly appointed by the Circuit Court of the State of New Hampshire, Probate Division, Case Number 312-2022-ET-00072. The Estate has compiled available title and/or registration paperwork for the Vehicles offered in the Auction and will provide such paperwork to the Buyer if it is available. However, as set forth more fully in the Conditions of Sale, neither the Estate nor Gooding makes any representation or warranty with respect to any existing certificate of title or registration with regard to any Lot in the Auction. Any Lot may be sold on a Bill of Sale. By participating in this Auction, all bidders and buyers recognize that Estate and Gooding have expressly disclaimed all such warranties concerning the availability or sufficiency of any title or registration documentation.