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Details
1931 LINCOLN MODEL K ENCLOSED DRIVE LIMOUSINE
COACHWORK BY WILLOUGHBY
Chassis No. 67245
Engine No. 45031
Battleship grey with black fenders, belting and yellow pinstriping, black grained leather roof covering, claret wire wheels and black leather driver's compartment with grey cloth rear compartment
Engine: V-8, 385ci., 120bhp at 2,900rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual with free wheeling; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drums. Left hand drive.
Lincoln increased the wheelbase of all models in 1931 from 136 inches to 145 inches. Thus, there were no short Lincolns that year, although in subsequent years, Model K Lincolns would offer a choice of long or short wheelbases. Power output of the Lincoln V8 was substantially increased for 1931 as well, responding to the horsepower race initiated by some of its mightier engined competitors. These increases in chassis length and horsepower particularly benefited the Willoughby built limousines as they kept the coachbuilt examples competitive with those attractive examples of Packard, Cadillac and Pierce-Arrow. Willoughby limousines had long been a staple offering in the Lincoln catalogs, and would continue to be to the end of Model K production in 1939. The 1931 models offered considerably more spacious interiors than their predecessors and also presented a longer and more graceful exterior appearance. Attesting to this improvement, production of this body type reached 151 cars for the year.
We understand that this lovely example was one of the first cars to join the Browning Collection in the early 1970s. It is reported to have been purchased from Lincoln enthusiast, Mr. Tony Porta. When Mr. Browning first acquired the Willoughby it was in very presentable original condition. A sympathetic restoration was then commissioned, during which the car was repainted in battleship grey and re-upholstered in the attractive grey cloth it displays today.
The paintwork, though showing wear in the major stress areas, is highly commendable for an older cosmetic restoration and the color combination of the body, fenders and wheels is a highly suitable choice for this stately Lincoln. Brightwork on this example is quite excellent, and the engine bay and motor are also very clean. The underbody looks quite clean and original. Like many cars in the Browning collection, the car appears to have received limited use, though on a recent test drive it performed proficiently. It is reported that at 79,730 miles, the engine received new valves, a new timing chain, and rebuilt starter, generator, clutch and water pump. The odometer currently shows 80,504 miles. The car is equipped with high speed differential gears and modern turn signals. The front compartment leather and dashboard are in very good condition, while the rear compartment shows some fading, but is still quite clean. Interior fittings appear complete and in good overall condition. Some of the details on the car include dual horns, Depress Beam headlamps, a foldout windshield, dual sidemount spares with mirrors, tinted sun visors and a Seth Thomas electric clock. All in all, this is a very handsome formal automobile ready for a night at the opera, classic car tour or day out with the family.
WITHOUT RESERVE
COACHWORK BY WILLOUGHBY
Chassis No. 67245
Engine No. 45031
Battleship grey with black fenders, belting and yellow pinstriping, black grained leather roof covering, claret wire wheels and black leather driver's compartment with grey cloth rear compartment
Engine: V-8, 385ci., 120bhp at 2,900rpm; Gearbox: three-speed manual with free wheeling; Suspension: front and rear, semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel mechanical drums. Left hand drive.
Lincoln increased the wheelbase of all models in 1931 from 136 inches to 145 inches. Thus, there were no short Lincolns that year, although in subsequent years, Model K Lincolns would offer a choice of long or short wheelbases. Power output of the Lincoln V8 was substantially increased for 1931 as well, responding to the horsepower race initiated by some of its mightier engined competitors. These increases in chassis length and horsepower particularly benefited the Willoughby built limousines as they kept the coachbuilt examples competitive with those attractive examples of Packard, Cadillac and Pierce-Arrow. Willoughby limousines had long been a staple offering in the Lincoln catalogs, and would continue to be to the end of Model K production in 1939. The 1931 models offered considerably more spacious interiors than their predecessors and also presented a longer and more graceful exterior appearance. Attesting to this improvement, production of this body type reached 151 cars for the year.
We understand that this lovely example was one of the first cars to join the Browning Collection in the early 1970s. It is reported to have been purchased from Lincoln enthusiast, Mr. Tony Porta. When Mr. Browning first acquired the Willoughby it was in very presentable original condition. A sympathetic restoration was then commissioned, during which the car was repainted in battleship grey and re-upholstered in the attractive grey cloth it displays today.
The paintwork, though showing wear in the major stress areas, is highly commendable for an older cosmetic restoration and the color combination of the body, fenders and wheels is a highly suitable choice for this stately Lincoln. Brightwork on this example is quite excellent, and the engine bay and motor are also very clean. The underbody looks quite clean and original. Like many cars in the Browning collection, the car appears to have received limited use, though on a recent test drive it performed proficiently. It is reported that at 79,730 miles, the engine received new valves, a new timing chain, and rebuilt starter, generator, clutch and water pump. The odometer currently shows 80,504 miles. The car is equipped with high speed differential gears and modern turn signals. The front compartment leather and dashboard are in very good condition, while the rear compartment shows some fading, but is still quite clean. Interior fittings appear complete and in good overall condition. Some of the details on the car include dual horns, Depress Beam headlamps, a foldout windshield, dual sidemount spares with mirrors, tinted sun visors and a Seth Thomas electric clock. All in all, this is a very handsome formal automobile ready for a night at the opera, classic car tour or day out with the family.
WITHOUT RESERVE
Special notice
This lot has no reserve.