Engineer Henry M. Leland and his son Wilfred founded the Lincoln Motor Company in 1917. The first model followed in 1921, called the Model L, and came equipped with a 358 cubic-inch L-head 60-degree V8 engine. While conventional V-engines offset the cylinder banks slightly to make room for adjacent connecting rod bearings on the crank journals, Leland’s engine used precision-made fork-and-blade connecting rods and disposed the cylinders directly opposite each other. Another unusual feature for the period was Leland’s V8 had full pressure lubrication. In April of 1921 a Lincoln won the Los Angeles to Phoenix race.
The first president Henry Leland voted for was Abraham Lincoln in 1864, the inspiration for the company name. After leaving Cadillac, William C. Durant, and General Motors in 1917, Leland accepted a government contract to produce the Liberty engine. When the contract ended, he returned to automobile production. Although the vehicles were mechanically advanced and Paragons of innovation, the bodies left something to be desired in the design department. The stodgy and mundane bodies were the work of Leland’s son-in-law, whose previous vocation had been in ladies millinery. The lack of modern coachwork coupled with late supplier deliveries and Leland’s obsession with engineering perfected, delayed the arrival in the marketplace by approximately eight months, appearing in September of 1920. When it arrived, it was greeted by a postwar recession, crippling its prosperity further.
Lincoln attempted a quick redesign with a set of twelve body designs by Hermann A. Brunn but it was too late. The numerous complications and an erroneous (USD) 4.5 million tax bill brought an end to the Leland-era Lincoln (although, Leland remained with the company for four months after the purchase). The company was acquired out of receivership in 1922 by Henry Ford to complement his minimalistic Model T. Henry Ford’s son, Edsel, was placed in charge and tasked with designing new bodies.
This example is #2833 from the sole year of Lincoln production before Ford Motor Co purchased the company. Originally sold by Walter M Murphy Motor Co. Previously part of the James A Grundy collection. One of only 335 ever produced. An older professional restoration that presents very well still today. This desirable Five Passenger Phaeton is an excellent example of a Leland-era Lincoln. The cars are noted for their good performance. Steering is light and precise and the brakes are very good. The motor is smooth and powerful and easily propels the car to modern highway speed. These cars maintain a strong following for touring on the West Coast because of their performance.
This is a very good older restoration of what must have been an excellent car to start with. The Leather upholstery is in very good order as is the woodwork in the rear passenger compartment. This is a great example of what is likely the most desirable of all Leland Lincoln body styles.
