Lincoln Motor Company didn’t gain traction until after its founder, Henry Leland, sold it to Ford in 1922. In the ultimate irony, Leland was also responsible for forming the Cadillac Automobile Company from the ashes of Henry Ford’s dissolution in 1902. To this day, Cadillac remains one of Lincoln’s primary competitors. Anyway, back to our timeline. After Ford acquired Lincoln, the division was turned over to Edsel Ford who immediately addressed the issue of stodgy styling. New bodies by Lincoln itself as well as a host of coachbuilders helped boost sales, helping to carry Lincoln through the dismal economy of the Great Depression. The worst of those years was 1935, when production had to be cut dramatically to match diminished demand. Here on eBay, selling out of a museum, is a 1935 Lincoln Model K sedan, bid to $16,900 with no reserve. This car is located in Norwich, New York, and trailer pick-up would probably be the best plan.

By 1930, the “cylinder race” among luxury makers was in full swing, culminating in the V16 introduced by Cadillac that year, followed by Marmon in 1931. In the ensuing years, economic ruin put the brakes on ever-increasing displacement. In the Model K, Lincoln hewed to its V12, this one a 6.8 liter breathing through a two-barrel carburetor, good for 150 hp. Considering the beefy 5000+ lb curb weight, performance could not be called sparkling – more like stately. The three-speed manual transmission was typical for the day. Two wheelbases were available – 145″ and 136″. This is the shorter version. The seller indicates that though it runs, the car requires an auxiliary fuel source – it won’t pick up fuel from the tank. A running video is included in the listing. Four new tires are recommended.

The interior shows wear on the armrests, but otherwise, the headliner, seat surfaces, wood, dash, and steering wheel are nice enough to live with. Rear passengers can avail themselves of a fold-down tray. No one put the used china in the dishwasher after the last meal, and several photos do show wear on the carpets.

Coachbuilders included LeBaron, Brunn, Judkins, and Willoughby, among others. Brunn was apparently responsible for the sedan. By 1935, the Model K’s lines had become rounder, with a soft curve around the radiator, outward-flowing fenders, and a gentle roof line. This tendency was even more pronounced in other body styles, including the coupe and the convertible. Values vary widely mostly by coachbuilder and body style. Coupes and convertibles/cabriolets sell for six figures while sedans are low five-figure cars. For the right owner willing to do a bit of work, this Model K is a great entrée to local concours shows.