Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

Rare Beauty: 1938 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan

Oh, my. Talk about rarified air and serious investment-quality vehicles, feast your eyes on this rolling piece of 1938 graceful sculpture. Ever seen one? Probably not, because only 15 of these Lincoln Model K LeBaron convertible sedans were built in 1938. I’m not sure how many of the 15 have survived, but you’re looking at one that is mostly unrestored and has accumulated only 38,545 original miles over the past 84 years. It also has an interesting story as well. Listed here on eBay through a dealer, Significant Cars in Indianapolis, Indiana, the asking price for this rare, impressive Lincoln is $195,000. A tip of the top hat to T.J. for spotting another gem.

I wish we knew more of the details, but here’s the story as shared by the seller. This Lincoln was found along with eight other classic cars in a barn in New Jersey several years ago. Only this and another car were purchased and kept. When the owner passed, his wife sold the car to a “seasoned Lincoln Collector” who had been trying unsuccessfully for years to purchase the vehicle. Although the new owner wanted to keep the Lincoln as original as possible, some work was needed and is listed as “the wheels were restored, and new tires and NOS hubcaps added, new heads were installed, and all peripheral engine components serviced as needed. The front carpet badly deteriorated, so was replaced and a new top was installed.” The rest of the Lincoln was left untouched. This vehicle was meant to have a gleaming black finish and the original paint looks impressive as does the rest of the car. I mean, when you arrived in this long, sleek, black beauty, you ARRIVED. I’m running out of adjectives to describe what I’m seeing here. Do yourself a favor and check out the 50 photographs of this classic that cost a whopping $6,000 –  seven times the $860 average cost of an automobile back in 1938.

The tasteful interior of the Lincoln looks amazing and I like the various shades of brown leather with the Dove Gray dash housing stylized Art Deco gauges and even an Auto Altimeter. And check out that humongous steering wheel along with the detail and craftsmanship (and legroom) that surrounds the lucky passengers in the rear seat.

This was elegance and luxury at its finest in 1938 and what a treat to see this time capsule so well preserved. If only those ashtrays could talk. It’s hard to believe the condition of this original 84-year-old leather interior. Can’t you just smell all that leather?

Under that long louvered hood is a neat and tidy L-head, 414-cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine that generated 150 horsepower when new. It’s mated to a three-speed floor shift manual transmission. The seller states, “The car runs and drives perfectly. It starts right up, idles smoothly, shifts crisply, stops well. It literally runs like a Swiss watch.” I bet it does. Without a doubt, this ultra-rare convertible sedan has been appreciated, preserved, and pampered for more than 80 years. All you can say is “Thank You” and hope that the next caretaker takes as much loving care of it as the previous owners.

Comments

  1. Avatar Rex Kahrs Member

    Amazeballs.

    Like 5
  2. Avatar MattR

    Stunning. It’s nice to see leather seats in such a elegant car from that era.

    Like 7
  3. Avatar Cadmanls Member

    That’s some beautiful styling, right up there with other manufacturers making premium automobiles. Rolled up in style when you arrived in that beauty.

    Like 9
  4. Avatar That Guy

    Just magnificent. That is all.

    Like 12
  5. Avatar Dale

    My dad sold Lincolns in 1937, and 1938, when he was in his mid 20’s. I doubt if one of these rare models graced the dealership he worked for in Duluth, MN. This car is the definition of stately.

    Like 8
    • Avatar Grant

      Though I have never been, I always wanted to visit Duluth. They say it is a beautiful place.

      Like 2
      • Avatar alan leonard Member

        It is…all that and more……

        Like 3
  6. Avatar cncbny

    in the words of Jay Leno, it is a beautiful car, but if you run it on the interstate at 60 mph for an hour, you’ll burn out the engine. The oiling capabilities don’t support long trips at “high” speed. That’s not an insult to the car. It’s a realization that this museum piece is meant to be treasured, and cared for. Not to be used in any other fashion than its original purpose. I wish i had the sheckles to buy it.

    Like 3
    • Avatar PeterfromOz

      It’s interesting that if Jay is correct, one wonders why the Lincoln engineers didn’t find that out before the engine was released and why they didn’t fix it as soon as it was obvious after the cars were sold.

      Like 5
      • Avatar Cncbny

        There were no interstates before Eisenhower. The roads didn’t support 60 mph for the most part. Also WW2 taught engineers a lot about performance engineering.

        Like 4
      • Avatar Phillip Clayton

        Most likely, back in 1938, people didn’t have to go so fast. The highways and byways weren’t like they are now, and people didn’t typically go raging down the road like today. Speed limits were much lower then. Most highways back then we’re 2 lane roads, like Route 66, and most people lived life at a slower pace, overall..no need to rush and hustle and bustle like today. Everyone always in such a rush! Anyway, you’re right, though: Lincoln engineers SHOULD HAVE addressed the issue of the engine. This work of rare fine art should be driven lightly and make all the major car shows, and continue to be pampered, for another, hopefully, 84 years! Impressive original leather. Amazing car!!

        Like 0
    • Avatar Wayne from Oz

      Modern full synthetic oil might help.

      Like 1
  7. Avatar CCFisher

    What’s with all the high-dollar stuff lately? Please don’t follow Bring-A-Checkbook’s lead and cater to those with deep pockets. Those folks have enough people catering to them.

    Like 5
    • Avatar Kim

      True, Bring a trailer used to be a spot to find hidden treasures but now it’s turned into one of the highest priced junkers on the market. I don’t even look there any longer.

      Like 0
      • Avatar alan leonard Member

        me either..pricin out the common Joe…

        Like 0
  8. Avatar wuzjeepnowsaab

    I am honestly surprised at the asking price. I would have guessed higher for such a rare car in this condition

    Like 4
  9. Avatar George Birth

    Wow what a beauty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Like 6
  10. Avatar Gator

    Gorgeous.

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Carbob Member

    This is the poster car for the phrase “they don’t make ‘em like they used to”. Magnificent!

    Like 8
  12. Avatar Mark S Smith

    Might be just me, but I think they used the 37 Lincoln zephyr front fenders and headlights.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar Kenn

    cncbny, where did you get that information? Or if Leno really said it, where did he get it? What happens after an hour at 60 that didn’t occur in the first 50+ minutes? My father drove a 1938 Cadillac all over Michigan at high speeds and never replaced his engine.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Chuck Petty

      When I bought my 1937 Lincoln K in 2005 I drove it home 150 miles at 55-60mph no problems and it still runs fine. 60 is about top sustained cruising speed, but it will do more in short bursts.

      Like 0

Leave a Reply to PeterfromOz Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.