Saved from receivership by Henry Ford in 1922 and capably led by his son Edsel Ford, Lincoln quickly rose to prominence in the American luxury car market of the 1920s. The Model K, which finally replaced the Model L in 1931, was the first wholly new Lincoln model launched under Ford ownership, and its fresh styling boosted sales. Lincoln furnished the KA and KB lineup with a bevy of engine changes, wheelbases, and body styles from a range of well-regarded coachwork providers through the next several model years of tumultuous market conditions.

In 1934, the marque cut production costs in part by introducing a standard powerplant for all K-series chassis: a 414-cubic inch V-12 engine, which was good for 150 horsepower. While Lincoln styling for 1934 differed little from the previous year, it was nonetheless evolved, with body-color radiator shells; cooling shutters replaced the earlier louvered hood treatment. Smaller headlamps provided further stylistic refinement.

Chassis KA2179, offered here, is one of just 75 KA convertible roadsters produced in 1934, and number 11 of 36 built by Dietrich. Further, per CCCA records, it is one of just four examples wearing this desirable Dietrich dual-sidemount coachwork that is known to survive. While much of the history of this numbers-matching Lincoln is not known, it benefitted from a restoration that is believed to have been executed in the late 1990s.

The present condition of this chassis, however, along with an accompanying collection of concours trophies collected since 2003, should serve as an accurate testament to the quality of cosmetic and mechanical work performed.

Clad in a charming yellow over tan leather color combination, the additional color matched details and walnut burl trim elevate the aesthetic oeuvre of this Lincoln to the point of Art Deco brilliance. The wire wheels are matched to the body, while a pair of side profile stripes are ingeniously matched to the interior upholstery and convertible top. Gleaming brightwork trim throughout is a perfect partner to the pair of chrome heads fitted to the Stromberg-carbureted flathead V-12. A set of whitewall tires work in tandem with a set of vacuum-boosted mechanical brakes to provide assured and controlled movement across roads or concours greens.

Since its aforementioned restoration, KA2179 has received acclaim from some of the world’s foremost authorities; awards of national distinction issued include an AACA National First Place Senior Award in 2008, a CCCA Premier First Place Award, and recognition from the Lincoln Club of America for “Best K Lincoln” in 2012. Other notable awards include “Best American Open Car” from the 2005 Greenwich Concours d’Elegance and a “Best in Class” trophy from the 2006 Old Westbury Gardens Antique Car Show.

Appealing when new, the V-12 Lincolns of 1932-1934 remain highly prized for their style, luxury, quality, and performance; this wonderful, and exceptionally rare, Convertible Roadster represents an opportunity not to be missed.