Coachwork by Judkins

Chassis no. K-8423

Body Style 367-A

414-cid, 150-hp L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power-assisted mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 145-inches

Lincoln opened the 1935 model year with all-new chassis and bodies. In order to achieve a lower center of gravity, the passenger space was moved forward by eleven inches, placing all seats ahead of the rear axle. This necessitated a similar movement in the engine and steering column. With lower seating, the bodies could be more streamlined. All cars were now designated Model K, regardless of wheelbase. Mechanically they were little changed.

The streamlining increased for 1936, with a more sharply sloped windshield and lower headlamps. Pressed steel wheels replaced the previous wires. In 1937, the headlamps morphed into the tops of the fenders, using an attractive teardrop lens. A new camshaft was accompanied by hydraulic valve lifters and new engine mounts moved the powerplant even farther forward. Production and semi-custom body styles now numbered 21, the customs supplied by LeBaron, Brunn, Judkins and Willoughby.

The J.B. Judkins Company of Amesbury, Massachusetts, was one of the old-line carriage builders. By 1910 the firm had converted entirely to auto bodies and by the late 1920s had developed a close relationship with Lincoln. Some bodies were wholly bespoke, but others, like this 367-A Two-Window Berline, were built in limited series, in this case just 47 for the year.

This 1937 Lincoln Judkins Berline is believed to have been ordered new by the famed Rockefeller family. The last of this body style to be constructed, it was the only one painted Jasmine Yellow and fitted with a Haartz cloth top. Most Judkins cars had leather tops. It is additionally unusual for its tan whipcord upholstery, with arm rests both front and rear indicating it was intended to be either chauffeur- or owner-driven.

It has two radios, one in front and the other at the rear, as well as clocks on the dashboard and in the division partition. There is an intercom for communicating to the driver and a unique umbrella compartment built into the right side of the front seat. The rear compartment has twin vanity compartments, a roller shade on the rear window and hidden jump seats that slide into the partition when not in use.

Winner of several CCCA awards, it was judged Best of Show by the Lincoln and Continental Owner’s Club at Ford Motor Company’s centennial celebrations in 2003. It is in fastidious condition throughout, having undergone an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration. Unique in most every way, it is stunning example of pre-war American coachbuilt luxury.