Series 521, Model 523. 150 bhp, 414 cu. in. V-12 engine, two-barrel carburetor, three-speed sliding gear manual transmission, solid front axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, full-floating rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel mechanical drum brakes. Wheelbase: 136"

• One of 75 examples produced; refined styling, V-12 power

• Meadow Brook award winner

• Offered from the Find Christiansen Collection

Even though Henry Leland, who founded Cadillac in 1902, later formed Lincoln, a sharp post-WWI economic recession and other issues nearly ended the marque shortly after the introduction of its first automobile. 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 Leland’s Model L in 1931, was the first new Lincoln model under Ford ownership, and its fresh styling boosted sales. In 1932, the Lincoln model range was expanded with the V-8-powered KA riding a 136-inch wheelbase and the V-12-powered KB on a 145-inch wheelbase.

In 1933 a V-12 engine of 382 cubic inches was introduced to the KA, creating a more affordable alternative to the KB. The KA V-12, while based upon the KB’s design, was both simpler and less expensive to produce. Expanded for 1934 to 414 cubic inches, the new design became Lincoln’s sole powerplant until 1936, and it is considered by marque experts to be the company’s finest V-12 engine design ever. While Lincoln styling for 1934 differed little from the previous year, it was nonetheless refined with body-color radiator shells, and cooling shutters replaced the earlier louvered hood treatment. Smaller headlamps provided further stylistic refinement. Today, the V-12 Lincolns of 1932-1934 remain highly prized for their style, luxury, quality, performance and sheer rarity.

The handsome Lincoln KA 2/4-Passenger Convertible Roadster from 1934 offered here is one of only 75 examples originally produced. It benefits from a high-quality, professional restoration to concours standards that was completed in 1999 under noted collector Find Christiansen and his wife Arlene. Shortly after completion, the Lincoln won Best in Class at the 1999 Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance, and in 2000 it was displayed at Eyes on Design, held at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan. Only test miles have been traveled since the KA was restored, and it has always been displayed and stored in a proper, climate-controlled environment.

The Lincoln’s deep Maroon exterior finish is beautifully complemented by the black cloth convertible top and the grey-upholstered interior, which features a handsome wood grain dash, dual glove boxes and beautifully inlaid wooden door cappings. Desirable period accessories include Lincoln’s iconic Greyhound mascot, dual side-mounted spare tires with side-view mirrors, a golf-bag door, a rear luggage rack and wide whitewall tires. Truly rare and impressive throughout, this elegant yet sporting 1934 Lincoln Model KA 2/4-Passenger Convertible Roadster is rightly recognized as a CCCA Full Classic. With V-12 power and elegant styling, this is an exemplary car for collectors in search of a proven award-winner.