Lincoln continued its march towards streamlining in 1937 by updating its top-of-the-line Model K with headlights blended into the crowns of the fenders and using an attractive teardrop-shaped lens. Under the hood, a new camshaft was installed, along with hydraulic valve lifters and new engine mounts, and the engine was relocated further forward. Most importantly, production and semi-custom body styles available now numbered 21, with the custom styles being supplied by such renowned names as the John B. Judkins Company, of Merrimac, Massachusetts.

One of America’s best-known old-line carriage builders is Judkins, which is known for its especially close relationship with Lincoln. Over the years, it built several Lincoln show cars, including the renowned Coaching Brougham of 1927, and it became known for the fine, subtle design and beautiful appointments of its bodies. Some of these bodies were wholly bespoke, but others, such as style number 367-A, the two-window berline, were produced in a limited series, and in this case, only 47 were built for the 1937 year.

The car offered here, chassis number K-8423, is believed to have been the last two-window berline built, as well as the only one painted this color, Jasmine Yellow. Its unusual features include a padded roofline covered in a Haartz cloth, as opposed to the usual leather, and dual radios and clocks, one for the driver and one for the passengers. The rear compartment features twin vanity compartments, a roller shade over the rear window, and hidden jump seats, which disappear into the partition when not in use. An intercom is provided for passing directions to the driver. Most charming of all is the umbrella compartment below the right side of the driver’s seat, from which the chauffeur could whisk an umbrella out to shield his passengers from the rain.

This fine Lincoln has been the winner of several CCCA awards, and 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 documented, with copies of its original build information on file, and is in fastidious condition throughout, having undergone an extensive nut-and-bolt restoration. This Lincoln is unique in most every way, and it is a stunning example of pre-war American coachbuilt luxury.