According to its build record at the Benson Ford Research Center, this 1930 Lincoln Model L was one of 79 delivered as the Sport Touring style number 177. A late-production 1930 model, it was originally finished in Sage Brush Green with Eagle Ottawa leather interior, with the chassis, fenders, wheels, and splash aprons all painted body-color, an option that cost an additional $100. The car was delivered either via the Miami dealer or the Ford branch in Havana, Cuba, to become part of the fleet of the island nation’s president, Gerardo Machado. Reportedly the unusual single-tone green livery was inspired by the president’s military past.

President Machado fled the country in 1934, when General Fulgencio Batista came to power. His Lincolns stayed behind, and in 1958 Adam Wantuck, visiting the country on a winter cruise, encountered this one, which was by then in service, like so many vintage cars in Cuba, as a taxi. Wantuck bought the Lincoln, had it loaded onto his cruise ship (some souvenir!), and took it with him back to Miami, then drove it home to New Jersey.

The Lincoln would remain a prized possession of the Wantuck family for two generations. It was eventually restored in the late 1990s by Navesink Restorations of Monmouth, New Jersey, with its brightwork refinished by Paul’s Chrome Plating and the interior upholstered by Everlast Auto Interiors of Linden, New Jersey. Afterward, in the hands of second-generation owner Chris Wantuck, a friend to many in the Antique Automobile Club of America and longtime Classic Car Club of America Model L Lincoln technician, it became a Senior First Prize winner with both the AACA and the CCCA in 2004.

At his untimely passing, Mr. Wantuck graciously donated his family’s 1930 Lincoln to the AACA, and it is now sold to benefit the organization that brings thousands of enthusiasts to Hershey for this week every year. Recently freshened in preparation for sale, it is hoped that the car will continue to attend Hershey in coming years, and to participate in AACA events with its fortunate and philanthropically-minded new caretaker.