Beschreibung:

SINGLE FAMILY OWNERSHIP SINCE 1934 1932 LINCOLN KB CONVERTIBLE COUPE COACHWORK BY LeBARON Chassis No. KB556 Engine No. KB556 Dark blue with black fenders and brown leather interior Engine: V12, 448ci., 150bhp at 3,400rpm; Gearbox: three speed manual; Suspension: front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs; Brakes: four wheel drum. Left hand drive. Henry Martin Leland, a distinguished looking gentleman at seventy-four, set up a company with his son to manufacture the Liberty engine for the war effort in 1917. Mr. Leland was a staunch Republican and named the company after President Abraham Lincoln. After the war, engulfed in debt, the Lelands reorganized and renamed the company the Lincoln Motor Company of Delaware and launched into the production of automobiles. They delivered their first automobile on September 16, 1920, to the delight and enthusiasm of potential customers. Leland's insistence on adhering to the highest quality sunk Lincoln deeper and deeper into debt. In 1922, Lincoln ownership passed to Henry Ford for eight million dollars. Ford executives swept over the Lincoln company, instituting money-saving methods and Ford volume production experience. The situation was immediately intolerable for the Lelands and they resigned only four months after the transition. Quality was not compromised however, and wise business practices dramatically reduced production costs. The Lincoln Motor Company was well on the way to the top of the line. Everyone who was anyone in coachwork became involved with Lincoln. From Dietrich to Lebaron, the Lincoln chassis was often used for creating some of the highest quality and most striking designs of the period. This LeBaron KB Convertible Coupe is certainly representative of the striking and distinctive styling that adorned the Lincoln chassis. The KB chassis is widely regarded as one of the finest classic era Lincolns, with 1932 being the pinnacle year in styling. The new 1932 KBs featured design highlights such as a V-shaped radiator and a more contemporary and restyled hood. The KB's impressive 448ci. (7.2 litre) engine developed a conservative 150bhp at 3,400rpm with a peak torque of 292 lbs. at 1,200rpm. The KB was the last Lincoln to use the traditional fork and blade connecting rod design. This method allowed one rod to straddle its opposite rod at the crankshaft creating perfectly opposed rather than staggered cylinders. These top of the line Lincolns were renowned among classic car enthusiasts for being wonderful driver's car with a tremendous amount of torque. The KB Lincolns, when compared to the Packard Twin Six, Duesenberg 8 and even the Cadillac V-16, were well known as having one of the smoothest, quietest and most reliable engines of the early 1930s. It is believed that the Weesner family purchased this Lincoln in April of 1934 from the King family of Winona, Minnesota, separating Mr. Weesner from the presitigious claim of single family ownership of this car by a mere two years. This highly original example appears to have been very well cared for as the car still retains what appears to be its original top and headliner, as well as window glass that has yellowed through the course of time. The brown leather interior appears to be in original condition and shows cracking in the upholstery, however, it is reported that great care has been taken in keeping mold from setting in and causing further harm. The KB also features the correct Waltham and Davis gauges. The blue and black paintwork appears to have been repainted, though most likely not anytime within the last thirty to forty years as there is cracking and spidering in select areas. The motor and engine bay are presentable, however there is corrosion on the porcelain finished manifold. As one of the favorites of the Weesner Family Collection, Mr. Weesner drove this car often, logging over 64,000 miles throughout his ownership, while undoubtedly taking pride in the KB for its smooth driving and good looks. This Lincoln