The 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA were noteworthy cars of their day and today. The long-running Model L had been around since Lincoln's founding in 1921, but was a design anachronism even then.

1931 Lincoln V-8 Model K phaeton, part of the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA
1931 Lincoln V-8 Model K phaeton. See more pictures of Lincoln Cars.

Lincoln replaced it in 1931 with a modernized, though dimension­ally identical, Model K that had a new chassis with torque-tube drive, floating rear axle, worm-and-roller steering, and hydraulic shocks. The K's V-8 retained the old L engine's "fork-and-blade" rods and three-piece cast-iron block/crankcase assembly.

All models rode the same wheelbases, and included a wide variety of semi- and full-custom bodies, the latter supplied by Locke, Judkins, Brunn, LeBaron, Willoughby, Dietrich, and others.

Prices ranged as high as $7,400, and three long-wheelbase chassis -- 145/150/155 inches -- were offered. The K chassis was given over to the V-12 Series KB of 1932. That year's V-8 Series KA chassis reverted to the L wheelbase but retained the K's improvements.

Pluses of the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA:

  • Recognized CCCA Classics
  • Superb coachwork, particularly the custom bodies
  • Noble Lincoln pedigree

Minuses of the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA:

  • Extremely costly to buy, own, and maintain
  • Parts problems increasing
  • Model L not in the same league with some other '30s Classics

Production of the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA:

  • 1930: L 3,222
  • 1931: K 3,556
  • 1932: KA 2,224

Specifications of the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA:
Wheelbase, inches: 136.0 (1930, 1932), 145.0 (1931)
Length, inches: Varies with bodywork
Weight, pounds: 4,740-6,000Price, new: $4,200-$7,400

Engines for the 1930-1932 Lincoln V-8 Models L/K/KA:

Type Size Horsepower Years
sv V-8385.0 cid 90-1251930-1932

Want more information about classic cars? See:

­