The Lincoln K series is a luxury vehicle that was produced by the Lincoln Motor Company. The second motor line produced by the company, the Model K was developed from the Model L, including a modernized chassis on a longer wheelbase. In 1931, Lincoln introduced a V-12 engine, becoming a feature of the company for nearly 20 years. One of the most exclusive vehicles produced in the United States during the 1930s, the Model K competed against the Cadillac V-12 and V-16, Packard Twin Six, Chrysler Imperial, Pierce-Arrow Model 53 and the Duesenberg Model J. Alongside multiple body configurations produced by Lincoln in its Detroit assembly facility, bare chassis were provided for coachbuilders for bespoke bodywork. After the 1939 model year, Lincoln ended production of the Model K, selling leftover vehicles as 1940 models. For 1941 and 1942, the Lincoln Custom was sold as an indirect successor to the Model K, offered as an 8-passenger limousine or touring sedan produced as a long-wheelbase version of the Lincoln-Zephyr. Since World War II, various Lincoln sedans have been produced as long-wheelbase sedans or factory limousines, but no direct model line has been developed as a successor to the Model K.
1931
The original Model K appeared in the 1931 model year on a new chassis with a 145 in wheelbase. Factory bodies included two- and four-door phaetons, the latter available as a dual-cowl model. The 384.8 in³ engine was a derivative of the earlier L-series 60° V8, but a dual venturi downdraft Stromberg carburetor, higher compression, and altered timing raised the power to 120 hp. It competed with the recently introduced Chrysler Imperial, Rolls-Royce Phantom II, Mercedes-Benz 770, Duesenberg Model J, Packard Eight, and the Cadillac Series 355.
1932
The Lincoln K series was split in 1932 into two lines, the V8 carryover Model KA and the new V12-powered Model KB. The V8 car reverted to a 136 in wheelbase, though engine output was pushed to 125 hp. The KB, on the other hand, featured the marque's new L-head V12 engine. The 447.9 cuin 65° L-head unit produced 150 hp. Both series featured a new grille with less of a surround, vent doors rather than vertical louvers on the sides of the hood, a parking lighton top of each front fender, and 18 inch wire wheels. The Lincoln V-12 competed directly with cross town rival Cadillac V-12 introduced earlier in 1930, and it joined a select group of 1930s cars with multicylinder engines, namely those manufactured by Franklin, Hispano-Suiza, Horch, Lagonda, Maybach, Packard, Rolls-Royce, Tatra, Voisin, Walter, and Marmon. The Victoria Coupe was offered as both a steel roof and a convertible, and the coupe was the inspiration for the smaller 1932 Ford Victoria coupe, also offered with a V8 engine but a more affordable price. The Lincoln Victoria coupe, first introduced in limited numbers in 1929, also competed with the Packard Light Eight Victoria coupe also in 1932.
1933
The V8 engine was replaced in the Model KA with a new 381.7 in³ V12 for 1933. This L-head engine shared little with the big KB engine which continued unchanged. The 1933 K-series Lincolns featured many changes, only a few of which were readily visible. The removal of the bar linking the headlights and return of hood louvers was most noticeable, but the revised chassis, thermostatic shock absorbers, and transmission made the greatest difference. Drivers would notice the adjustable-pressure brakes.
1934
Both V12 engines were replaced for 1934 by a single version of the new Model KA V12, with the KA and KB names now denoting the wheelbase only. Styling changes included a body-colored grille surround and the replacement once again of louvers with doors on the side of the hood.
1935
The Lincoln line was greatly trimmed for 1935, with all cars simply called Model K. The marque attempted to improve profitability by focusing on the lofty over-$4,000 segment, limiting sales in the depression-wracked United States.
1936
The Model K's days were numbered as the less-expensive and more-modern Lincoln-Zephyr debuted for 1936. A 7-passenger Model K limousine was the marque's best-selling model despite its $4700 price, however. The grille and front fascia were again redesigned, and a revised raked windshield and pressed steel wheels were now used.
1937–1940
The Model K continued in production for five more years, but sales declined rapidly with the modern Zephyr and new flagship Continental being more appealing to buyers. Production was evidently completed during the 1939 model year. The last Lincoln K series was delivered in January 1940. The "Sunshine Special" parade phaeton built for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1939 was modified in 1942 with current Lincoln front sheetmetal.
