Lincoln L series
| Lincoln L-Series | |
|---|---|
 1929 Lincoln L-series Sport Touring | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Lincoln Motor Company Lincoln (Ford) |
| Production | 1917-1930 |
| Assembly | Lincoln Assembly, Detroit, Michigan |
| Designer | Angus Woodbridge Edsel Ford |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Luxury car |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
|
| Transmission | 3-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase |
|
| Chronology | |
| Successor | Lincoln K-Series/Model K |
The Lincoln L-Series is the first automobile that was produced by the Lincoln Motor Company.[1] Introduced in 1917, the L-Series would continue to be produced after the bankruptcy of Lincoln in 1922 and its purchase by Ford Motor Company.
During 1930, Lincoln would introduce the Model K as its replacement. It was an alternative to various top level luxury vehicles to include the Mercedes-Benz 630, Rolls-Royce Phantom I, Packard, and Cadillac Type 51.
Assembly of the L-Series took place in Detroit, Michigan.
Model History
1917-1922
After leaving the company over a dispute with William Durant over World War I production, Cadillac founder Henry Leland created a second automobile company, the Lincoln Motor Company. Although the company depended on production of Liberty V12 aircraft engines as its primary source of revenue, Lincoln created the first L-Series car in 1917.
The L-Series was designed by Angus Woodbridge, the son-in-law of Henry Leland; trained as a ladies hatmaker, the design of the L-Series was considered old-fashioned for the time.[1] In the years following World War I, the Lincoln Motor Company struggled in the postwar recession with the loss of aircraft engine production.[2]
| Year | Engine | HP | Transmission | Wheelbase | Tire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1921 | 357.8CID 60° L-head V8 | 81[1] | 3-speed manual | 130 in (3,302 mm) [1] | 23" |
1922–1923
In financial trouble, Leland sold the company to Henry Ford in 1922 for $8 million, the amount determined by the judge presiding over the receivership Arthur J. Tuttle.[3] Henry Leland valued the company at over $16 million. After a few months, Ford got rid of the Lelands and had his son, Edsel Ford, design a new body for the L-series. Edsel became President and Ernest C. Kanzler General Manager. Under Ford, the L-series was a robust car. In the first year, hydraulic shock absorbers were added.[1] Edsel and Kanzler implemented production economies, trimming manufacturing costs by about $1000 per car.
| Year | Engine | HP | Transmission | Wheelbase | tire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1923 | 357.8CID | 90 | 3-speed manual | 136 in (3,454 mm) [1] | 23" |
1924–1926
In 1924, the L-series was given a newer look with such things as a nickel-plated radiator shell. 1925 is identified by the absence of cowl lights. Front and rear bumpers became standard. The smallest L-series was the 2-door, 2-passenger roadster. 1926 was basically the same except for some interior changes.[1]
| Year | Engine | HP | Transmission | Wheelbase | tire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1925 | 357.8CID V8 | 90 | 3-speed manual[1] | 136 in (3,454 mm) | 23" |
1927–1930
In 1927, the L-series got smaller wheels. Also, 4-wheel mechanical brakes became standard.[1] All instruments were on an oval surface. A larger engine (though no HP increase) came in 1928. 1929 brought Safety glass and dual windshield wipers. 1930 was the last year for the L-series.
| Year | Engine | HP | Transmission | Wheelbase | tire size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | 384.8CID V8 | 90 | 3-speed manual | 136 in (3,454 mm) | 20"[1] |
Pop-culture
A 1924 Lincoln was featured in the first season of the classic CBS sitcom The Good Guys.
In the 1986 comedy movie, The Money Pit, the house came with a 1929-30 Lincoln L-series 4-door Sport Phaeton as a part of the purchase.
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805–1942. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
- ^ Mandel, Leon (1982). American Cars. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Inc. ISBN 0-941434-19-2.
- ^ Weiss, H. Eugene (2003). Chrysler, Ford, Durant, and Sloan. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-1611-4.
 | This article about classic and vintage automobiles produced between 1915 and 1930 is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |