1927 Lincoln Model L

#148 1927 Lincoln Model L Dietrich Convertible Coupe
VIN: 41229
Odometer: 8116
Engine: 358cid V8
Trans.: 3-spd Manual

Cosmopolitan Motors is proud to offer a very rare automobile with an aristocratic pedigree: A 1927 Lincoln Model L Convertible Coupe, custom-bodied by Dietrich. It is one of a very few known examples 13 according to Lincoln registry records. It is, of course, a CCCA Full Classic.

The Lincoln L was the first model Lincoln ever made. Its quality made the brand famous and after a bankruptcy and subsequent purchase by Ford five years before this beauty was crafted, the L models only got better. As designer Ray Dietrichs fame grew at the same time, the marriage of the redoubtable Lincoln chassis and motor with Dietrichs coachwork produced spectacular results.

A seafoam grey Dietrich-bodied Lincoln rumble seat convertible coupe won Dietrich the best of show at the 1927 Paris Salon, and a look at the lovely lines of this authentic example clearly shows why. It shows the Dietrich brilliance with a low accent line and sporty windshield and convertible top with elegant hinged and still fully functional --Landau bars. Headed for the links? Youll be glad to know the car has a golf-club door and storage area, as well as an elegant rumble seat.

Amazingly, this beautiful survivor still features its magnificent original 358cid V8, as matching engine number and cowl tag demonstrate. And what an engine! The famed Lincoln fork and blade design, credited to company founder and engineering genius Henry Leland, featured a shared crankshaft bearing for each two connecting rods, meaning a short crank and compact design.

With Dietrich on top and Leland below, engineering excellence was everywhere on the 1927 Lincoln. The V-8 has had recent repair and service by a Lincoln expert. The original updraft carburetor and accessories are included in the sale, but the car now runs on a downdraft Holley two-barrel carb.

The striking 21-inch wheels are of a demountable rim design. When the rim is removed for tire repair or replacement, the spokes remain in place. The cars rear spare carrier is mounted, but the spare demountable rim is absent. The very old tires should be replaced.

Perhaps the most beautiful feature of the car is the drivers aspect with spectacular steering wheel and striking dash, featuring an elegant Waltham clock and advanced instrument design. The doors and windows open and close nicely.

This car is stunning in its originality. It has been treated well and faithfully, with some work yet to be done to bring it to the higher levels but it is so complete and original that anyone desiring to create a masterpiece could not ask for a better place to begin. It could also be enjoyed with relatively minimal restoration a running, driving roadster, as faithful and ready to serve as the trademark leaping greyhound on its radiator cap.