1930 Lincoln Model L

This 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham Bodied Convertible Phaeton is an absolutely stunning, rare custom-bodied example with Concours DElegance pedigree. In the midst of World War I, Cadillac executive Henry Martyn Leland wanted to convert Cadillacs manufacturing facilities to produce Liberty aircraft motors in assistance of the War effort. However, Lelands opinion was the opposite of the ultimate decision maker, GM boss William Durant, ultimately causing Leland to walk out of General Motors. Following Lelands exit from GM, he founded the Lincoln Motor Company to help the US build Liberty engines but the war ended too soon and the Liberty engine business opportunity was not a success. The next step for Leland and his Lincoln Motor Company was the release of the Model L, powered by Lelands precision-built V8, but the car didnt sell well enough and Henry Ford ended up purchasing Lincoln from Leland, and installed Edsel Ford as the new head of Lincoln. While under the leadership of Edsel, Lincoln was positioned as Fords luxury marque due to the Lincolns impressive performance coupled with their tremendous beauty. The 1930 Lincoln Model L was left largely unchanged from the previous generation, likely due to the challenging economic conditions brought on by the Great Depression along with the imminent debut of the Model K the following year. The 1930 Model L did offer more precise steering than the previous edition due to the addition of a new worm and roller steering gear design. One way Americas luxury automakers, such as Cadillac, Packard, and Lincoln, elevated their products above the standard was by offering custom bodies built by famed coachbuilders. One such coachbuilder was the Derham Body Company based in Rosemont, Pennsylvania. For Lincoln, the custom Derham bodies were made-to-order and for the custom Derham Convertible Phaetons, like this particular example, a mere 21 units were produced and had an MSRP in 1930 of $6,000. It is said that the uniquely designed Convertible top on the Phaeton was either borrowed or licensed from Hibbard & Darrin in Paris and added to the cars sporty lines. This 1930 Derham-bodied Lincoln Convertible comes to us from the cherished hands of respected collectors and with impressive documentation. This 1930 Lincoln Model L is also deemed a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America and is eligible for CCCA events and CARavans. Powering this 30 Lincoln Model L is a 384.8 Cubic Inch L-Head V8 paired with a single barrel carburetor that together were said to have created 90 horsepower when new. The 385 V8 is backed by a 3 speed manual transmission that is shifted via a floor mounted shifter. Exhaust exits the Flathead Lincoln powerplant via a single tailpipe, generating a nice throaty sound out the rear. This 1930 Derham-Bodied Lincoln is loaded with fantastic options! Up front, a single Trippe driving light provides addition brightness while cruising at dusk or at night and it sits below the gorgeous Lincoln Greyhound hood ornament. Dual sidemounted covered spare tires are another wonderful addition to any pre-war classic as they elevate the exterior appearance and each is topped with chrome outside mirror for additional visibility while squeezing this 4 door convertible into a tight parking space at a car show or local drive-in. In the rear, a covered trunk is mounted atop the luggage rack further adding to the prestigious look of this exceptional motor vehicle. Riding on a set of of wide whitewall bias-ply tires, each mounted on a painted wire wheel that is capped off with a chrome Lincoln hubcap, this 30 Model L Derham Convertible has a gorgeous look whether youre parked at the car show or cruising down the road. The beige cloth convertible top is in fantastic condition and is manually raised and lowered, and retains its unique and iconic Hibbard and Darrin designed profile. The Derham Coachwork has been refinished in a beautiful paint scheme consisting of a Buckskin Tan body with Winterleaf Brown fenders, and accented with orange beltline pinstripes, completing the exterior look of this CCCA Full Classic. The interior of this 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham Convertible Phaeton is absolutely stunning! The front and rear bench seats, along with the door panels, kick panels, dash and rear armrests have all been reupholstered in beautiful Macadamia beige leather. The brown carpeting, wooden steering wheel, and chrome instrument panel are all in wonderful condition as well and appear to remain in their stock configuration. Mounted above the tilt-out windshield is a pair of rearview mirrors which is always a welcome addition to any large pre-war Full Classic. The rear passenger compartment also come outfitted with an entry light and robe cord mounted on the back of the front seat. Instrumentation includes a 90 MPH speedometer, oil pressure gauge, temperature gauge, amp gauge, and fuel gauge, along with a Seth Thomas Electric clock. Whether youre adding to your established collection of Lincolns or CCCA Full Classics, or youre buying your very first classic car, this 1930 Lincoln Model L Derham-Bodied Convertible Phaeton would make an excellent addition. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!