1931 Lincoln Model K

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
$60,000 - $80,000 USD

• A desirable and highly significant transitional model for the Lincoln marque, offered for only one year
• Rides on a new-for-1931 145-in. wheelbase with elegant Town Sedan bodywork
• Numbers-matching 120-hp five-bearing 384.8-cid V-8 with two-barrel downdraft carburetor
• Beautifully restored in the style of a two-window Town Sedan
• A CCCA First, Senior, and Premier winner; most recently scored 97.67 in LCOC judging in 2025

The Lincoln Model K was offered for just one year, but this was by no means a reflection of its quality. Arriving for 1931, it refined the best elements of its predecessor, the Model L, pairing them with new engineering and style that previewed the modern Lincolns just around the corner. All Model Ks rode on a 145-inch chassis, nine inches longer than that of the outgoing Model L, providing a suitably grand blank canvas for both custom coachwork and for the wide-ranging catalogue of attractive factory body styles. Wheel size decreased from 20 to 19 inches, lowering the chassis for an even more dynamic look, while Houdaille dual-action shock absorbers and capable cable-actuated Bendix brakes sat at each corner.

Lincolns venerable 60-degree, 384.8-cubic-inch L-head V-8 was retained and upgraded with five main bearings. The Model K was also the first American production car fitted with a downdraft two-barrel carburetor, supplied by Stromberg, contributing to an output that increased from 90 horsepower to an impressive 120. A new three-speed gearbox offered freewheeling, as well as synchromesh on the top two gears.

According to build record data on file, this Model K was assembled on 8 January 1931 and shipped on 19 January. It was number 99 of 447 examples fitted with body style 204-B, the three-window Town Sedan. It was later restored in green with silver accents over a grey and green interior; the rear quarter windows were covered, and an attractive tan fabric roof was fitted. In its wonderfully restored form, the car much resembles the rare two-window Town Sedan, body style 204-A. It is currently equipped with wide whitewall tires, including dual side-mounted spares topped by mirrors, as well as Trippe Speedlights. An under-dash Tropic-Aire heater provides cabin comfort on cooler days.

By the late 1990s, the Lincoln was owned by Jim Westenberger of California, and it was sold around the turn of the millennium to the well-respected Michigan and Florida-based collector John B. McMullen. He in turn sold it to Michael Lauth, also of Michigan, in 2002, from whom it was acquired by the consignor in 2019.

The cars exhibition history includes the Meadow Brook Concours dElegance in 2010, and it has been shown in CCCA and marque events with great success, including the CCCA Michigan Region Grand Classic in 2008, scoring 99 points; it proudly wears CCCA badge number 2857, confirming its status as a National First Prize, Premier, and Senior winner. Most recently, it was judged and scored 97.67 points at the 2025 Lincoln & Continental Owners Club (LCOC) national meet, a testament to the quality and condition of its restoration. During the consignors ownership, the fuel pump was replaced.

Offered for one year only, the Lincoln Model K is as this Town Sedan ably demonstrates an elegant and sought-after Full Classic from a crucial moment in the marques history. Beautifully restored in wonderful colors, it is an excellent addition to any collection and would surely make a fine companion for continued exhibition and driving tours. To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.