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	1917-1927: 90 hp 357.8 cu in (5.9 L) Lincoln Fork and Blade V8 1928-1930: 90 hp 384.8 cu in (6.3 L) Lincoln Fork and Blade V8
Transmission	3-speed manual
Dimensions
Wheelbase	1917-1922: 130 in (3,302.0 mm) 1923-1930: 136 in (3,454.4 mm)
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

1922 Lincoln L series Touring Sedan

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

1923 Lincoln L-series Brunn coupe

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

1927-28 Lincoln L-series limousine

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

1. Kimes, Beverly (1996). Standard Catalog of American Cars 1805–1942. Krause Publications. ISBN 0-87341-428-4.
2. Mandel, Leon (1982). American Cars. Stewart, Tabori & Chang, Inc. ISBN 0-941434-19-2.
3. Weiss, H. Eugene (2003). Chrysler, Ford, Durant, and Sloan. McFarland. ISBN 0-7864-1611-4.