The origins of the Lincoln automobile began in 1917 when Henry M. Leland and his son Wilfred Leland had a heated argument with Cadillac’s Billy Durant. The Lelands left Cadillac and founded the Lincoln Motor Company, which manufactured Liberty airplane engines for World War I. After the war, they faced the problem of what to do with their large aircraft engine factory and its 6,000 employees. For a solution, they turned to automobile manufacturing. The Lincoln V8 was first introduced in the fall of his 1920.
Unlike other V8 engines of the time, such as those used by Cadillac, the Lincoln V8 used a 60° angle between cylinder banks rather than the 90° angle used in other V8s. Ta. With a touring body, the Lincoln’s top speed was 80 mph. Prices ranged from $4,300 to $6,600 (Cadillac was $3,740 to $5,690).
By the time the original Lincoln left the factory, more than 1,000 orders had been placed for the new car.in his book American Automobiles: 100th Anniversary 1893-1993, Nick Giorgano reports:
“Unfortunately, many were canceled when buyers saw the cars. The engineering and performance were acceptable, but the body style seemed outdated, even outdated.”
Lelands had planned to sell 6,000 cars in the first year, but only sold 3,407. In February 1922, the company was put up for sale. Ford purchased the company for $8 million. Ford could have lent the Lelands money to keep the company afloat, but he preferred to wait until the company went into receivership before buying it so he could take control. Nick Giorgano reports:
“Ford promised to spend at least two hours each day with Henry Leland to resolve any problems that might arise, but he never met the Lelands again.”
A total of 5,767 Lincolns were produced in 1922, and by 1926 annual production increased to 8,858 (by comparison, Cadillac produced 27,340 in 1926).
Below are some of the classic Lincolns on display at the LeMay American Automobile Museum in Tacoma, Washington.
1923 Lincoln 124A Touring Car
This car has a V8, 358 cubic inch, 90 horsepower engine.
1924 Lincoln Model L Town Car
According to the museum,
“Considered one of the most elegant chauffeured automobiles of the 1920s, the Lincoln Model L Town Car was introduced in 1924. Known for its quality and luxury, the Model L quickly became popular with Thomas-like It became the choice of the rich and famous.” Edison, W. C. Fields, Herbert Hoover. ”
The Model L Town Car on display features a body by coachbuilder Judkins. It has a 90 horsepower, 358 cubic inch engine.
1930 Lincoln L Brougham
According to the museum,
“The rear passenger compartment has a small fold-out ‘jump seat.’ The doors had a front-opening style, which was common in luxury cars at the time. This design allows the driver easy access when opening the door for passengers. ”
The body of this vehicle is by Brunn & Co.
This car has a V8, 348.8 cubic inch, 90 horsepower engine.
even more cars
Museum 101: Lincoln and Mercury at the Classic Car Museum (Photo Diary)
Museum 101: Lincoln and Cadillac in the 1950s (photo diary)
Packard Art Museum: 1920s (Photo Diary)
WAAAM: Cars of the 1920s (Photo Diary)
Museum 101: 1920s cars (photo diary)
American Automobile Museum: 1920s cars (photo diary)
Museum 101: Packard at the American Automobile Museum (Photo Diary)
LeMay Family Collection: some cars from 1920 to 1924 (photo diary)