Beschreibung:

In late 1931 Lincoln announced that it would be introducing a V12 designated the KB, to compete with the high standards set by Duesenberg, Cadillac, and Marmon. By 1933, with the Depression of the 30's slowly strangling luxury car sales, these manufacturers, including Lincoln offered more flamboyant and powerful automobiles, in the hopes of attracting new customers. At the direction of Edsel Ford, Lincoln chief engineer Frank Johnson came up with one of the greatest powerplants of the classic era. The KB's impressive 448ci (7.2 liter) engine developed a conservative 150bhp at 3,400rpm with a peak torque of 292lbs/ft at 1200rpm. The KB engine was the largest displacement engine offered by the company until the mid-sixties. The KB was the last Lincoln to use the traditional fork and blade connecting rod design. This method allowed one rod to straddle its opposite rod at the crankshaft allowing for perfectly opposed rather than staggered cylinders. It was the most expensively built of engines. There were other amenities found on this KB Lincoln that made it luxurious and easier motoring. Freewheeling allowed the driver to coast when decelerating, a feature that saved gas and engine effort. Power assisted brakes made easy work of stopping. The Five passenger Victoria Coupe, or Model 256 was built in house at Lincoln. This KB was one of 18 built and is the only know surviving example. The coachwork is by Murray. The KB was offered in sixteen different body styles designed by the top Coachbuilding firms of the period, including LeBaron, Willoughby, Judkins and of course Dietrich. For many collectors, the KB represents the pinnacle of aesthetics and mechanical achievements of the Lincoln Marque. The sales literature stated that "the rich conservativeness of Lincoln body design does not become antiquated...because Lincoln does not heed the passing fancies in motorcar appearance...Lincoln lines are as smart and richly distinctive with the passing years as those of a colonial mansion, a fine piece of Sheffield silver or a graceful, well-built piece of drawing room furniture." In line with many European bodies, the close coupled design with a sunken foot well and gently raised roofline allowed spacious accommodation for the rear passengers. The large windows are precursors to modern coupes, giving great visibility and a light and airy feel to the interior. The V-shaped radiator was slanted back and the new lower body sill line curved low over the frame rails to match the graceful curves of the running boards. The car curves on every plane, rather than the straight line of the era. Bettina and Harris Laskey purchased this KB in the early 1990s for their Collection. Mr. Laskey immediately undertook a comprehensive restoration. Recognizing the beauty of the curved lines, he decided to accentuate these lines by the use of multi-toned paintwork. Mr. Laskey, known for his distinct and unique choice of colours, decided to express the true beauty of this car with dark purple fenders and roof, a raspberry body with gray-violet trim details and matching dark-purple pinstriping. To complete the luxurious sporting car appearance that Lincoln introduced, Harris Laskey chose an interior of gray-herringbone cloth for the passenger seating, with dark-gray leather piping. The headliner is light gray, as well as the backs of the split front seats. It has matching gray carpeting. The engine compartment is clean and detailed with many polished parts. To complete the look, Tripp lights and wheel hubcap covers have been added. This car has been only been driven and used sparingly since its restoration. It was shown at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 1996, and has been honoured at CCCA Meets and won many First Places in its Class at various concourses. The new owner will have an elegant KB Lincoln, ideal for exhibit or competition at all club meets, tours and events, and will enjoy driving this True Classic Car.