Offered by Worldwide Auctioneers : Auburn Auction - August 31 - September 2
Coachwork by Brunn & Co.
1938 Lincoln Model K Victoria Convertible
Striking bespoke coachwork with unique singular characteristics
Exceedingly rare custom-built 145-inch-wheelbase Model K
Concours-winning body-off-the-frame restoration
Hand-selected for exhibition at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in celebration of 100 years of the Lincoln Motor Company
Best in Class at the 2012 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance
CCCA National First Prize Winner, #2152
A well-known Brunn custom in the collector car world, this massive and commanding 145-inch wheelbase carries striking bespoke coachwork with unique singular characteristics that exhibit the best of the Classic Era. Powered by a 414-cubic-inch L-head V-12 engine that produces a smooth 150 horsepower, this example has graced the show field of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on multiple occasions, won Best of Class at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, taken part in various tours around the country and has been a resident of multiple prolific collections.
Built to special order for W. Weiss of the Sterling Drug Company, the enormous 145-inch chassis for this Lincoln was completed on October 11th, 1937, then sent via ship to Brunn & Company in Buffalo, New York one month later. Measuring nine inches longer than a standard 1938 Model K, the Victoria Convertible body was custom-built to fit the chassis, resulting in the doors being extended and measuring nearly five feet long. Beautifully proportioned, Brunn’s design integrates the best of the Zephyr-derived aerodynamic styling with custom elements that emulate that of Joseph and Giuseppe Figonis’ work.
The most notable custom details bestowed upon this Model K by Brunn & Company include teardrop-shaped white running boards, rear wheel skirts, chrome covers that drop over the window slots when the windows are down, and a V windshield. Other features include dual side-mounted spares with color-key metal casings, a folding rear armrest, a radio, a heater, and beautiful interior woodwork that accentuates the interior cabin.
After residing in several East Coast collections, Chassis K9002 would end up in the collection of Ernest Stern of Pittsburgh in the 1970s. While in his care, this lavish Lincoln would be treated to a comprehensive body-off-the-frame restoration at Rick Chris’s shop located in Irwin, Pennsylvania. It would remain in Stern's care until his passing in 1996 when it was then acquired by Don Williams of the world-renowned Blackhawk Collection. Only holding onto it for a year, the next owner would be collector Joe Hayes of Chicago, who would sell it in 2000 to Roger Wilbanks, Sr. of Colorado. Under Mr. Wilbanks’ care, this Model K Victoria Convertible received a new interior consisting of two lovely shades of blue that complement the Cambridge Blue exterior paint and dark blue canvas top wonderfully.
After its new interior was installed, this Model K was shown at the 2003 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, won First in Class at the 2007 Rocky Mountain Concours d’Elegance at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs, received a CCCA National First Prize (#2152), and partook in multiple tours, including the Colorado Grand. A faithful servant under the ownership of Wilbanks, the next registered and current owner would welcome this bespoke Lincoln into his own collection in 2011.
Shortly after taking ownership, the engine bay received a freshening that consisted of a carb rebuild, and the fuel system and other small cosmetic items were attended to. After this was completed in early 2012, it was taken to the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance where it captured Best in Class. Most recently this ’38 Lincoln Model K Victoria Convertible was invited and shown at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in celebration of 100 years of the Lincoln Motor Company. Along with being shown, this Lincoln also took part in the 17-mile drive during the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance presented by Rolex and was reported to perform without flaw.
Along with its showing at Pebble Beach, another highlight the current owner is proud of is tracking down Rick Chris, the person who performed the frame-off restoration for Ernest Stern. Visiting him in his shop in Irwin, Pennsylvania, Chris provided multiple historically significant documents, which included vintage photos of this Lincoln at the end of 1937, an original blueprint drawing from Brunn & Company, as well as a letter dated 1977 from Hermann Brunn talking about this Lincoln and its history.
Proven both on the show field and on the open road, this bespoke Model K Victoria Convertible is presented as a rare opportunity to acquire an exquisite first-class Full Classic® for concours and tours. It stands ready for continued enjoyment and to be invited to prestigious events around the globe. Few automobiles offer the striking lines of the example offered here. A multiple award winner with known history, this custom bodied Lincoln offers a unique opportunity for the new caretaker to acquire an open tourer that will be instantly admired by enthusiasts and discerning collectors everywhere.
