Find of the Day: In 1937, this Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron rode a the pinnacle of the automotive food chain

It’s true that Lincoln had made a decided move toward lower-priced cars with the Lincoln-Zephyr’s introduction, but in 1937, maximum-proportion Lincoln luxury still appealed strongly to the fortunate few who had the money to pay for it. The huge Model K, with the larger of Lincoln’s two V-12 engines, was built in numbers that reflected both its price and exclusivity. In 1937, Lincoln produced only 977 examples of the Model K, across a dizzying 21 body styles that included coachbuilt designs from Brunn, Willoughby, Judkins and in the case here, LeBaron.

Production was so low for the Model K that some body styles didn’t even make the double digits in terms of production. This 1937 Lincoln Model K LeBaron Convertible Sedan is nearly as rare, being one of just 12 produced with this body style, designated 363-A in the Lincoln catalog. According to informed estimates, this is one of six cars produced with that bodywork to survive today, with the added fillip of the model being designated a Full Classic, like every Lincoln Model K, by the Classic Car Club of America. This California-based convertible sedan, being offered for sale to benefit a children’s charity, is described by its seller as having been restored to “better than new,” and still remaining in excellent condition today.

If you were in a position to purchase a coachbuilt Model K in 1937, your financial bona fides were unquestioned. Tipping the scales at more than 5,500 pounds, the LeBaron-bodied convertible sedan carried a base price of $5,650. In the same year a basic Ford roadster with the flathead V-8 retailed for $696. This car, and its body, represents one of the late expressions of the Model K before it was supplanted by the new Lincoln Continental just a few short years later. When fitted with the 363-A bodywork, the Lincoln rode on a 145-inch wheelbase, its Art Deco headlamps, split windshield and dual sidemounts reflecting John Tjaarda styling practices of the time at Lincoln. The convertible sedan bodywork incorporates a roll-up glass passenger divider, the only coachbuilt Lincoln produced that year to offer this exclusive feature.

While the exact date of this Lincoln’s restoration is unspecified, a review of the photos makes clear that the seller’s claim of better-than-factory workmanship is unexaggerated. A 2016 appraisal of the car performed in California indicates that its finish was considered to be show quality at that date, and the condition checklist attached to it is uniformly characterized as excellent. The condition reflects work by a professional restoration shop whose work continues to be fully presentable today.

The fit of the Lincoln’s folding convertible top is seemingly perfect. Its interior is a mixture of custom fitted leather hides and wool carpeting, all of which appears to remain in flawless shape. This seller says the mileage reading of this LeBaron-bodied Lincoln is believed to be actual. Now being offered to benefit a children’s charity, this rare Model K will dominate any show at which it appears.

Head on over to Hemmings Auctions to get a closer look at this thoroughly restored and seemingly concours-ready 1937 Lincoln Model K Convertible Sedan by LeBaron to see what the truly high end of the automotive spectrum was like at the time.

Coachbuilt Rarity: 1937 Lincoln Model K LeBaron Convertible Sedan