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Motorpedia Lincoln L-series 1917-1930

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.

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. In the years following World War I, the Lincoln Motor Company struggled in the postwar recession with the loss of aircraft engine production.

Year	Engine	HP	Transmission	Wheelbase	Tire size
1921	357.8CID 60° L-head V8	81	3-speed manual	130 in (3,302 mm)	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. 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. 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)	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.

Year	Engine	HP	Transmission	Wheelbase	tire size
1925	357.8CID V8	90	3-speed manual	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. 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.