1930 Lincoln Model L Derham Convertible Sedan
Lion Award Winner at the 2010 Meadow Brook Concours d'Elegance
NEW YORK AUTO SHOW CAR!
- Continuous Ownership history from new, all documented in extensive history file.
- PURCHASED OFF THE FLOOR OF THE NEW YORK AUTOSHOW
- Only 20 examples built, with only 1 other known survivor
- Stunning example of one of the rarest and most desirable Model L Lincolns.
- Excellent restoration of a proper original car.
- Ready to tour and enjoy!
Birth of a legendary Derham design
In 1928 Derham designed this body style, for Countess Holstein, to be fitted to a Hispano Suiza Chassis ( a copy of the original rendering by Derham , on the Hotel Astor Paris stationary, is included in the file). Ironically the original Derham Hispano is in our showroom as well, with the Lincoln now. While on display in the showroom, 2 copies were made on a Chrysler, and Packard. In 1930 Lincoln added the Derham design to its custom body catalog of which only 20 were made (Only 1 other known survivor exists on the Lincoln chassis)
Derham's Catalog description
"Derham planed this body originally as an open car, then he closed it. This reversed former body building practice. It had two happy results- unquestionably a phaeton when open-when closed a top grows naturally over the body, converting it into a true sedan. A new deck line contributes further to this Lincolns smart appeal, curving quite like the stern of a motor boat. A noiseless top - no metal parts- double flaps of Burbank fitting snugly over the tops of the windows front and rear. The whole effect is one of modernity tempered with the conservatism that comes from well proportioned lines and masses.
Ownership history:
In the file is a series of letters from previous owners dating back to the 1950's when it was purchased from the original owner.
- 1930 - 1951 Bought new by the Cook sisters, who were pioneers in the early
tourism industry chauffer driven - 1951-1956 bought for $200, by John Maitland
- 1956 sold for $625 to Dumont TV
- 1958 - 1969 sold to Norman Delaney of Ohio
- 1970 it was part of the Prestigious Tom Lester collection for many year
- Part of the Jim Weston collection from 1985-1997
- 1997- present, part of a California collection.
A file folder full of letters from previous owners fully details the cars history. The cook sisters purchased the car directly off the floor of the New York Auto Show, the Lincoln was originally a cream body, with dark green fenders, and belt line. Fitted with matching dark green leather. Only 20 of this stunning body style were built with only one other Derham Lincoln known to still exist. In the 1950's this car was still in complete original condition with only 50,000 miles.
It has been very well cared for and restored over the years, as part of many great collections detailed above.
Now finished in Cream and Brown livery, the quality of such a well cared for original car shows through, although it was restored almost 20 years ago it still shows very nicely. A new top was installed in the last years. Mechanically everything on the Lincoln functions as normal, and the car is in Excellent running and driving condition. It is correct in absolutely everyway right down to the cover on the cigar lighter. The Derham body is the pinnacle of the Model L Lincoln phaetons, and this car would make an ideal tour car, with the comfort of roll up windows and a very roomy interior.
Rarely does such a stunning and correct car come available, with documented ownership history to new, when it was purchased off the floor of the New York auto show.
