for sale 1935 Lincoln K - Series 541 Sedan

[Tom Laferriere]

1935 Lincoln K Series 541 Sedan

Chassis no. K4223
Motor no. K4223

 

150 bhp, 414 cu. in. L-head V-12, three-speed manual transmission, front and rear semi-elliptic leaf springs with full floating rear axle, and Bendix four-wheel power-assisted drum brakes. Wheelbase: 136 in.

 

In 1935 Lincoln moved the coachwork on its 145-inch and 136-inch chassis forward by several inches, offering an improved ride and lower center of gravity. The Series 541 represented the shorter 136-inch wheelbase and as such was used for two-door and close-coupled four-door bodies like this lovely sedan.

 

Only 170 examples of this two-window, five-passenger Style 543 were produced. According to a copy of its Lincoln Automobile Record supplied by The Benson Ford Research Center, this car chassis K4223 was shipped Feb 18, 1935 and was originally finished in Paris Grey. It’s history is quite interesting, having always been a well-kept Massachusetts car from new and owing to its thoughtful caretakers even retains all of its original interior.

 

Fortunately, its story can be told thanks to an original Massachusetts vehicle registration document which identifies an E. Pardee from the affluent beach community of Harwich Port, Cape Cod. Genealogical research reveals this owner to be Edith Pardee, a lady whose father was a notable coal baron from Hazleton, Pennsylvania and also one of the founders of Lafayette College. Miss Pardee visited Hazleton often so it is likely that many miles were accrued on trips between the Cape and Eastern Pennsylvania. In 1946 Miss Pardee passed at the age of 83 and her Lincoln, barely a decade old, likely remained locally for some time thereafter.

 

In the 1950s or 1960s it was acquired by Daniel Baird Wesson II, great-grandson of the inventor and firearms manufacturer of Smith & Wesson fame. Under Wesson’s ownership it was reportedly stored in a warehouse behind the Roosevelt Avenue S&W factory in Springfield where Wesson family members kept personal property. After leaving S&W in 1963, he founded his namesake Dan Wesson Arms in 1968. Around this time it was acquired by well-known parts purveyor Nelson B. Pease of Palmer, who collected the car from Wesson at the warehouse.

 

Pease sold it to John Brill of Westfield. Under Brill’s ownership the car was cosmetically restored in its current shade of Ascot Maroon and it remained with his family for the ensuing five decades. Amazingly the interior remains 100% original, owing to the good care and service it received under a small number of conscientious owners. The odometer records 76,000 original miles, and the car has recently been cosmetically detailed as well as having received a basic mechanical service and inspection.  Starts easily, runs great, drives nicely.

 

The sale of this car is accompanied by copies of its delivery documentation, early registration record, biographical information on the Pardee family, as well as a photo from the 1960s showing its excellent condition at the time. Mrs. Pardee’s Lincoln represents exceptional value as a multi-cylinder CCCA Full Classic and would be a wonderful entry-level tour car. 

 

Located in Smithfield, RI and the price is $39,500 for a quick sale.  Full photos here:  http://www.tomlaferriere.com/listings/1935-lincoln-k-541-sedan

 

Edited March 14, 2018 by Tom Laferriere
Grammar and edits (see edit history)

[Matt Harwood]

Wow, that's A LOT of car for the money.

 

[checks wallet]

 

Dang.

[Tom Laferriere]

I know, what I am thinking?  Should be $49,500 I think.  :-)

[old car fan]

I think this is the best deal out there,great car

[Tom Laferriere]

25 minutes ago, old car fan said:

I think this is the best deal out there,great car

Me too!  Can I raise the price?  :-)

[motoringicons]

That's a Full Classic Lincoln for Ford money!!!

Someone will be a happy buyer!

[daniel boeve]

If i would be so sure as you are then i would buy it for Ford money and sell it for Classic Lincoln money .Easier said than done !

[Lawrence Helfand]

When you think of what a 32 33 or 34 flathead in good shape costs why  wouldn't you buy this!  The paint color might have a limited appeal. I will never understand peoples taste in choosing the best color for a car. Dark green or a cobalt blue? and black is always good. Back then there were many choices.

[old car fan]

What,You will have over 20 grand,and more in a model a.I have done one.Now,you get a great car,full classicYou can drive,i am all in.Not a better turn key out there,wish we had room

[cahartley]

ENTRY level?....... 

[Matt Harwood]

35 minutes ago, cahartley said:

ENTRY level?....... 

 

Go find a cheaper 1930s 12-cylinder Full Classic. I'll wait.

 

And a club sedan no less!

 

This car is a win. If you want a big Classic, you won't find more car for your money than this. If I didn't just buy two cars to keep for myself, I'd would have already given Tom a deposit on this one.

[ericmac]

3 hours ago, Lawrence Helfand said:

When you think of what a 32 33 or 34 flathead in good shape costs why  wouldn't you buy this!  The paint color might have a limited appeal. I will never understand peoples taste in choosing the best color for a car. Dark green or a cobalt blue? and black is always good. Back then there were many choices.

Personally,  i think this is the best color for this car. If only I had both the money and space for this one...

[auburnseeker]

I like it.  Problem is I spent all my money to build the space to keep a car or small fleet of them,  now I have no money to actually buy any to put in the space.

[C Carl]

With an original interior like THAT , you can forget about what color the car is. Just hanging out in it , parked in the garage or in motion , sitting front seat or back ..........................         - CC

[barry22]

Go to this link about an auction held in Virginia last year where a 1937 Lincoln in need of a paint job, but in good condition sold for $7,400. As stated in the article, "The Lincoln sold for what seemed a bargain basement price..."

 

http://www.nvrg.org/Valve Clatter/Archives/2017/Nov 201

[auburnseeker]

You will easily spend the difference plus in those 2 cars prices putting the 39 in the shape this 35 is in and I believe the 35 is a more desirable car to start with.  Plus this one is ready to go now,  not in a couple of years. 

[John_Mereness]

Great styling and great paint color to accent styling.  Also, love that original interior - a testament to a well cared for car since new !

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Great looking car indeed!

[danoz]

sweet Lincoln survivor

[cahartley]

On 3/14/2018 at 8:18 PM, Matt Harwood said:

 

Go find a cheaper 1930s 12-cylinder Full Classic. I'll wait.

 

And a club sedan no less!

 

This car is a win. If you want a big Classic, you won't find more car for your money than this. If I didn't just buy two cars to keep for myself, I'd would have already given Tom a deposit on this one.

 

The ad SAYS: "multi-cylinder CCCA Full Classic and would be a wonderful entry-level tour car" period....NOT V12 or ANYTHING else.

 

[Grimy]

I'm often amused that in CCCA-speak, "multi-cylinder" means "more than 8 cylinders" rather than in normal English "more than one..."

[Steve_Mack_CT]

When I think of entry level Full Classics, the Cadillac 60 Special and other Cadillacs as well as the Lincoln Continental come to mind.  Maybe a few Sr. Packards.  This car is unique in that it is a little less common, in a way.  The other cars mentioned are nice, and actually cars we are thinking about.  But, when one looks at CCCA tour coverage, 50% or more of the cars are what I listed.  The rest are usually higher end Packard, A CD cars, PA, cars out of my price range anyway.   This one is a little unusual and fits somewhere in between, which is why it's interesting, as well as condition and a fair price, typical for Tom.  Yes, it's priced a bit more than some other "entry" Classics but very modest in terms of CCCA cars. I think that's what he is saying.  ☺

[trimacar]

Nice car, at a CCCA event this car would stand out, as mentioned there are some "common" cars that seem to show up in abundance at CCCA meets.  And, by common, I mean relatively speaking in the world of Full Classics.

 

This is an attractive car at a fair price and would give someone a lot of fun.  Can't imagine it won't sell in a timely manner, if I have my double negative correct.....

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Well, I  met Tom here who has become a good friend, we bought, traded and I have consigned after but the forum was the catalyst. 

 

We haved a project car listed here and a couple other sites right now.  12 or so inquiries, 2 serious, 1 from here still in play,  1 from elsewhere.   10 email, phone number collectors, same as any where else I think...

 

I think others have bought and sold here also. 

 

Still the best place to meet and network with other hobbyists.

 

 ☺

Edited March 16, 2018 by Steve_Mack_CT (see edit history)

[auburnseeker]

I would buy off here,  especially from certain members because of their track record.  Just seems every time Something nice comes along,  I don't have the funds.  I've had inquiry and even a visit or two from Forum members for cars I have had for sale,  I just never had a sale materialize.  Good exposure for the price, and you never know.   Tom posts some truly wonderful cars on here.  The type I would expect to see when I scan the classifieds on this site. 

[keiser31]

I have seen a few cars sold on this site. It just has to be the right car and buyer.

[trimacar]

8 minutes ago, keiser31 said:

I have seen a few cars sold on this site. It just has to be the right car and buyer.

I agree, and of course this is the case in all old car deals. 

 

Think of it this way, how many people follow the AACA forums religiously (and I don't mean once on Sunday).  200?  500?  1000?

 

When you advertise a car for sale, the chances that one of those, let's optimistically say, 1000, wants THAT car at THAT price, are slight.  You need to reach 10,000, 20,000, or more people, to reach that right car and buyer!!

 

Of course, there are some of us who fall in love with everything, and our wives tell us "glad you're not rich, it'd all go to the old cars"......

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Amen David.  In addition to the 35 here, in the last week I fell in like with an MG TC, a 61 Lincoln Continental sedan & Lincoln Connies 41 & 48.  It takes a while, but not too long, to advance to love.  At least none of these are projects so I have learned something...  

[Tom Laferriere]

Surprisingly, this wonderful Lincoln is still available.  

[Matt Harwood]

OK, I'm back to wanting this car and trying to make it happen. Tom, tell me about its road-worthiness. The history is nice, but is this a running, driving, usable car that doesn't have expensive, scary stuff in its near future? My Buick 90 is laid up, my '29 Cadillac is slow, and I'd like something in-between. 

[1912Staver]

Go for it Matt, even a desperately cheap Canadian like my self knows this car is a great deal.

 

Greg in Canada

[Tom Laferriere]

21 hours ago, Matt Harwood said:

OK, I'm back to wanting this car and trying to make it happen. Tom, tell me about its road-worthiness. The history is nice, but is this a running, driving, usable car that doesn't have expensive, scary stuff in its near future? My Buick 90 is laid up, my '29 Cadillac is slow, and I'd like something in-between. 

Its running, driving very nicely.  Previous owner claims the motor was rebuilt, however I have no documents to say otherwise.  It runs on all 12 and is very smooth.  Brakes nicely, motor is quiet with no noises or smoke.  Its missing its horns, so it will give you something to look for at Hershey.  The speedometer is not working.  Tires are Denman, in nice condition, but older.  

 

Hope this helps.

[alsancle]

44 minutes ago, Tom Laferriere said:

Tires are Denman, in nice condition, but older. 

 

Swap those tires out for some Bedford blackwalls and the car sells tomorrow.  

 

As a neutral third party,  I have seen this car in person and it is very cool. 

[scott12180]

On 5/17/2018 at 12:13 PM, alsancle said:

 

Swap those tires out for some Bedford blackwalls and the car sells tomorrow.  

 

The overall color scheme is actually rather handsome but lose the whitewalls fast!  Such an eyesore on can otherwise good looking car. 

[auburnseeker]

Not every car had blackwalls either.  Often some of the flashier cars had whitewalls back in the day.  It was just an accessory to show one's success in life,  unlike today where you aren't suppose to show off your success because someone who hasn't figured life out will be offended. 

I say keep the white walls. 

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Seeker as usual a great take on it, but when replacement time comes i might go blackwall on this one.  Matt, we were interested in this one also, but not enough to start twisting Tom's arm.  Give it some thought, sure is an interesting car!

[Guest]

 

Beautiful car!

For those who prefer the black wall look (a quick photo-shop job).

I can see your point, I think it looks more period correct as well.

[auburnseeker]

Looks way too much like a Nazi Staff car with the black walls.   I think being all dark tones without alot of chrome,  you need the whitewalls to make it pop.  Kind of blends in with the parking lot with black walls.  I thought I would add the original photos so you can see the comparison side by side.

 

[Steve_Mack_CT]

Seeker I think I do see a euro influence in coachwork.

[Curti]

Whitewalls are OK if they are white on both sides.  Single sided white walls  were not available until 1939. 

Personally I think black walls draw attention to the car not the tires.  It is a blond brunet thing.