1936 Lincoln Other

Up for Bid! This is one of the most famous cars ever owned by Howard Hughes! The Aviator. The billionare. nbsp;Tycoon. nbsp;Playboy.  This car started out as Howard Hughes's personal 1936 Lincoln K model V-12 Limousine. Hughes converted the car shortly thereafter into his custom version of what a 1936-37 Boat Tail Speedster should be. Hughes completely re-designed and restructured the limo into a time trendy “art deco” aerodynamic vehicle. The car would have been very stable at high speeds due to its long wheelbase. After reducing the original weight by thousands of pounds and modifying the engine and exhaust this car would have easily cruised in excess of 100 MPH. Originally Hughes may have started out to compete in some sort of speed or endurance contest however some say Hughes was developing his version of the Ultimate concept Car. During this same time frame Edsel Ford. Auburn. Duesenberg and others were doing this as well. In 1936 he was known as the world's fastest man by air. Hughes had visions of developing automobiles. He funded many ventures including building a steam car and invented the world's first Motor Homes. This car seems to be half automobile and half airplane. According to the Henry Ford museum and research archives this car was originally shipped to Long Beach California in January of 1936.

It was special ordered with only one-foot rest. Not many people would have ordered a Limo for just one person to ride in except someone with a clean air phobia like Hughes. Then other documents indicate the car was customized by the Hughes Aircraft Company shortly thereafter in Culver City California. There are eyewitness accounts of Hughes personally driving this modified car through the factory. It's possible this car was used as an experiment to determine a formula to help increase fuel mileage and engine performance using weight reduction combined with the benefits of aerodynamics as to help increase traveling economically at high speeds. Hence this may have helped Hughes when setting some of his world flying records. Others believe the car may have helped Hughes while filming high speed take offs and landings of aircraft he was developing or even while pioneering his invention of the retractable landing gear. Because of the car's Aerodynamic design it would have been able to get close to aircraft while filming without disrupting the planes natural airflow. Although a definite reason why Hughes built this vehicle is certain no one can say for sure exactly what it was. This vehicle remains. like its creator. unique. unusual and a mystery in many ways. This car is like a window into the soul of a man who was known for being a true American Hero. Howard Hughes was a gutsy eccentric man who walked the wire between Genius and Madness.

The car was on display at the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville Oregon alongside the "World Famous Spruce Goose" May 18th through 24th 2009. The car used to be stored in the same hanger with the "Spruce Goose" in California when Hughes still owned them. The Spruce Goose was restored and open to the public in 2003. this Hughes car was unveiled after a complete frame-off restoration  May 18th 2009. A completely stock 1936 K-model limousine that was once owned by Richard Ringling of the famous "Ringling Brothers Circus" was on display as well. to show the dynamic change that Hughes implemented when customizing his limousine.      

During a Frame off Restoration the car was restored to original converted condition as Howard Hughes himself wanted it. Almost all metal including the aluminum on the boat tail is completely original. The wood dash was in great condition but needed to be refinished. Restoration experts found a 1936 credit card issued to Howard Hughes and also signed by Howard Hughes In 1936 by C. D. Rand & Co. which was for purchasing tires. tubes. batteries. nbsp;along with other automotive related items. While dismantling the dash and glove box of the vehicle during restoration. The card appears to be in very good condition. It was found under the wood and fabric that covers the inside of the glove box door. It appears Hughes or his driver may have opened the glove box door just a bit. then slid the card down the inside of the glove box but didn't realize it was actually sliding down behind the lining fabric and the wood support of the glove box door. It has been recently found after being lost for over 73 years.

This is a truly unique one of a kind car owned by one of the most Powerful and Important people of U. S. History. Car has been in Scottsdale International Arizona Museum for years. Recently moved. and now offered for sale out of a private collection.  In 2010. the car won the coveted people's choice award during the 
Auburn Concords De Elegance! I am sure if you are interested in purchasing you will see how famous this car is. Please call me with questions at 541. 301. 6862

Also published at eBay.com

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