Lincoln is a name that sticks out in the annals of American motor history. The rich tapestry of American automotive history is woven throughout the legacy of Lincoln vehicles. The origins of Lincoln vehicles may be found in a contentious 1917 dispute between Cadillac’s Billy Durant and Henry M. Leland, along with his son Wilfred. Because of this disagreement, the Lelands split from Cadillac and founded the Lincoln Motor Company. Their primary concentration during World War I was on manufacturing Liberty airplane engines. However, during the war, they had to consider possibly repurposing their aircraft engine facility, which employed 6,000 people.
The Lelands ventured into the realm of vehicles and discovered a solution. The Lincoln V8 debuted in the autumn of 1920, launching a storied automaker. The Lincoln V8 was distinguished from its peers, including Cadillac, by its unique design. The Lincoln V8 engine used a 60° angle between each bank of cylinders instead of the joint 90° angle seen in V8 engines. Lincoln’s outstanding performance was enhanced by this distinctive design.
While the engineering and performance of the Lincoln were commendable, the initial reception was mixed. Many orders were placed before the first Lincoln rolled off the production line, but some buyers canceled their orders upon seeing the cars. The issue? Body styling. Some found it uninspired and old-fashioned.
Ford’s Acquisition
The business was up for sale in 1922 because of financial difficulties and lower-than-expected sales volume. At this point, Henry Ford paid $8 million to purchase the company. Lincoln’s history underwent a sea change when Ford was acquired because he wanted to give the brand new vitality and direction.
Lincoln started to prosper when Ford owned it. The firm began producing 5,767 cars in 1922, but by 1926, yearly output had skyrocketed to 8,858. Despite these remarkable figures, it’s important to remember that Cadillac built 27,340 more automobiles in 1926 than Lincoln. Lincoln, though, was moving up the ladder.
Classic Lincoln Automobiles
After looking at Lincoln’s history, let’s move on to some vintage Lincoln cars that may be found in Tacoma, Washington’s LeMay America’s Automobile Museum.
1930 Lincoln L Brougham
The 1930 Lincoln L Brougham exudes sophistication. Its rear passenger compartment includes small fold-out ‘jump seats,’ the front-opening style doors were a hit among high-end car enthusiasts of its time. This masterpiece, which has a V8 engine with 348.8 cubic inches and 90 horsepower, was built by Brunn and Co.
Organizing Your Trip to the United States Auto Museum
Now that you’re eager to learn more about classic Lincoln cars plan a visit to America’s Car Museum. Take into account the following vital facts to make sure you get the most out of your experience:
Which America’s Car Museum Are You Interested In?
• LeMay – America’s Car Museum in Tacoma, Washington
• The Petersen Motor Museum in Los Angeles, California
Group Size and Discounts
• How many people are in your group? Ticket prices may vary from age to group size.
• Do you have any discounts or memberships?
Museum Tickets
| Museum | Adult Admission | Child Admission | Senior/Military Admission | Discounts | Free Entry | Purchase Options |
| LeMay – America’s Car Museum | $28 | $16 (ages 6-17) | $23 | Passport Unlimited: 10% off, Museums For All: $3 admission for up to 4 visitors per EBT/SNAP card | None | Online or at the museum |
| The Petersen Automotive Museum | $35 | $15 (ages 3-11) | $25 (62+) & Students | AAA: $5 off | Children under 3 | Online or at the museum |
Visitor Reviews
LeMay – America’s Car Museum: LeMay – America’s Car Museum has received excellent feedback; the museum has garnered visitors’ appreciation for its striking structure and enthusiastic personnel.
• The building itself is amazing, but not all the amazing vehicles. The staff are passionate about the place and love to talk about any of the vehicles.
• Something for everyone! I enjoyed the museum’s structure; there are many more floors than you see from the outside. I took loads of pictures but am not displaying them, so you have to go and see them in person!!
Big Wheels, Bigger Decisions: Navigating the “Biggest” Car Museum Maze
Forget size 10s; we’re talking four-wheeled giants when it comes to “biggest” car museums. Two contenders steal the show:
Gilmore Car Museum:
- Size matters. Boasting North America’s most extensive collection, with over 400 gleaming specimens from vintage sedans to roaring motorcycles. Buckle up for a diverse journey through automotive history, spanning eras and brands.
- Charm offensive: Nestled in historic buildings, the museum whispers tales of yesteryear. Immerse yourself in the nostalgia of restored gas stations and vintage diners, feeling the past come alive.
LeMay – America’s Car Museum:
- Massive sprawl: LeMay has 190,000 square feet of breathing room for its remarkable collection, so forget about claustrophobic hallways. Marvel at the architectural wonder that houses these priceless automobiles as you stroll down vast halls.
- Hollywood whispers: More than just cars, LeMay tells the story of Hollywood’s love affair with the automobile. Spot movie icons, celebrity-owned rides, and iconic designs that made silver screen magic.
So, which “biggest” deserves your visit?
- Numberphile: Gilmore’s sheer quantity is a magnet for those who want to see it all. From Duesenbergs to Model Ts, prepare for a variety of car games.
- Aesthete: LeMay’s architectural grandeur and spacious layout are a feast for the eyes. Wander through its halls feeling like you’ve stepped into a cinematic dream.
- Hybrid heart: Can’t choose? Why not both? Each museum offers a unique perspective, and a double dose of car heaven might cure your automotive wanderlust.
Revving Up Your Museum Choices: Hollywood vs. History
Traveling through Tinseltown: Explore the opulent realm of Hollywood automobiles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. Here, classic film machines take center stage, revealing the innermost thoughts of legendary actors and heart-pounding chase scenes. This is more than simply a museum; it’s a doorway into the fantasy world of celluloid, offering you a chance to view automotive history via the prism of magical film.
As you look deeper at American creativity at Henry Ford’s Museum of American Innovation in Dearborn, prepare for time travel. This museum is more than automobiles; it’s a colorful tapestry with threads of invention, technology, and human ingenuity. Get ready to be carried away on a trip through American history where the Ford Model T represents more than just a car. Instead, it symbolizes industrial force and social upheaval.
So, which museum gets your motor running?
- For movie buffs and car enthusiasts, Petersen is your paradise, with its glittering Hollywood rides and interactive exhibits.
- For history buffs and those seeking a broader context, Henry Ford’s Museum offers a more comprehensive immersion into American history, with cars as a critical driver of progress.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your passion. Do you long for the sparkle and glamour of the big screen films in Hollywood? Or do you long for a more profound comprehension of the factors that influenced the development of America’s auto industry? Whichever museum you decide on, prepare for a fantastic journey through time!
The world of vintage Lincoln vehicles and US auto museums is fascinating. There is a museum waiting to stoke your passion for automobiles, whether you are drawn to the enormous collections of historic vehicles or the timeless elegance of antique Lincolns. So prepare, plan travel, and embark on an innovative and historical adventure to America’s Car Museums!
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