Although Lincoln catalogued the KB Dietrich Convertible Sedan for the 1933 model year, only 15 of the splendid automobiles were created. Today, just six of these exclusive automobiles are known to exist in any form. The Dietrich Convertible Sedan presented here, chassis KB2005, is the earliest of the six surviving examples, and the only one known that features the beautiful early style open fenders. Shortly after production commenced, these attractive wings were revised with more modern skirting.

Tracing back to its beginnings, this Lincoln was originally delivered to a customer in Long Island, New York. In the 1950s, Jack Pope of Indianapolis acquired the KB, and earned Senior Classic status from the CCCA. In 1971, Mr. Pope sold the KB to Art Graver of San Francisco, California, who enjoyed the car for a number of years, and by the end of the decade, Mr. Graver had disassembled the Lincoln to begin an extensive restoration. The engine and top were sent to specialists, while the balance of the car remained in his garage.

In 1991, Lincoln enthusiast Lee Gurvey purchased the Lincoln, still disassembled, from Mr. Graver’s widow and entrusted its completion to the noted Chicago restorer Fran Roxas. Subsequently, every aspect of the KB was addressed and, discovering intact original finishes, the restoration was completed in the car’s original colors. After a year of expert work, the KB returned to the road, looking as splendid as the day it was delivered.

Over the next few years, the Lincoln embarked on a grand tour of American concours events, collecting a number of notable honors along the way. The magnificent classic received a perfect score at the Illinois Regional Concours d’Elegance, an AACA Junior Award and President’s Cup at the Hershey Meet, and a CCCA Premier Award at a Grand Classic. Perhaps the most significant awards were earned at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® in 1992, where the Dietrich-bodied Lincoln achieved First in Class as well as the coveted Most Elegant Convertible award. In 1997, after years of accumulating trophies, famed collector Otis Chandler purchased the much-admired KB and kept it in his peerless collection of American classics until his passing in 2006, when it became part of the collection of another respected California enthusiast. In 2013, the KB was acquired by the admired collector John Shibles of Sea Girt, New Jersey, where it remained until his recent passing, prior to its acquisition by the consignor.

Accompanied by a significant file of records, there is much to admire about this coachbuilt KB. With its elegant design, high-quality coachwork, impressive provenance, and award-winning restoration, there is no doubt that it will occupy a place of distinction in the collection of its next caretaker.