1923 Lincoln Touring Car, Thomas Edison's Personal Car

Summary

Henry Leland formed Lincoln Motor Company in 1917 to build military aircraft engines. After World War I, Lincoln built luxury automobiles. While Leland's cars were well engineered and manufactured, they weren't particularly stylish for a premium brand. Financial problems forced Leland to sell to Henry Ford in 1922. This Lincoln was given to Ford's friend and mentor, Thomas Edison.

Henry Leland formed Lincoln Motor Company in 1917 to build military aircraft engines. After World War I, Lincoln built luxury automobiles. While Leland's cars were well engineered and manufactured, they weren't particularly stylish for a premium brand. Financial problems forced Leland to sell to Henry Ford in 1922. This Lincoln was given to Ford's friend and mentor, Thomas Edison.

Artifact

Automobile

Date Made

1923

Creators

Ford Motor Company. Lincoln Motor Company 

Place of Creation

United States, Michigan, Detroit 

Creator Notes

Made by the Lincoln Motor Company Division of Ford Motor Company in Detroit, Michigan.

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

43.30.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mina Miller Edison.

Material

Metal
Steel (Alloy)
Canvas
Leather
Rubber (Material)
Wood (Plant material)

Color

Dark green
Black (Color)
Brown
Light green

Dimensions

Height: 78.5 in

Width: 63 in

Length: 209 in

Wheelbase: 136 in

Inscriptions

Plate inside hood marked: LINCOLN CAR / NO.12578 / LICENSED UNDER THE FOLLOWING PATENTS / (From April 28, 1908 to February 8, 1916) / FORD MOTOR COMPANY / LINCOLN MOTOR CO. DIVISION / DETROIT--U.S.A. Headlights marked: RYAN LITE HEAD LAMP Hubs marked: FORD / LINCOLN / DETROIT

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More