This 1936 Lincoln Special Limousine by Brunn carries a very unusual three-door body with high-roof styling. The interior provides a 'mobile office' passenger environment that is both purposeful in its features and rich in its details. Although the identity of the customer who ordered this very special Lincoln remains a mystery, one veteran Classic car specialist remembers coming across period photos of the car and recollects that it was built for a prominent east coast American industrialist.

Lincoln Motor Co. records provided by the Benson Ford Research Center show that 1936 V-12 chassis K-5820 was shipped from to Brunn & Company in Buffalo from the Lincoln plant in Dearborn on December 13, 1935. The 136-inch wheelbase chassis was dispatched with instrumentation, hood, fenders and covered dual spare tires in place. The build card notes the chassis was to receive a Special Limousine body, Brunn & Co. design number 2945. Powering K-5820 was the standard 414ci Lincoln K V-12, rated at 150hp.

The special coachwork for K-5820 may be based on a production Lincoln K sedan body shell. If so, Brunn modified the body so extensively that the result was essentially a one-off, full-custom, design. On the right, centered in the body side, a single and extra-tall door extends into the curvature of the roof crown. On the left, two doors are placed conventionally—but the driver's door is hinged at the center pillar, while most 1936 Lincoln closed cars had front doors hinged at the cowl. Brunn also raised the roofline several inches, a step that necessitated reshaping the windshield and all window openings, excepting the rear light.

Inside, there is deeply cushioned rear seating for two, while a single seat accommodates the chauffeur. All cushions are trimmed in black leather. The cabin layout is configured so that the driver can be completely closed off by glass partitions. A custom-fitted and locking wood cabinet is placed where the right-front passenger would normally sit. Rear compartment equipment includes an armrest-mounted Philco radio, and a corded electric microphone for communication with the chauffeur. The rear window glass retracts, presumably for added ventilation.

A CCCA Full Classic™ with a unique body design and details by one of the most renowned of American coachbuilders, this impressive Brunn-bodied 1936 Lincoln K limousine is presented in what appears to be remarkably fine original condition.