Its new 145-inch-wheelbase chassis carried a modernized, 120-bhp V-eight that retained "fork-and-blade" rods and three-piece forged-iron block/crankcase meeting, Leland engineering features that let advertisements dwell lovingly on "precision-built" high quality. By 1940 it was out there only by particular order, built on chassis completed throughout 1939. (The biggest of these, the 160-inch-wheelbase "Sunshine Special," served as the parade car of presidents Roosevelt and Truman. Zephyr mechanical alterations before 1940 adopted these of different Ford Motor Company vehicles. At first, Ford Motor Firm did little to alter or replace the Lincoln Model L that Leland had designed round 1920. Powered by a 385-cid V-8 with ninety brake horsepower, it was beautifully constructed and handsomely furnished. Its chassis was dimensionally the identical because the outdated Mannequin L's however structurally equal to the new KB's. The new chassis was large, with 9-inch-deep facet rails and six crossmembers with cruciform bracing. High velocity was over 87 mph, and a 4.33:1 rear axle, chosen for low-finish acceleration over all-out pace, made for 0-50 mph in 10.Eight seconds and 30-50 mph in six seconds flat. An elective two-pace Columbia rear axle came alongside, lowering engine velocity by 28 p.c in its larger cruising ratio.
