Howard Hughes’ Lincoln speedster offered in Tulsa

This 1936 Lincoln, modified into a boattail speedster, and once
owned by the legendary Howard Hughes, will be offered for sale
at the Leake Tulsa auction. (Leake Auction Co. photo)

Leake Auction Co. recently announced that a 1936 Lincoln boattail speedster once owned by Howard Hughes will be auctioned during its sale, June 12-14, in the QuikTrip Center in Tulsa, Okla. Previously used as Hughes’ personal limousine, the Lincoln was completely redesigned and restructured into a boattail speedster.

“This is a unique vehicle, and we feel privileged to have the opportunity to auction it in Tulsa,” said Richard Sevenoaks, president of Leake Auction Co. “Howard Hughes was a complex man and this car is a reflection of its unique creator.”

Hughes reduced the weight of the vehicle and modified its engine to run up to 100 mph. It was rumored that Hughes did this to compete in a speed or endurance contest or possibly to develop his version of the concept car. The Lincoln recently completed a body-off-frame restoration.

Because of the car’s aerodynamic design, it was able to get close to an aircraft while filming without disrupting the aircraft’s natural airflow.
Although there is not a definite reason why Hughes built the vehicle, it remains unique and eccentric like its creator. The Lincoln is like a window into the soul of a man who walked the wire between genius and madness.

Many remember Howard Hughes as a wealthy, paranoid recluse. Hughes was, in fact, an innovative businessman. Not only was he a movie producer, mining mogul and a casino owner, he was an avid aircraft inventor and pilot. He set many aviation world records, including his 1938 flight around the world in a little more than 91 hours. Several business dealings in 1960 allowed Hughes’ wealth to reach one billion dollars, a staggering amount for that time.

For more information on this auction, contact 918-254-7077 or visit www.leakecar.com.