1942 Lincoln Continental

Inspired by an extended 1938 tour of European auto salons and design houses, Edsel Ford conceived a custom automobile for use while vacationing at his Palm Beach, Florida estate. With Ford contributing a basic outline for this bespoke automobile, his personal design assistant, former yacht architect Eugene Turrenne Bob Gregorie, executed the final design for Edsel's thoroughly continental automobile. Basing the car on the Lincoln Zephyr, Gregorie sketched low-slung, channeled cabriolet coach work, lengthening the hood by 12 inches, removing 4 inches from the body to lower the car, and eliminating the running boards. To maintain his vision of a long, speedy machine, Edsel insisted on the spare tire being mounted at the rear, giving birth to the famous Continental kit. Produced from 1939 until the conversion of the automobile industry to wartime production in 1942, the first-generation Lincoln Continentals remain an icon of classic design, selected and displayed by the Museum of Modern Art in 1946 as one of eight automobiles chosen for their excellence as works of art. Restored to magnificent condition, this majestic 1942 Lincoln Continental Convertible is one of only 136 produced in that shortened production year and is believed to be one of just 27 left in existence. It was refreshed in the correct Cheswyn Beige and features a burgundy leather-upholstered interior with the gold interior bright trim and accents seen only in 1942 models. The two-spoke steering wheel, Bakelite switchgear and other non-metal trim are colored to match the gold interior plating, drawing a visual link to the hydraulically-controlled tan soft top and matching top boot. The engine compartment hosts a meticulously detailed 305 CI V-12 engine mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with manual overdrive. The exterior presents the redesigned front-end treatment and Ball and Wing mascot hood ornament, both also exclusive to 1942 models. Wide whitewall tires on painted steel wheels, chromed wheel covers and fender skirts complete the hallmark design that makes this Series I Continental one of America's great automotive treasures. The automobile offered here is one of only a few 1942 Lincoln Continental Cabriolets that are thought to survive. The subject of an older ground up restoration, the car presents beautifully today. Finished in Victoria Coach Maroon paint, with a tan leather interior and tan top, the condition of the leather is very good showing only very slight signs of use on the driver's side. The paint quality is very good, with nice panel fit and finish. The fully restored dashboard is pure 1940s glamour, trimmed in proper gold accents that gleam in elegant compliment to both the exterior and the interior. Being a very prestigious car in its day, it is well-equipped with a radio, heater, power windows, power operated convertible top, clock, and full instrumentation. The wheels are finished with correct chrome hubcaps and trim rings that are in very good condition and the polished chrome trim on the exterior is also in very good condition The flathead V12 engine looks impressive and is very well detailed in the engine bay. This engine was never intended to make big power, but rather, it was highly regarded for its smoothness in operation. Quiet, silky and with a broad, flat torque curve, it provides effortless operation whether tooling around town or touring long distances on main roads. A three speed manual transmission feeds power to a standard Columbia 2-speed overdrive rear axle. The car drives smoothly and almost silently, seeming to practically float over the road in comparison with its pre-war contemporaries. This is more than a beautiful car. The restoration is nice, and it has seen regular use since the restoration was completed. This pre-war Lincoln Continental Cabriolet would be welcomed by the Classic Car Club of America, the Antique Automobile Club of America and the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club - as well