- First year of production of this instant classic
- Considered to be Edsel Ford's greatest automotive accomplishment
- Recognized as a Full Classic® by the Classic Car Club of America
- Well-appointed with gold plated interior trim
- Well-preserved, high-quality older restoration; serviced in 2022, including a rebuilt water pump and radiator flush
LOT 307
Selling on Saturday
1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental Cabriolet
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
It is hard to pinpoint the main reason that Henry Ford purchased the Lincoln Motor Car Company from his old rival Henry Leland. Was he trying to help his former friend through hard times or did he have intentions from the beginning to edge both Leland and his son Wilfred out of the company? Regardless, within six months the Lelands had resigned from Lincoln and Henry Ford then put his son Edsel B. Ford in charge. The venerable Model Ls were well-engineered and it was with this same degree of perfection that Edsel Ford oversaw the eventual development of the next generation Model K and later the V-12 powered KA and KB models through the 1930s. These big Lincolns were attractive, carrying basic designs by the head of Ford Motor Company styling, E. T. "Bob" Gregorie. Regardless of the beauty or mechanical superiority many professed for these Lincolns, sales remained slow. In hopes of building market share for the failing brand, Edsel worked with Gregorie to create a new line of lower priced Lincolns that would still have V-12 engines but not be only for the very elite of the motoring world. Thus, Zephyr was born, offered in handsome sedans, sleek coupes, and fashionable convertible models. In the latter part of 1938, Edsel got together with Gregorie one more time and asked him to help develop a personal car that was sporty and had a continental air of elegance. In 1939, a one-off cabriolet was created and Edsel Ford appreciated the smart design that shared some of its Zephyr heritage while presenting a lower, more rakish design. Edsel used his new cabriolet liberally at his winter home in Florida and wherever he showed up with his new car, inquiries followed regarding the actual production of this vehicle. In October of that year, the first production unit was completed and released for purchase and immediately the new Lincoln Continental was the talk of the town. In the rather short 1940 model year, a total of 404 Continentals would be produced with the majority of them, or 350, being the attractive Cabriolet model.
This example from the first year of production is presented in an eye-catching and pleasing color combination of pure white with the biscuit leather seats inviting one to come and enjoy a most pleasurable motoring experience. With a heritage of having lived in Southern California most of its life, this handsome cabriolet is rust-free and has excellent bodywork with consistent and proper accent lines. The matching rear fender skirts promote the smart lines of Gregorie's original designs, while the snug and tight-fitting tan top, with the blind quarters, provides an air of mystique for those riding inside this motoring masterpiece. A pair of driving lights have been added to assist in nighttime driving. The interior is fitted with smooth leather seating surfaces while the door panels are also done in matching leather and stitched in a pattern that replicates this car when new. One very special feature of this cabriolet is that all exposed metallic interior appointments carry a gold-plated finish including the door handles, window cranks, gauge surrounds, and even the radio's speaker grille. Under the hood, the 292-cubic-inch, V-12 engine is detailed showing off the polished aluminum heads and properly detailed engine accessories including the oil-bath air cleaner. In addition to the factory installed hood-mounted dual tone horns, a special "Boulevard" musical tri-horn system has been installed. The odometer shows just under 48,700 miles; however, true mileage is not known.
This wonderful Continental Cabriolet presents a great opportunity to acquire a multi-cylinder American made automobile that has been considered an icon in the world of automotive design from its birth. A luxurious and exciting V-12 powered car that offered not only fashionable styling when first marketed but today represents one of the most sought-after Full Classics® that should not be kept hidden away, but taken out to be enjoyed and shared.
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