Vehicle Description
Remarkably well documented history having only 4 owners from new!�
Survives with all original body and chassis, never being exposed
to�inclement weather!� Total history included with a�compassionate
total restoration in 2007!� One of the most stunning you will ever
find!� AACA Senior winner, and multiple LCOC National 1st Place
winner, including Best in Class FOMOCO Trophy! Developed from 1939
through 1948, the first generation Lincoln Continental was
interrupted in production by World War II, where no automobiles
were produced by any American auto makers between the years of
1942-1945. With its return to production in 1946, the Continental
was revised with subtle changed to both the style, but also to the
vulnerable V12 engine. The former 292ci V12 engine received several
improvements that included high capacity oil pumps, cast iron
heads, and stronger internals all to improve cooling capacity and
longevity of the engine overall, and provide extra horsepower.
These H-Series Continentals produced from 1946-1948 are considered
the most collectible of the 1st generation for this reason. The
entire selection of Lincoln-Zephyr V12 powered Continentals are
recognized by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full
Classic, making them one the last, and youngest, to ever be
considered by the club. We are excited to offer this 1948 Lincoln
Continental Cabriolet finished in Pace Car Yellow over Brown
Leather interior with new Tan Stayfast canvass convertible and
matching boot cover! Powered by its original 292ci V12
Lincoln-Zephyr power plant producing an estimated 125 horsepower
and 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, this wonderful
example runs as smooth as it looks! Options include AM radio with
vacuum antenna, 15" steel wheels fitted with Firestone Deluxe
Champion 4-ply wide whitewall tires, fog lamps, continental spare
tire, rear fender skirts, locking glove box & trunk, dash clock,
hydraulic power top & windows, under seat heaters & windscreen
defrost, front & rear bumper guards with wing tips, dual outside
mirrors, and more! The history of this Continental Cabriolet is
exceptional, with a life beginning on a short trip destined for Los
Angeles, California after being ordered by Foothill Motors of
Pasadena. The trip was interrupted by Lee Butler of Butler Lincoln
Motors of Washington D.C. after a special request from Dr. Erwin
Ruth, who requested a 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet as a
Christmas gift for his mistress, Marie Carmen Duff, some 32 years
younger than him. It was diverted from its westward destination and
awarded to Ms. Duff in December 1947. Turns out, she never learned
to drive and the car was garaged most of its early years, driven
only in the summer months with Dr. Ruth behind the wheel through
1959. It was decided to have the car repainted that Fall of 1959,
only to have the painter fail to meet expectations. In frustration,
the doctor would park the Lincoln back in the garage, on blocks,
with the gas tank full, and he engine completely filled with oil.
It would stay in this pickled state until his death in October 1969
at 80 years of age. Ms. Duff, still remaining a companion to Dr.
Ruth, was asked to sell the car to his longtime friend, Thomas
Lerch, when he died. Tom took possession in October 1970 and drove
it for the first time, after extensive engine and brake readiness,
the summer of 1971. Being a military person soon to be stationed in
Kabul, Afghanistan, the car would be parked again through October
1973. Upon return, Mr. Lerch then relocated from Washington D.C. to
Bethesda, MD, then on to North Canton, Ohio. His remarkable care
and meticulous maintenance records are fully documented in his
personal log book! He detailed every single service, complete
engine overhaul, all mileage indications, oil changes, chassis
lubrications, cleaning & waxing dates, and of course all events he
participated in. These included year-to-year Lincoln & Continental
Owner's Club National Meeting, and numerous CCCA CARavan tours!
This beautiful example was most recently located in Springfield, IL
were it has been garage kept & maintained by its former owner,
Cliff Greenwalt, since 2004. Mr. Greenwalt followed in perfect
order with a superb, and very complete, total restoration of the
body and mechanicals. Credit for the complete bare metal repaint
goes to Kenny Crow of Wavery, IL, and the engine overhaul
compliments to Dubin Auto Garage, also of Waverly, IL. Less than
1,000 miles are on the completed car, 965 miles to be exact,
finished in 2007. The exterior paint has been beautifully polished,
and the engine bay has been fully detailed for shows! Whether the
top is up or down, it shows extremely well from all angles! The
chassis and undercarriage are in solid condition and present very
well. We invite prospective buyers to come and view this vehicle in
person or to call with additional questions. This represents a
great opportunity to own a final year, first generation Continental
and one of the last V12 powered cars produced by any American auto
manufacturer! Thanks for looking!