Introduced in late 1935 as a 1936 model, the Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely modern for its time with a low raked windscreen, integrated fenders and streamlined aerodynamic design.
The name "Zephyr" was derived from the Greek word “Zephyrus” which translates to “God of the West Wind”. The Zephyr is credited as the first successful streamlined American car due in part to the prow-like front grille which reflected the popularity of leisure speedboats of the day.
The cars were luxuriously appointed and were priced less than the traditional K-series, yet still offered the prestige of a twelve-cylinder engine. The silky smooth, 70-degree V-12 was derived from Ford’s venerable Flathead V-8, and boasted 110 hp from 267 cubic inches.
The model succeeded in reigniting sales at Lincoln dealerships in the late 1930's, and from the 1941 model year, all Lincolns were Zephyr-based.
Of the six body styles offered in the Zephyr line up, it is the three-window coupe that is the rarest and most desirable due to its flowing lines and art deco “tear drop” styling.
1938 was the second year of the Zephyr three-window coupe series that Lincoln produced for only six years (1937 to 1942).
The 1938 three-window coupe is harder to find than the first series 1937 as production dropped by around 50% to only 2,600.
Following the 1937 model year, designer E.T. “Bob” Gregorie gave the car a new nose with twin grills placed in between the front fenders. This helped improve cooling. The V shaped nose was softened and the headlamps made flush with the fender contours.
This gorgeous 1938 three-window coupe is an extremely rare and desirable survivor that has retained its original specifications over its 80 years. It has never been fully restored.
It is model 86H-720 and retains its original 110 bhp, 267.3 CU L head V-12 engine that runs silky smooth and has good power.
The car also has it's original 3 speed manual transmission, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs and 4-wheel mechanical drum brakes.
It has the optional Columbia 2-speed rear axle for great highway cruising.
The car is mechanically “sorted”. All instruments work, even the clock and the original valve radio.
Apart from two panels that appear to have been resprayed some time ago, it retains all its original paint and body panels. The interior is original and in outstanding condition for its age with appropriate patina for such an original car.
We have the complete ownership history of this car. It was originally purchased by an Alabama plantation owner who willed it to his servant upon his death. It has since passed through 6 pairs of hands.
The Zephyr’s streamlined styling was credited to designer John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Company with help from a young Ford designer named Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie, who later became Ford’s first “Chief of Design”
The car that is for sale here was driven to Bob Gregorie’s home in August 2002 and an article written about the car and the visit in the periodical “The Way of the Zephyr” [Jan - Feb 2003] just prior to Bob’s passing. A copy of this article accompanies the car.
In addition to this, the car comes with an original Zephyr reference book, rare original advertising brochures and historical photos.
This car has been kept in a temperature controlled environment for many years.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to own an original 1938 Lincoln Zephyr three-window coupe with such history and provenance. They are only original once.
Nothing to do but turn the key and enjoy the drive.
