Vehicle Description
In the early 1930s, Edsel Ford saw a need to fill an ever-widening
gap between the top Ford Deluxe models and the ultra-exclusive,
coachbuilt twelve-cylinder Lincoln K series. The era of custom
coachbuilding was waning, as buyers sought a more affordable "off
the shelf" luxury car, and Ford witnessed the success of Cadillac's
junior LaSalle brand. The solution came late in 1935 when Ford
Motor Company introduced the all-new Lincoln Zephyr. A streamlined,
luxuriously appointed production car, the new junior Lincoln was
positioned as the style-leader at Ford Motor Company, yet it still
offered the prestige of a twelve-cylinder engine. Priced for volume
sales, the Zephyr would prove to be the right move for Lincoln,
remaining popular with buyers from its introduction through the
car's replacement in 1946. To create the Zephyr, Edsel Ford teamed
up with the accomplished stylist Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie to design
the gorgeous streamlined body. Characterized by its pronounced
prow, waterfall-like grilles and pencil-thin chrome detailing, the
Zephyr was a masterpiece of Art-Deco industrial design. It is also
credited as the first commercially successful American streamlined
car, particularly when compared to the relative failure of the
Chrysler/DeSoto Airflow line. Using advanced techniques designed by
the brilliant engineer John Tjaarda, the Zephyr bodies were built
in steel by Briggs Manufacturing. This clever form of manufacturing
was a precursor to the modern unibody and allowed for a light yet
robust platform. The 70 degree V12 derived from Ford's venerable
Flathead V8 boasted a generous 110hp from 267 cubic inches and
delivered its power with turbine-like smoothness. The Zephyr
offered buyers outstanding performance and handling for its day,
and its success secured Lincoln's future as a leader in the
American luxury car market. Particularly in 3-window coupe form,
the Lincoln Zephyr is seen by many as one of the most beautiful
mass-produced American automobiles of all time. This stunning 1939
Zephyr is a beautiful example of the elegant and highly desirable
3-window coupe. Fully restored to a very high standard, this rare
Zephyr is one of just 2,500 of this body style built in 1939. A
copy of the build ledger from The Henry Ford shows this car was
completed on November 25, 1938, and delivered new via the Fargo
regional branch. Optional equipment included a radio, heater,
defroster, and Columbia two-speed rear axle. Finished in Coach
Maroon (which it wears today), it is believed the Alworth family of
Duluth originally purchased this car. The Alworths were wealthy
landowners, developers, and iron ore miners whose interests spanned
across Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin. According to information
from the previous owner, this car was chauffeur-driven during its
time with the Alworths, which is quite unusual considering the
3-window coupe was a sporty "personal" luxury car for the
owner-driver. Following a long period with the Alworth Family, the
Zephyr was acquired by fellow Minnesotan and avid marque enthusiast
Lloyd Pearson. Photos from approximately the 1970s show the Zephyr
Coupe in remarkably good condition, presumably thanks to the gentle
use it saw while serving the Alworths. Mr. Pearson is a well-known
figure in the Lincoln & Continental Owner's Club as well as the
AACA, having owned and restored several very important Zephyrs and
Continentals through the years. Following a careful restoration in
the late 1980s, this Zephyr Coupe was shown extensively in LCOC
regional and national events where it racked up numerous awards,
including Best in Show at the 1989 Eastern National Meet, as well
as receiving the Edsel Ford Trophy in 1992 and again in 1996.
Furthermore, it participated in the prestigious Meadowbrook
Concours in 2001. The Pearsons owned their beautiful coupe for many
years, selling it in 2013 to the third and most recent owner; a
collector of important late pre-war and early post-war American
cars. Under his ownership, the Zephyr was expertly maintained in
top cosmetic and mechanical condition and regularly used on the
road. Thanks to that meticulous care, this stunning Zephyr Coupe
remains genuinely outstanding, and as the restoration has mellowed
slightly, the paint quality and beautifully sculpted body present
in excellent condition. Exterior trim remains in lovely order as
well, with high-quality plating and polishing on the subtle chrome
trim. The body wears period correct "weeping willow" exterior
mirrors and beautiful elliptical wind wings. The detailing and
quality of the restoration remain very impressive, the car proudly
displaying its Lincoln Zephyr Owner's Club Senior and LCOC Major
Award badges. Occupants are treated to a finely restored interior
with tan leather showing some very light character from use, but
still appearing taut and remarkably fresh. The dash and steering
column wear correct brown paint, and the original switches,
controls, radio, and heater remain intact. The hallmark of the 1939
Zephyr interior is the "waterfall" center stack, with the big
instrument cluster sitting front and center; a lovely Deco touch
that complements the exterior styling. On the road, this Zephyr
truly impresses. The 267 cubic inch V12 starts with ease and runs
with its signature smoothness; barely perceptible at idle. It
drives beautifully as well, with relaxed performance and a
well-sorted feel even at highway speeds. The engine is properly
detailed with bare aluminum heads on the painted block, and good
quality black paintwork on the ancillaries. It is tidy and clean,
showing some signs of light use that are consistent with the car's
matured restoration. Of the six body styles offered in the
Lincoln-Zephyr lineup, it is the three-window coupe that is favored
by collectors for its elegance and purity of form. This Zephyr
Coupe is beautifully presented, with outstanding detail and
quality. It is a wonderful example that has been cherished by each
of its three owners, and it will surely reward the next keeper for
many years to come.