Vehicle Description
1948 Lincoln Continental
Based on the custom Lincoln built for Edsel Ford in 1938, the
Lincoln Continental was introduced in 1939 and established a new
standard for Ford's luxury brand. Although production ceased
immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the first-generation
Continental returned in 1946 and remained until 1948. Since then it
has been is recognized as a true classic which had Edsel Ford's
hand in the beginning of its making.
For consignment, a car from an era where status was measured by the
inch, and net worth was shown off by the amount of chrome that
could be attached to a car. This car has both the length and the
chrome, so its original owner was probably an important person, and
had the scratch to back it up. Slightly rodded with a late model
350ci engine, modern seats, and Cragar wheels.
Exterior
An older respray of Lincoln Maroon covers the straight steel
panels, pontoon fenders, and bathes the car everywhere other than
the abundant chrome. Areas of chipping and scratches of the paint
are seen. Worth the price of admission, the massive 3-tiered
waterfall wrap around bumpers are reminiscent of an old musical
movie set, that would have numerous dancers performing on many
levels. The front bumper appears nickel plated? The grill
performance is behind this massive bumper and is on 2 levels. The
lower level is a wide egg crate design that wraps the bottom of the
grille just above the bumper and houses big round fog lights. Above
this is a smaller wrap around V style egg crate grille, that
emulates the front of the hood line and has a near perfect
cloisonne badge in the center. Flanking on either side are the
single round headlights imbedded in the front of the pontoon
fenders that have propeller like chromed trim wings protruding from
either side which house turn signals and parking lighting. A large
rounded bump starts at the front of the hood and has an art deco
chromed sculptural hood ornament that announces the arrival of this
car, although with the aforementioned grille I cannot imagine you
would have missed it! Ultra-wide dual doors allow unlimited access
to the luxurious passenger compartment and gaps on these doors are
well minded. Bringing up the rear are more pontoon style fenders.
On the back wrap around 3 tier bumpers, art deco styled taillights,
a large hump backed trunk and the iconic Continental rear enclosed
spare tire. Wide whites hold up the weight of this car nicely and
wrap Cragar chromed spoked wheels.
Interior
Edsel Ford knew what he was doing when it came to excess, after all
he grew up with it all around him, although his father was very
conservative. This excess comes to fruition on the interior of this
massive automobile, where we now see push button door actuators,
power window toggles and stereo speakers. These rest in a field of
gray tuck and roll broadcloth panels. Later model bucket seats now
are inside upfront and also are in gray. On the modernized dash a
few mini lights, round VDO white faced gauges, a Pioneer
aftermarket AM/FM/CD player radio, and now A/C has been added. This
gray painted dash is fronted by a Grant rally style steering wheel
wrapped in maroon leather. In back is a large overstuffed rear
bench also in gray broadcloth and this has large arms to rest upon.
In the center a custom console has the buttons for the power seats
driver and passenger, and a Lokar shifter in the floor. Older faded
and somewhat stained carper in gray is on the floors, and a nice
gray headliner is above.
Drivetrain
After getting myself and 3 of my cohorts to help me lift the
massive hood (I'm being facetious), I am met with a 350ci Chevrolet
engine. Some polishing is noted throughout. A 4-barrel Edelbrock
carburetor is on top and on back is a 350 automatic
transmission.
Undercarriage
Plenty of nicely aged patina metal is underneath. Some slight
surface rust also is noted. A Mustang II front end is now on, and
disc brakes have been put on the front. In back a new fuel tank,
and a 10-bolt rear are now on. Frame and rockers are solid.
Drive-Ability
Hopping into this modern quasi rodder it is a slight difference
from the original version. The 350 cubes fired right up, and it was
off to the test track. Here it performed well with power steering
and power brakes, good acceleration and a cushy cruise.
Despite its minor faults, this massive collection of steel and
chrome, wrapped in art deco styling, and complete with a newer
engine, front suspension, and transmission, has an air of class.
Looking much like the original 48 Lincoln from the outside...within
rests the soul of a rebuild for performance.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
