Vehicle Description
In the mid-1930s, Lincoln was at a crossroads. While undoubtedly an
excellent car, the large Model K was rapidly falling out of fashion
as buyers turned away from the extravagant coachbuilt machines of
the recent past. In 1935, just 2,000 customers opted for the Model
K, and the company indeed would have folded were it not for the
arrival of the Lincoln-Zephyr that year. The Zephyr was an entirely
new, smaller Lincoln. It still featured a V12 engine, but at 267
cubic inches, it was half the size of the mighty Model K. With
stunning body styling by great John Tjaarda, the Zephyr quite
literally saved Lincoln, immediately outselling the Model K by a
factor of six. Lincoln's president, Edsel Ford, was well known for
his impeccable sense of style and appreciation of design. He often
commissioned unique cars to show off to his wealthy friends, with
the surreptitious intent of gauging public interest. Upon returning
from a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel sketched an idea for a new
luxury car based on a Ford chassis and shared it with his friend
and chief designer, Eugene T "Bob" Gregorie. Bob translated that
sketch into a series of detailed drawings, though using the Zephyr
as the basis. Gregorie heavily reworked the body by extending the
hood and fenders, sectioning four inches horizontally, and
integrating a "bustle back" trunk with a rear-mounted spare wheel.
Edsel took the completed car to his vacation home in Florida that
winter, and legend says he received 200 orders. Even if that
stretches the truth, there's no disputing the car was well
received. Continental production began in December 1939, initially
as a cabriolet only, with the coupe following soon after. Sales
were understandably modest, with just 404 built the first year and
1,250 the next. Regardless of sales figures, the new Continental
was a trend-setter. Celebrities like Jackie Cooper counted among
Continental owners, as did Raymond Loewy and Frank Lloyd Wright.
The Continental was updated for the 1942 model year with a new
front-end design highlighted by a wider, horizontal grille. As with
the rest of the industry, the US involvement in World War II halted
car production, and just 136 Continental Cabriolets and 200 Coupes
were completed in the '42 model year, making them the rarest of all
pre-war Continentals. In its elegant dark blue livery, this 1942
Continental Cabriolet is one of the finest examples of its kind
we've encountered. It was treated to a comprehensive nut-and-bolt
restoration completed around 2010, and it remains in outstanding
condition today. It came into the most recent owner's care in 2013
and has been meticulously maintained as part of a private
collection of exceptional motorcars. It looks particularly handsome
in this shade of dark blue, and the high-quality paintwork is laid
down on straight, precisely aligned panels. The exterior brightwork
is correct for a '42 model and has been well restored overall, with
a few items displaying light patina. Details like the intricately
detailed grille, gold-accented art-deco mascot, and pushbutton door
handles are all faithfully presented. The Continental's cabin
blends sophisticated European style with American opulence.
Art-deco influence is apparent in the beautifully styled dash with
gold-plated trim, central ventilation controls, and instrument
bezels. Gold plated top latches, sun visor hardware, and other
minor fixtures continue the theme, while luxury extras include a
factory AM radio and power-operated windows. The seats and door
cards are trimmed in a striking brick-red leather, which is
beautifully supple and displays a light character from occasional
use, while carpets are like-new. The overall finish quality of the
cabin is outstanding, and it remains in excellent condition since
its restoration, with only some minor cracking in the steering
wheel being noted. Capping it off (literally) is a beige canvas
soft top with a matching canvas boot, both in fine order. The
Continental is powered by a silky smooth 306 cubic-inch L-head V12,
factory rated at 130 horsepower, and backed by a 3-speed manual
gearbox with column shift, ensuring effortless progress along your
favorite country lanes. This car features the correct single
downdraught carburetor with remote oil-bath air cleaner and is
well-detailed with authentic labels and decals. It runs
beautifully, with all the power and refinement expected from a
Lincoln V12. Collectors prize early Lincoln Continentals as they
deliver prestige, rarity, and exceptional road manners in one
uniquely stylish package. They are also an approved Classic Car
Club of America Full Classic� and are a popular choice for CARavan
tours. This superb example would be at home in Lincoln &
Continental Owners Club and AACA events. Benefitting from a
high-quality restoration and years of care in world-class
collections, this desirably '42 Cabriolet represents an ideal
opportunity to acquire one of the rarest Lincolns of the period.
Offers welcome and trades considered For additional details please
view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7066-1942-lincoln-continental/
