Vehicle Description
Luxury at its finest. West Coast Classics are proud to present an
absolutely exceptional and outstanding example of a 1940 Lincoln
Zephyr V12 Continental Convertible. Reportedly only 350 of these
hand built 1940 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Continental Convertible models
were built with very few still known to exist according to the
Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club.One of just 350 cabriolets built in
1940Older restoration from a renown collection that presents
beautifullyV-12 backed with highly desirable overdrive
transmissionCCCA Full Classic This was one of the sweetest rides
you could by in 1940. Imagine the looks back in the day, to drive a
sporty luxury convertible and these prestigious Lincoln Zephyr
models were all of that and more. The Zephyr was Lincoln's response
to the depression and one of major significance. It was seen as the
first successfully designed streamlined car available in the U.S.
and was powered by a water cooled 4784cc (292c.i.) V12 engine on a
125" wheelbase! Vacuum assisted brakes were standard, important for
stopping well for such a large car, and a 3 speed gearbox was
matched to a Columbia two speed rear axle. Introduced in 1936 and
structurally revised for 1940 and heavily face lifted, not for the
better, in 1942. It returned after the war as a warmed up
continuation but without the Zephyr name.With just 350 convertibles
and 54 coupes produced, the beautifully styled Continental found
adoration within the art and automotive worlds, with Frank Lloyd
Wright and Rita Hayworth among the cars noteworthy owners. It would
become the basis for the Lincoln image for the next nine decades.
With a few scattered years of non-production, the Continental was
manufactured in 10 generations and for a total of 55 years until
its most recent discontinuation in 2020.The stunning example
offered here was assembled at the Long Beach, California plant on
22 May 1940, according to the cars build sheet. Shipped to its
original owner on 29 May 1940, the car was nicely appointed with
whitewall tires, radio, two-speed rear axle, clock, and the
optional stone deflector, this stylish and rare Continental
cabriolet must have turned heads in 1940, as it does today. In
recent years it has been kept in the same show-ready condition by
the collection staff and is in as fine condition as the day it was
last restored.The car is strikingly handsome in an Ivory finish
that showcases the cars voluptuous lines, this Continental features
a light color leather interior that coordinates well with the
exterior. Fitted with the legendary Lincoln V-12 and an overdrive
transmission, this rare and stylish 1940 Continental Cabriolet
makes an ideal choice for further touring, or simply cruising on
the great American highway, just as it did for the man who
conceived the legendary car from the start, Edsel Ford. You will be
hard pressed to find anyone to dispute that the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr
Continental Convertible is one of the most elegant automobiles ever
to roll off the Lincoln assembly line. Originally designed as a
custom bodied special for Edsel Ford, Bob Gregorie's 'Mark I'
Convertible seems to only look better and better as the years have
passed. Powered by the long stroke V12 derived from Ford's flathead
V8 and one of the first cars ever to be recognized as something
more than just an automobile by both the 'New York's Museum of
Modern Art' amp; the 'Classic Car Club of America', amongst others,
and one of the finest examples of automobile as art it remains to
this day. An ageless design to be sure and a highly coveted CCCA
Classic making these particular 1940 cars extremely collectible and
prized amongst Zephyr enthusiasts.More than almost 80 years later
they are one of the few such models still as attractive today as
they were to buyers when new. Of all the elegant models produced,
the convertible is the rarest with only 350 manufactured in 1940
and with very few known to remain according to the LZOC. The car
was built on a 125 inch wheelbase channel section frame with a
central X crossmember. Inside bench seats dressed in light color
leather seat four comfortably and the car boasts a woodgrain
instrument panel that houses the standard array of Gold tone gauges
in a beautiful period Art Deco theme with its original AM radio!
The clock matching the speedometer dresses up the passenger side
and the car has a power top and original factory added options of
both the AM Radio and Heater and side mirror.Moving this nearly
4,000 pound convertible is its original V12 engine mated to its
original standard column shift 3 speed manual transmission which
featured synchronized second and third gears. This rare Lincoln
will still run down the road at freeway speeds with no hesitation,
she has no wobbles or creaks. This car is an all steel car. She has
obviously been in a private collection in a controlled environment
for many years.This particular example was beautifully and
painstakingly restored with no expense spared some years ago prior
to being acquired by its long time collector owner in this 'Ivory'
color which is stunningly striking along with its white wall tires
and Zephyr wheels. The leather interior with wool carpets has also
been faithfully reupholstered and is in exceptional condition
throughout and the correct factory canvas power Tan top is also in
exceptional condition. There can only be very few miles on the car
since it's unibody (body welded to the frame) cosmetic and
mechanical restoration. This is a rust free car that retains all of
its original body panels including floors, rockers, and trunk with
very straight panels. That factor is extremely important on a
unibody designed car such as this. Completely restored from the
ground up mechanically, cosmetically, and correctly. All the chrome
has been replated including top bows, seat hardware, etc. Gold tone
gauge cluster and the woodgrain were also fully restored. The floor
boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas are completely
solid and rust-free and the car has has no signs of any accidents -
a razor straight body and obviously an always garaged and cherished
car since new with no rust! The original spare wheel and tire and
factory tools are still located in their rightful storage place in
the trunk.The original V12 292 c.i. engine is extremely strong and
powerful and this particular car drives magnificently - must be
driven to be fully appreciated - drives straight as an arrow with
no strange road wobbles, shakes or rattles - a truly remarkable
daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's
money! This is a rare opportunity to own a beautifully restored
1940 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Continental Convertible, recently acquired
from a prominent collection and a car which has obviously always
been exquisitely maintained and stored the car under the most ideal
conditions, this is definitely a car you can show and enjoy today
and which is undisputedly very rare, highly desirable, and a superb
collectible and unabused example of one of the outstanding designs
of the early forties pre-war art deco period!This is one very
desirable pre-war CCCA full classic for any classic American car
enthusiast or collector to add to his collection, a very honest and
exquisitely restored, both cosmetically and mechanically, example
of a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Continental Convertible and a
sure-fire investment that's sure to appreciate over the years for
any classic American car collector or Lincoln Zephyr enthusiast!
