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
beautifullyCCCA 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.
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, 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!
