Vehicle Description
In the early 1930s, Ford Motor Company boss Edsel Ford keenly
recognized an ever-widening gap between the top Ford Deluxe models
and the ultra-exclusive, coachbuilt Lincoln K series. The era of
custom coachbuilding was waning, as buyers sought a more affordable
luxury car, and Ford was on the sideline as GM's LaSalle enjoyed
considerable success. In 1935, Edsel Ford announced the all-new
1936 Lincoln-Zephyr, a streamlined, luxuriously appointed
production car that was priced far less than the traditional
K-series, yet still offered the prestige of a twelve-cylinder
engine. The stylish Zephyr would be a win for Lincoln, with brisk
sales through the car's replacement in 1946. 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 that
delicately highlighted the curvaceous lines. A masterpiece of
industrial design, the Zephyr is often credited as the first
commercially successful American streamlined car, particularly when
compared to the relative failure of the Chrysler Airflow.
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. Not only was the Zephyr's styling
advanced, so was its construction. Engineer John Tjaarda developed
a "semi-monocoque" design, similar to the Chrysler Airflow. Zephyr
bodies were built by Briggs Mfg. and were a precursor to the modern
unibody, ensuring a light yet strong platform. A silky smooth, 70
degree V12 was derived from Ford's venerable Flathead V8,
developing 110hp from 267 cubic inches. This stunning 1939 Zephyr
coupe is an elegant and beautifully presented example of Ford's Art
Deco masterpiece. Fully restored to a very high standard, this rare
and desirable 3-window coupe is one of just 2,500 of its kind built
in 1939 and it has outstanding provenance as it was once part of
the famed William F. Harrah collection. On September 30th, 1984, it
was purchased from the Harrah Collection auction by Edward Todd of
Santa Ynez, California. The Todd family would continue to care for
the car for the next 24 years until it joined the collection of a
St. Louis, Missouri-based enthusiast. In 2009-2010, the new owner
treated the Zephyr to an extensive refurbishment which included the
concours-quality, bare-metal respray in the original color and a
complete overhaul of the V12 engine. Today, this Zephyr Coupe
presents in stunning condition and close inspection reveals this to
be one of the finest '39 Zephyrs available; impeccably detailed to
a very high standard throughout. The body is beautifully straight
with excellent fit of the panels and concours quality paintwork.
Exterior brightwork has been restored to a similarly high standard.
The deep blue complements the graceful lines of the Zephyr's
bodywork, punctuated with wide whitewall tires on correct body
color steel wheels and elegantly simple Lincoln-Zephyr script hub
caps. The interior has been restored to a similarly high level and
presents with period correct two-tone broadcloth upholstery on the
seats and panels. Darker tan carpets are piped in light cloth to
match the door panels and tie the color scheme together nicely. The
art-deco appeal of the Zephyr continues inside with what is perhaps
one of the coolest instrument panel designs of the era. Clean and
simple, the dash consists of a central round instrument cluster
that flows into a pillar extending straight to the floor. As a 1939
model, this car features the unique, one-year-only shift lever that
sprouts from the side of the center console to retain the
ultra-clean and sleek appearance of the interior. The quality of
the soft trim restoration is of course first-rate, and the
presentation is every bit as good as that of the body. With limited
mileage since its being rebuilt, the V12 sits in an impeccable
engine bay, beautifully prepared and detailed with correct hoses
and hardware. The chassis and undercarriage are also very well
prepared, with high quality and correct semi-gloss black finishes
on the major components. The exceptionally clean underbody shows
this car has seen only light use since the restoration work was
completed, and it remains ready to be enjoyed today. Of the six
body styles offered in the Zephyr lineup, the three-window coupe is
favored by collectors for its elegance and purity of form. Even so,
very few are restored to this level of quality. This outstanding
Zephyr Coupe is one of the finest available today, documented as a
former member of the Harrah collection and a prime candidate for
classic touring, or any number of concours worldwide. Offers
welcome and trades considered For additional details please view
this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7461-1939-lincoln-zephyr-coupe/
