Vehicle Description
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet remarkably well documented
history having only 5 owners from new! Survives with all original
body and chassis, never being exposed to inclement weather! Total
history included with a compassionate total restoration in 2007!
One of the most stunning example you will ever find! AACA Senior
winner, and multiple LCOC National 1st Place winner, including
FOMOCO Best in Class!
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Background:
Developed from 1939 through 1948, the first-generation Lincoln
Continental was interrupted in production by World War II, where no
automobiles were produced by any American auto makers between the
years of 1942-1945. With its return to production in 1946, the
Continental was revised with subtle changed to both the style, but
also to the vulnerable V12 engine. The former 292ci V12 engine
received several improvements that included high-capacity oil
pumps, cast iron heads, and stronger internals all to improve
cooling capacity and longevity of the engine overall, and provide
extra horsepower. These H-Series Continentals produced
from1946-1948 are considered the most collectible of the 1st
generation for this reason. The entire selection of Lincoln-Zephyr
V12 powered Continentals are recognized by the Classic Car Club of
America (CCCA) as a Full Classic, making them one the last, and
youngest, to ever be considered by the club.
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Info:
We are excited to offer this 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet
finished in Pace Car Yellow over Cinnamon Leather interior with new
Tan Stayfast canvass convertible and matching boot cover! Powered
by its original 292ci V12Lincoln-Zephyr power plant producing an
estimated 125 horsepower and 3-speed manual transmission with
overdrive, this wonderful example runs as smooth as it looks!
Options include AM radio with vacuum antenna, 15 steel wheels
fitted with Firestone Deluxe Champion 4-ply wide whitewall tires,
fog lamps, continental spare tire, rear fender skirts, locking
glove box & trunk, dash clock, hydraulic power top & windows, under
seat heaters & windscreen defrost, front & rear bumper guards with
wing tips, dual outside mirrors, and more!
The history of this Continental Cabriolet is exceptional, with a
life beginning on a short trip destined for Los Angeles, California
after being ordered by Foothill Motors of Pasadena. The trip was
interrupted by Lee Butler of Butler Lincoln Motors of Washington
D.C. after a special request from Dr. Erwin Ruth, who requested a
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet as a Christmas gift for his
mistress, Marie Carmen Duff, some 32 years younger than him. It was
diverted from its westward destination and awarded to Ms. Duff in
December 1947. Turns out, she never learned to drive, and the car
was garaged most of its early years, driven only in the summer
months with Dr. Ruth behind the wheel through 1959. It was decided
to have the car repainted that Fall of 1959, only to have the
painter fail to meet expectations. In frustration the doctor would
park the Lincoln back in the garage, on blocks, with the gas tank
full and engine filled with oil. It would stay in this pickled
state until his death in October 1969 at 80 years of age.
Ms. Duff, remaining a companion to Dr. Ruth, was asked to sell the
car to his longtime friend, Thomas Lerch, when he died. Tom took
possession in October 1970 and drove it for the first time, after
extensive engine and brake readiness, the summer of 1971. Being a
military person soon to be stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, the car
would be parked again through October 1973. Upon return, Mr. Lerch
then relocated from Washington D.C. to Bethesda, MD, then on to
North Canton, Ohio. His remarkable care and meticulous maintenance
records are fully documented in his personal logbook! He detailed
every single service, complete engine overhaul, all mileage
indications, oil changes, chassis lubrications, cleaning & waxing
dates, and of course all events he participated in. These included
year-to-year Lincoln & Continental Owners Club National Meeting,
and numerous CCCA CARavan tours!
This beautiful example then relocated to Springfield, IL where it
has been garage kept & maintained by its former owner, Cliff
Greenwalt, since 2004. Mr. Greenwalt followed in perfect order with
a superb, and very complete, total restoration of the body and
mechanicals. Credit for the complete bare metal repaint goes to
Kenny Crow of Wavery, IL, and the engine overhaul compliments to
Dubin Auto Garage, also of Waverly, IL. Less than 1,000 miles were
added to the completed car, 965 miles to be exact, after it was
finished in 2007. Its most recent owner was a faithful classic car
enthusiast in Yakima, WA since 2018, adding another 633 miles
visiting shows and events in the Pacific Northwest.
The exterior paint has been beautifully polished, and the engine
bay has been fully detailed for shows! Whether the top is up or
down, it shows extremely well from all angles! The chassis and
undercarriage are in solid condition and present very well. We
invite prospective buyers to come and view this vehicle in person
or to call with additional questions. This represents a great
opportunity to own a final year, first generation Continental and
one of the last V12 powered cars produced by any American auto
manufacturer! Thanks for looking!