Vehicle Description
Chassis no. 8H181070
Model 876H
292ci L-Head V-12 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
130bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
I-Beam Front Axle with Transverse Leaf Spring, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rarely found in such well-preserved condition
*Recognized Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic �
*1967 Classic Car Club of America senior first place winner
*One of only 847 Coupes produced in 1948
*The final year for the twelve-cylinder Continental
*A model coveted for its touring prowess
THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Lincoln's president, Edsel Ford, was known for his impeccable sense
of style and appreciation of fine design. Upon returning from a
trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel sketched an idea for a new luxury car
which he shared with his friend and chief designer, Eugene T "Bob"
Gregorie. Using the V-12 Zephyr as the basis, Gregorie translated
that sketch into reality by heavily reworking 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 reportedly took the completed prototype to his vacation home
in Florida that winter, and legend says he received 200 orders from
his wealthy friends.
Continental production began in December 1939, initially as a
cabriolet only, with the coupe following soon after. Just 404 were
built the first year and 1,250 the next. In spite of those figures,
the new Continental was a trend-setter that provided invaluable
publicity for Lincoln, with celebrities like Jackie Cooper, Raymond
Loewy and Frank Lloyd Wright counted among Continental owners.
The Lincoln Continental returned to its flagship position after
World War II, revisiting the revised horizontal grille that was
first shown in 1942, and that would remain the primary design
feature through the end of production in 1948. As always, the
Continental was a sublimely stylish boulevardier, offered in coupe
or cabriolet form.
THE CAR OFFERED
This handsome six-passenger Coupe is one of just 847 sold that year
and is offered in well-preserved condition. In the mid-1970s, this
Continental was in Houston, Texas, and by 1982 it joined the Atwell
collection where it remained until recently. The cabin is
well-detailed with gray broadcloth upholstery, correct original
instrumentation, a factory radio, and beautiful Bakelite steering
wheel. Lincoln's velvety smooth V12 resides beneath the long hood,
with authentic details and ancillaries found throughout the engine
bay.
With its inviting, road-ready quality, this rare and handsome
Continental is an ideal choice for CCCA CARavan� tours and similar
road events.
