Inspired by an extended 1938 tour of European auto salons and
design houses, Edsel Ford conceived a custom automobile for use
while vacationing at his Palm Beach, Florida estate. With Ford
contributing a basic outline for this bespoke automobile, his
personal design assistant, former yacht architect Eugene Turrenne
"Bob" Gregorie, executed the final design for Edsel's "thoroughly
continental" automobile.
Basing the car on the Lincoln Zephyr, Gregorie sketched low-slung,
channeled cabriolet coach work, lengthening the hood by 12 inches,
removing 4 inches from the body to lower the car, and eliminating
the running boards. To maintain his vision of a long, speedy
machine, Edsel insisted on the spare tire being mounted at the
rear, giving birth to the famous "Continental kit." Produced from
1939 until the conversion of the automobile industry to wartime
production in 1942, the first-generation Lincoln Continentals
remain an icon of classic design, selected and displayed by the
Museum of Modern Art in 1946 as one of eight automobiles chosen for
their "excellence as works of art."
Restored to magnificent condition, this majestic 1942 Lincoln
Continental Convertible is one of only 136 produced in that
shortened production year and is believed to be one of just 27 left
in existence. It was refreshed in the correct Cheswyn Beige and
features a burgundy leather-upholstered interior with the gold
interior bright trim and accents seen only in 1942 models. The
two-spoke steering wheel, Bakelite switchgear and other non-metal
trim are colored to match the gold interior plating, drawing a
visual link to the hydraulically-controlled tan soft top and
matching top boot.
The engine compartment hosts a meticulously detailed 305 CI V-12
engine mated to a 3-speed manual transmission with manual
overdrive. The exterior presents the redesigned front-end treatment
and Ball and Wing mascot hood ornament, both also exclusive to 1942
models. Wide whitewall tires on painted steel wheels, chromed wheel
covers and fender skirts complete the hallmark design that makes
this Series I Continental one of America's great automotive
treasures.
The automobile offered here is one of only a few 1942 Lincoln
Continental Cabriolets that are thought to survive. The subject of
an older ground up restoration, the car presents beautifully today.
Finished in Victoria Coach Maroon paint, with a tan leather
interior and tan top, the condition of the leather is very good
showing only very slight signs of use on the driver's side. The
paint quality is very good, with nice panel fit and finish. The
fully restored dashboard is pure 1940s glamour, trimmed in proper
gold accents that gleam in elegant compliment to both the exterior
and the interior. Being a very prestigious car in its day, it is
well-equipped with a radio, heater, power windows, power operated
convertible top, clock, and full instrumentation. The wheels are
finished with correct chrome hubcaps and trim rings that are in
very good condition and the polished chrome trim on the exterior is
also in very good condition
The flathead V12 engine looks impressive and is very well detailed
in the engine bay. This engine was never intended to make big
power, but rather, it was highly regarded for its smoothness in
operation. Quiet, silky and with a broad, flat torque curve, it
provides effortless operation whether tooling around town or
touring long distances on main roads. A three speed manual
transmission feeds power to a standard Columbia 2-speed overdrive
rear axle. The car drives smoothly and almost silently, seeming to
practically float over the road in comparison with its pre-war
contemporaries.
This is more than a beautiful car. The restoration is nice, and it
has seen regular use since the restoration was completed. This
pre-war Lincoln Continental Cabriolet would be welcomed by the
Classic Car Club of America, the Antique Automobile Club of America
and the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club - as well as many other
events - and would be a standout at any of these gatherings.
The power convertible top and power windows are functioning a long
with the factory clock, wipers, head lights, horn , blinkers ect,
The paint is very nice with a deep shine and a mirror like finish.
All of the chrome trim and bright work are in fantastic condition
and glisten in the sun. The engine compartment stands tall and the
trunk compartment is well preserved. There is original dealer
literature that goes with the Lincoln as well. Call 314-346-6039 to
purchase or with any questions,
Vehicle Details
1942 Lincoln Continental
Listing ID:CC-2000848
Price:$46,895
Location:Fenton, Missouri
Year:1942
Make:Lincoln
Model:Continental
Exterior Color:TAN
Interior Color:BURGUNDY
Transmission:Manual
Odometer:62211
Stock Number:2543
VIN:H131726
Interested in something else? Search these similar vehicles...
ClassicCars.com has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States, successfully making the Inc. 5000 list in both 2015,
2016, 2017 and 2018. This prestigious accolade represents the continued growth of the company, and ClassicCars.com's dominance as the world's largest online marketplace for
buying and selling classic and collector vehicles.
The Stevie Awards, the world's premier business awards recognized
ClassicCars.com's first-class Customer Support team with a Stevie Bronze Award in 2019, celebrating the team's skills as exemplary customer support specialists.
In 2016 The Journal, brought to you by ClassicCars.com, was celebrated as the SECOND MOST INFLUENTIAL automotive blog in the world by NFC Performance.