For Sale: 1948 Lincoln Cabriolet in Torrance, California

West Coast Classics are proud to present this exceptional and extraordinary example of an original southern California 1948 Lincoln Continental V12 76H Cabriolet 2 Door Convertible  A very fine example of the legendary model first designed by Bob Gregorie for Edsel Ford & 1 of only 452 Lincoln Cabriolets built in 1948! Factory options of a radio, heater, chrome bands, fog lamps, and whitewall tires Recognized as a CCCA Full Classic 305ci L-Head V-12 Engine Single Two-Barrel Carburetor 130bhp at 3,600rpm 3-Speed Manual Transmission I-Beam Front Suspension with Leaf Springs and Live Rear Axle 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes *Long term ownership and National Meet Trophy Winner! *High quality restoration*Extensive recent servicing*A CCCA Full Classic Recent service history performed includes:Change oil, oil filter, trans fluids & tire pressures.Replace batteryFix power windows Replace front leaf spring assembly.After World War II, the Lincoln division of Ford returned the Continental to production as a 1946 model; Lincoln dropped the Zephyr following the war, so the postwar Continental was derived from the standard Lincoln (internally H-Series). The 1946-48 Lincolns were the only post-WWII American cars powered by a V-12 engine. Rated at 130 horsepower, the 305-cid L-head twelve was coupled to a standard three-speed manual transmission.  Collectors also recognized the 1940-48 Continentals as Classics early onno early Continental would ever be just another 'used car.' The cars' continuing popularity inspired the after-market accessory "continental kits" of the 1950s. To attract buyers, the design was refreshed with updated trim, distinguished by a new grille. For 1947, walnut wood trim was added to the interior.Following the death of Edsel Ford in 1943, Ford Motor Company re-organized its corporate management structure, which led to the 1946 departure of the Continental's designer Bob Gregorie. 1948 would become the last year for the Continental, as the division sought to redevelop its new 1949 model line as an upgraded version of the Mercury; the expensive personal-luxury car would not have a role again until the Lincoln Continental Mark II  in 1956 which was by then produced by its own Continental Division, separate from Lincoln.Inspired by the elegant designs he saw while on a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel Ford had challenged designer Bob Gregorie to develop a new and stylish Lincoln. Gregory devised a convertible coupe on the existing Lincoln Zephyr chassis with Edsel Ford?s input, which stipulated that it be long and low for a speedy look.  Launched as the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental, the long-running model has become the marque?s most iconic. In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art chose the Continental as one of eight automotive works of art, while eight years later Time ranked it within the top 10 of the 100 best-designed products. The 19391948 Continental is recognized as a "Full Classic" by the Classic Car Club of America, one of the last-built cars to be so recognized.As of 2015, the 1948 Lincoln Continental and 1948 Lincoln were the last cars produced and sold by a major U.S. automaker with a V12 engine.The first-generation Lincoln Continental of 1940-1948 brought European-inspired design elegance to the American automobile. An expensive, ultra-exclusive car of very limited production, many were purchased new by Hollywood celebrities and social elite.As an example, the list price for the 1948 Continental Cabriolet was $4,746more than two and a half times the cost of that year's Ford V-8 Convertible!When production resumed after WWII in 1946, the Continental and other Lincolns generally continued the 1942 styling, but sparkled with new, bolder grillwork that gave a more profound road presence. The Continental offered here is one of 452 Cabriolets produced in 1948, the final year for the first-generation design and the last time the Continental name appeared until the Mark II was introduced as a standalone marque in 1955.The 1948 Continental was a prewar holdover as Lincoln prepared an all-new model for 1949. It remained exclusive, large, and luxurious, clearly benefitting from hand craftsmanship. Power came from a 305 cubic-inch L-head V-12 engine rated at 130 horsepower. Just 847 Club Coupes and 452 Convertibles were produced for the 1948 model year.This example features options included a radio, heater, chrome bands, fog lamps, and whitewall tires.Recognized as a Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, this Lincoln is eligible for numerous tours and activities.