Vehicle Description
In 1938 Edsel Ford commissioned a custom design from the Lincoln-Zephyr blueprints. The design was an elegant body with a long hood and front fenders and a short trunk with what became the Continental series’ trademark, the externally mounted, covered spare tire. These cars were extensively hand built and in 1940 only 54 of these Lincoln Continental Coupes were produced. There are believed to be around 40 in existence today with only a handful that are road ready. The 1940 Coupes are much rarer than the Cabriolets of which 341 were built. These Lincolns had hand hammered body panels, since dies for machine pressing were not constructed until 1941.
This Coupe, Body #38, was assembled on June 26, 1940 and shipped to Long Beach, CA where it remained for over 20 years. In September 1960, Dr. Allen Heisel of Los Angeles restored it and won first place at the Lincoln Continental Owners Club meet. This Coupe then sold to Ted Augsburg in 1961 and he subsequently sold it to Houston Hubbel in February 1973. This car has completed many CCCA Caravans and is still in excellent running condition.
The car again received a frame off restoration in 1983 and received its Primary Badge from CCCA, Badge Number 1050. This car recently received a new correct Bedford cord and leather interior. The last owner added under dash air conditioning with gold trim to match the interior gold plated bright work. The A/C blows cold.
This rare, FIRST YEAR Continental shows Lincoln Zephyr hub caps as they were left over from the Lincoln Zephyrs produced previously. The mileage shows 28,130 which is believed to be correct or correct since its restoration, as the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals have virtually no wear. The gauges all work and are crisp and clear. The interior and chrome are excellent. The paint is showing its age with minor stone chips on the front. The tires have good tread but are starting to age. Overall this car is excellent. It is eligible for any CCCA Caravan or Lincoln Owners Club tour. It would indeed be a rare sight to see what would probably be the earliest Lincoln Continental on a tour.
