Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 105
1948 Lincoln Zephyr Cabriolet Chassis no. 876H761099
Sold for US$20,160 inc. premium
Lot 105
1948 Lincoln Zephyr Cabriolet
1948 Lincoln Zephyr Cabriolet
Chassis no. 876H761099
Chassis no. 876H761099
305ci L-head V12 Engine
Single Carburetor
130bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Leaf Spring Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*The last year for the 1st Generation top-of-the-line Lincoln
*Elegant Dark Red over Burgundy livery
*Smooth twelve-cylinder power
THE LINCOLN ZEPHYR & CONTINENTAL
The idea to develop a top-of-the-line, exclusive Lincoln model struck Edsel Ford in the late 1930's. Targeted to compete with the dazzling European models from companies such as Delahaye and Alfa Romeo, the prototype Continental, as it was fittingly named, was a one-off built for Mr. Ford's personal use. The prototype, designed by Ford's legendary chief stylist Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie, was an elegant convertible, or "cabriolet" as they liked to call it, boasting a long, streamlined hood and fenders which elegantly shrouded its 12-cylinder power-plant.
Introduced to the public in 1940, the new luxury sedan was the finest model in Dearborn's offering, and nothing short of a sensation. The 1940-41 Continentals shared their pointed prow and curvaceous fender shapes with the streamlined contemporary Lincoln Zephyr; 1942 brought a complete redesign featuring more squared-off fenders. When production resumed in 1946 following the war, the Continental essentially retained the 1942 styling. As the only post-WWII American cars powered by a twelve cylinder engine, it is not surprising that these Lincolns were expensive - the list price for the 1948 Continental Cabriolets was $4,746, more than two and a half times the cost of a Ford V-8 Convertible.
During 1951 the Museum of Modern Art included a first-generation Continental in an eight-car exhibit honoring automotive design excellence, and collectors have been recognizing the 1940-1948 Continentals as collector cars from the early days of the hobby.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
The Lincoln Zephyr offered here was produced in 1948, the final year for the first-generation design and the last year for the Continental until the Mark II was introduced in 1955. Finished in Dark Red over a rich Burgundy interior, this beautiful Zephyr exudes great styling. The Lincoln underwent restoration in the 1970s, which has aged nicely. The odometer reads less than 54,600 miles - which is a figure believed to represent the cars original mileage. The Lincoln has remained in a prominent Greenwich-based collection for the past two decades, where it has seen little use. Fitted with tall, white-wall tires the Lincoln has a period-correct profile and deserves careful consideration.
Saleroom notices
Please note, the correct chassis number is 8H177143.
Additional information
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