Footnotes

Artefacts marking the end of an era are of enduring interest to collectors, and for those of a motoring persuasion there can be few more significant than US automobiles, like the Lincoln Continental offered here, dating from the final year of he V12 model's production. Nowadays synonymous with Lincoln, the 'Continental' model name had first been used in 1940 for Bob Gregorie's masterly styling exercise on the existing V12 Zephyr chassis. A sportier, top-of-the-range companion to the Zephyr, the Continental had started out as a personal, custom-bodied one-off commissioned by Lincoln boss Edsel Ford, and would be hailed as a classic of automotive design by authorities as diverse as the Museum of Modern Art and the Classic Car Club of America.

Lincoln had relied exclusively on V12 engines since 1933, the Continental's being a 75-degree, 292ci (4,787cc) L-head side-valve producing 120bhp. Few changes were made until the September 1941 introduction of the '42 model, which featured a revised front grille and an enlarged (305ci, 5.0-litre) and more powerful engine, while a notable new option was 'Liquimatic' three-speed automatic transmission.

When Lincoln's production lines resumed automobile manufacture towards the end of 1945 it was with mildly revised '42 models. The demise of the V12 engine at the end of the 1948 season meant that there would be no more Continentals for seven years. Only 1,299 Continentals were produced in 1948 (452 convertibles and 847 coupés) and today these rare and exclusive last-of-the-line models are among the most coveted of post-war American classics.

The vendor acquired this Lincoln Continental from Wholesale California in June 2010 at which time is was then placed on static display. The car will require recommissioning prior to road use and is offered with a State of Utah Certificate of Title.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.

Please note that if this vehicle remains within the Netherlands the reduced rate of Import VAT at 9% will be charged on the hammer price. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.