Catherine Tejada
Sale Coordinator
LOT 23
1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe Chassis no. 8H181070
Estimate: US$30,000 - US$40,000
Lot 23
1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe
1948 Lincoln Continental Coupe
Chassis no. 8H181070
Chassis no. 8H181070
305ci L-Head V-12 Engine
Single Downdraft Carburetor
130bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
I-Beam Front Axle with Transverse Leaf Spring, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rarely found in such well-preserved condition
*Recognized Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic ™
*One of only 847 Coupes produced in 1948
*The final year for the twelve-cylinder Continental
*A model coveted for its touring prowess
THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Lincoln's president, Edsel Ford, was known for his impeccable sense of style and appreciation of fine design. Upon returning from a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel sketched an idea for a new luxury car which he shared with his friend and chief designer, Eugene T "Bob" Gregorie. Using the V-12 Zephyr as the basis, Gregorie translated that sketch into reality by heavily reworking the body by extending the hood and fenders, sectioning four inches horizontally, and integrating a "bustle back" trunk with a rear-mounted spare wheel. Edsel reportedly took the completed prototype to his vacation home in Florida that winter, and legend says he received 200 orders from his wealthy friends.
Continental production began in December 1939, initially as a cabriolet only, with the coupe following soon after. Just 404 were built the first year and 1,250 the next. In spite of those figures, the new Continental was a trend-setter that provided invaluable publicity for Lincoln, with celebrities like Jackie Cooper, Raymond Loewy and Frank Lloyd Wright counted among Continental owners.
The Lincoln Continental returned to its flagship position after World War II, revisiting the revised horizontal grille that was first shown in 1942, and that would remain the primary design feature through the end of production in 1948. As always, the Continental was a sublimely stylish boulevardier, offered in coupe or cabriolet form.
THE CAR OFFERED
This handsome six-passenger Coupe is one of just 847 sold that year and is offered in well-preserved condition. The consignor reports it is a highly original example, having had only light paintwork as needed and otherwise displaying an appealing careworn character. In the mid-1970s, this Continental was in Houston, Texas, and by 1982 it joined the Atwell collection where it remained until recently. The cabin is well-detailed with gray broadcloth upholstery, correct original instrumentation, a factory radio, and beautiful Bakelite steering wheel. It is noted that at the time of cataloguing, the front carpets have been replaced and the hydraulic window lifts are non-operative. Lincoln's velvety smooth V12 resides beneath the long hood, with authentic details and ancillaries found throughout the engine bay.
With its inviting, road-ready quality, this rare and handsome Continental is an ideal choice for CCCA CARavan® tours and similar road events.
Single Downdraft Carburetor
130bhp at 3,600rpm
3-Speed Manual Transmission
I-Beam Front Axle with Transverse Leaf Spring, Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
*Rarely found in such well-preserved condition
*Recognized Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic ™
*One of only 847 Coupes produced in 1948
*The final year for the twelve-cylinder Continental
*A model coveted for its touring prowess
THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
Lincoln's president, Edsel Ford, was known for his impeccable sense of style and appreciation of fine design. Upon returning from a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel sketched an idea for a new luxury car which he shared with his friend and chief designer, Eugene T "Bob" Gregorie. Using the V-12 Zephyr as the basis, Gregorie translated that sketch into reality by heavily reworking the body by extending the hood and fenders, sectioning four inches horizontally, and integrating a "bustle back" trunk with a rear-mounted spare wheel. Edsel reportedly took the completed prototype to his vacation home in Florida that winter, and legend says he received 200 orders from his wealthy friends.
Continental production began in December 1939, initially as a cabriolet only, with the coupe following soon after. Just 404 were built the first year and 1,250 the next. In spite of those figures, the new Continental was a trend-setter that provided invaluable publicity for Lincoln, with celebrities like Jackie Cooper, Raymond Loewy and Frank Lloyd Wright counted among Continental owners.
The Lincoln Continental returned to its flagship position after World War II, revisiting the revised horizontal grille that was first shown in 1942, and that would remain the primary design feature through the end of production in 1948. As always, the Continental was a sublimely stylish boulevardier, offered in coupe or cabriolet form.
THE CAR OFFERED
This handsome six-passenger Coupe is one of just 847 sold that year and is offered in well-preserved condition. The consignor reports it is a highly original example, having had only light paintwork as needed and otherwise displaying an appealing careworn character. In the mid-1970s, this Continental was in Houston, Texas, and by 1982 it joined the Atwell collection where it remained until recently. The cabin is well-detailed with gray broadcloth upholstery, correct original instrumentation, a factory radio, and beautiful Bakelite steering wheel. It is noted that at the time of cataloguing, the front carpets have been replaced and the hydraulic window lifts are non-operative. Lincoln's velvety smooth V12 resides beneath the long hood, with authentic details and ancillaries found throughout the engine bay.
With its inviting, road-ready quality, this rare and handsome Continental is an ideal choice for CCCA CARavan® tours and similar road events.
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