1946 Lincoln Continental Convertible

In the Post World War II era, the country turned its gaze back to the track, with one of the years highlight being the Indianapolis 500. The Lincoln Continental was chosen to pace the race cars. As the race was quickly cobbled together, Ford had to source a 1946 Continental from an Indianapolis-area dealership. Having to go through a third party was rather unique.

Only one 1946 Continental lapped the 2.5-mile oval. After being driven by Ford president Henry Ford II during the race, the Continental was supposed to have been given to race winner George Robson. Sadly, the victor was tragically killed in a plane crash later in the year. The Continental passed through private hands, including former Indy 500 driver Roger Ward. It was later purchased by Jim Covert, who commissioned a thorough freshening of its older restoration.

Though several owners claim their car to be the original pace car, the Speedway regards this example as the correct, authentic pace car from 1946.

In 2010, the car was offered for sale at the Sports & Classics of Monterey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $80,000 - $100,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $104,500 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2010