1939 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe

A development involving John Tjaarda, Bob Gregorie, and Lincoln president Edsel Ford, the Zephyr made its debut in 1936, and was an instant success. The following lines were a welcome departure from the ponderous K-series Lincolns, excellent cars that suffered from the high curb weights and high prices that afflicted so many Depression-era prestige makes. Unit-body construction kept the Zephyr's mass in check and enhanced chassis rigidity, while attractive pricing - from $1,320 in 1936, versus a minimum of $4,200 for the least expensive K-series Lincoln - ensured brisk sales.

Offered initially only in 2- and 4-door sedan body styles, the Zephyr outsold the extensive K-series lineup 14,994 to 1,534. Lincoln added coupe and town car body styles for 1937, and sales soared almost to 30,000. The Zephyr had pulled Lincoln out of its Depression doldrums.

Essentially a V12 version of Ford's flathead V8, the Zephyr's engine - 267.3 cubic-inches, 110 horsepower in 1939 - wasn't the car's strongest suit. But a 4.33:1 rear axle provided respectable acceleration.