1948 Lincoln Mark I Continental Convertible

When Ford Motor Co. president Edsel Ford wanted a special personal vehicle, he commissioned chief stylist Eugene T. 'Bob' Gregorie to create a custom design for his March, 1939 vacation. Gregorie sketched an elegant Zephyr-based convertible with a long hood and front fenders, a short trunk and what would become a Continental trademark, a covered spare tire between the trunk and rear bumper.

One reason for the long front end was its180 horsepower 305 cubic-inch V12 engine. The result was essentially a channeled, sectioned, no-running-board Zephyr that looked long, low and clean vs. other American cars of the time. Edsel had it delivered to Florida for his vacation, and the reaction among his wealthy friends was so strong that he figured Ford could sell a thousand a year. So he had Lincoln craftsmen hand build a couple dozen Continental Cabriolet convertibles, plus a few hardtops, in 1939 followed by 400 in 1940 (all considered 1930 models).

Continental production continued through 1941 and into 1942 (the 1942s got a revised grill and squared-off fenders for a somewhat boxier look) before Detroit's factories were converted to war support, then resumed (with a new grille and updated trim) in 1946 and ran through 1948. The 1948 Lincolns were the last 12-cylinder powered cars from a major U.S. maker, and the 1939 to 1948 Continentals are Classic Car Club of America 'Full Classics.' This Cabriolet -- one of 452 built for model year 1948 -- was bought by the current owner in 1996 and fully restored in 1997.