1938 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Coupe

Lincoln introduced its Zephyr model in November of 1935. It wore a modern and streamlined teardrop design credited to designer John Tjaarda, of the Briggs Body Company, with the help from a young Ford designer named Eugene T. 'Bob' Gregorie and input from Edsel Ford. For this new vehicle, a new small V-12 engine was derived from the standard Ford flathead V-8.

During its first year of production, a total of 18,994 Lincoln models were sold with 17,715 of those being Zephyrs. In its third year, Lincoln produced 19,111 units, including just 600 of the six-passenger, two-door convertible coupe model. Currently, there are about two dozen surviving Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupes. This particular example is equipped with the optional radio and Columbia two-speed rear axle.

This car's first owner was Louise Stratman from Pasadena, California. Ms. Stratman sold her Lincoln in the 1950s to Ray Kuhn. It was then stored on blocks until it was purchased by the third owner in 1988. A comprehensive restoration soon followed, and was overseen by Tom Sparks. Upon completion, the car was painted in Washington Blue.

The car was completed and shown in May 2007, where it scored 99.5 points at the LZOC/West National Meet, earned the Gregorie Award for excellence, and was named the Best Junior Zephyr of Show.

The car was acquired by its fourth owner who sold it to its fifth owner a short time later. In 2012, the car was shown at the La Jolla Concours d'Elegance, where it received Best in Class honors.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2015