The Continental was considered a sub-series of the Zephyr and shared its 292 cubic-inch, 120 horsepower V-12 with aluminum heads. Standard bodies were built by Briggs for Lincoln and production, while interrupted by World War II, continued after the war and ceased following the 1948 model year. The Continental and Zephyr shared the same 125-inch wheelbase, though styling was similar yet distinct. Priced at $2,926 it cost twice that of a Zephyr. Frank Lloyd Wright said the Continental was 'the most beautiful car he had ever seen.' John Steinbeck said that no other car 'so satisfied my soul.' Time magazine would ultimately put the Continental on its list of 100 best-designed commercial products of all-time.

This car, which left the factory as a coupe, was purchased new in 1941 by industrial designer Raymond Loewy. Loewy hired Derham Body Company in Rosemont, Pennsylvania to build a custom version of the car as he designed it. During the transformation, it became a town car incorporating many unique styling touches, including shortened front fenders, redesigned grille and hood, custom bumpers, removable Plexiglass top, opera windows, gold-plate dashboard accents, and a fin below the trunk. The body was lowered six inches over the frame and the special top helps to create one of the most elegant Lincolns of the prewar era.