1940 Lincoln Continental

On July 29th of 1909, Henry Martyn Leland sold Cadillac to General Motors for $4.5 million. He remained with the company as an executive until 1917 following a dispute with company founder William C. Durant over producing material during World War I. Durant was a pacifist and declined the offer to build Liberty aircraft engines in support of the war effort. As a patriot and a businessman, Leland (and his son Wilfred) lept at the opportunity by using his Cadillac profits to start a new company called Lincoln. After just ten months of starting the business, the Lincoln Motor Company was building fifty Liberty engines a day.

In 1921, the first Lincoln automobile was introduced, powered by a 60-degree V8 engine. These were well-engineered and built automobiles that were reliable, strong, and powerful. Unfortunately, the engineering prowess far exceeded its styling, and the bodies were deemed stodgy and out of date. To resolve this issue, Lincoln turned to the Buffalo, New York firm of Brunn & Company. Hermann A. Brunn responded by creating a set of twelve body designs, but by the time they reached Mr. Leland's desk, it was too late as dismal sales, the post World War I recession, and a monumental $4 million tax bill signaled the end of Lincoln. In 1922, the company was purchased out of receivership by Henry Ford, and Edsel Ford was placed in control.

The Lelands remained with the company, but only briefly, leaving four months due to disagreements. Edsel wasted no time in commissioned America's best coachbuilding firms to create designs for the Lincolns, including Judkins, Dietrich, LeBaron, Derham, Locke, and Brunn. The result was a dramatic increase in sales, and in 1932, the new twelve-cylinder Model KB was introduced, with a displaced of 447.9 cubic-inches and 150 horsepower. A year later, the Lincoln V8 was replaced by a smaller 328 cubic-inch V12 with 125 horsepower and installed in a 136-inch wheelbase, complimenting its larger and more potent sibling that used a 145-inch platform.

Due to the Great Depression, Lincoln sales for 1933 were dismal, with 587 of the longer Model KB and 1,420 Model KA. The luxury segment was devastated across the board, as manufacturers aggressively fought to attract the dwindling pool of capable buyers into their showroom. Engines grew in power and coachwork was among the finest ever created. For Lincoln, building two different engines in the shrinking economy did not make business sense, so in 1934, both engines were dropped and replaced by a 414 cubic-inch, 150 horsepower V12 unit that would power both the KA and the KB. Lincoln would continue to use twelve-cylinder engines into the post-war era, complimenting the Ford company's use of a V8. 1,647 Lincolns were built in 1933, 2,411 in 1934, and 1,411 in 1935.

In 1936, Lincoln introduced a revolutionary car called the Zephyr, joining the Model K in the lineup. While just over 1,500 examples of the Model K were built in 1936, Lincoln built nearly 15,000 examples of the Zephyr. The Model K had a 150 horsepower V12 engine while the Zephyr was powered by a 110 hp V12. Along with attractive and modern body styles, the Zephyr was priced in the low $1,000s, while the Model K's pricing began at $4,200.

The aerodynamic styling of the Lincoln Zephyr had been a risky venture for the company, as Chrysler's attempt with its Airflow range in 1934 had demonstrated the public's reluctance to change. Lincoln's attempt, however, proved that streaming was the new trend as the public agreed with the sweeping lines and teardrop designs. It was the company's first all-steel unibody construction (monocoque) and the art deco styling was originally created by John Tjaarda of the Briggs Manufacturing Company, with fine-tuning by Edsel Ford and in-house designer Eugene 'Bob' Gregorie. The horizontal grille used on the 1937 models was the first to incorporate this design which has remained a feature currently used on Lincolns in modern times.

The body was the first unibody to be designed as a stressed structure and it was both lighter and much stronger than conventional body-on-frame construction. The engine was based on Ford's flathead V8 and was backed by a three-speed transmission and had mechanical brakes on all wheels.

The Lincoln Continental

1939 was the final year for the Lincoln Model K, and fewer than 150 examples had been produced. Nearly all of the 1939 Lincoln production was Zephyr models, and for 1940, Lincoln would add the Continental to the lineup, which was essentially a Zephyr but was three inches lower and had a seven-inch longer hood. It used the instrumental panel from the Lincoln-Zephyr Town Limousine and featured a gold-colored finish for the hardware and interior trim. The engines had chromed acorn cylinder head nuts, and aluminum heads and manifolds. While the Zephyr was offered as a 2- and 4-passenger coupe, sedan, town sedan, convertible coupe, limousine, and club coupe, the Continental was offered as either a Cabriolet or a coupe. 350 examples of the Continental Cabriolet were sold at a base price of $2,840 (far above the $1,770 of the Zephyr convertible coupe). 54 examples were Continental Cabriolets.

Both the Zephyr and the Continental were powered by an L-head, 292 cubic-inch twelve-cylinder engine with hydraulic valve lifters, a Holley downdraft two-barrel carburetor, four main bearings, and delivered 120 horsepower at 3,500 RPM and 220 lbs-ft at 2,000 RPM. They used a three-speed sliding gear transmission with column shift controls and a single dry plate clutch. They had a Columbia two-speed rear axle, pressed steel, dropped center wheels, and Bendix hydraulic internal expanding brakes on all four wheels.

The Continental nameplate would be used by Lincoln, throughout its history, for over five decades. This first generation of the Continental would re-appear after World War II and would become the final American vehicle line with a factory-produced V-12 engine, ending in 1948. Lincoln introduced its first all-new postwar designs in 1949, sharing similar design cues with its Mercury sibling, and powered by a 336.7 cubic-inch V8 engine.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: H103724

1940 was the first year for the Continental. There were 351 Lincoln Continental Cabriolets produced in 1940 and this vehicle is the 305th example constructed. It was completed on May 6th of 1940 and sent to St. Louis, Missouri on May 19th of 1940. In 1995, the current owner began a restoration that would last 12 years. It has a new Haartz canvas top and tonneau cover and a complete mechanical rebuilt. It is painted in the 1940 Zephyr color of Capri Blue Metallic.

There is a 292 cubic-inch L-head engine that offers 120 horsepower. Upgrades include a cast-iron cylinder head to help prevent overheating, overdrive added to the three-speed transmission. It was added to all three gears, essentially giving the car six forward speeds. There is a modern 6-volt Optima battery built into the original Zephyr battery case.

It is believed that 60 cabriolets exist in modern times and half of those are in restored condition. This car is a full CCCA Classic.

In 2007 it was brought to the Gooding & Company auction held in Pebble Beach, California and estimated to sell for $100,000 - $125,000 and offered without reserve. Those estimates proved accurate, as the lot was sold for $110,000 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: H100569

This 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental Cabriolet was brought to the 2007 Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $60,000 - $80,000. It was offered without reserve. Mounted under the bonnet is a 292 cubic-inch 12-cylinder engine with downdraft Stromberg carburetors and 120 horsepower. There is a column-mounted three-speed synchromesh transmission and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The design for the Zephyr was handled by Designer Bob Gregorie who created the sketch in less than an hour It had the outline of the two-door, four-seat body over an outline drawing of a Zephyr sedan. The front fenders were extended and the hood line and cowl were lowered and pushed back. The unique folding top had blind quarters and there was hardly any bright trim which gave the vehicle a very simplistic, clean, and smooth appearance. Plus, there was little time to create these one-off pieces.

It was dubbed the Zephyr Continental and in 1941 would become the Lincoln Continental. A total of 404 examples were built in 1940 with 350 being cabriolets and the remaining 54 being coupes. All were hand built, expensive, and exclusive vehicles tailored to the prominent and wealthy in society.

This example has been in the present ownership since 1990. The color is burgundy with a camel colored Haartz cloth top and a matching burgundy leather interior. It was treated to a restoration, which was completed a number of years ago. Its appearance, fit and finish still shows well in modern times.

The selling price for this vehicle fell within the estimated value, selling for a high bid of $63,800 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet

The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in 1917 by Henry Leland. Leland was the same individual who had started the Cadillac Motor Car Company in 1903 from the remains of Henry Ford's second failed attempt to start an auto company (Henry's third attempt was the Ford Motor Company). The Lincoln automobiles were very expensive, well-built, yet had rather dull styling. When the company was acquired by the Ford Motor Company in 1922, Henry Ford's son Edsel Ford used his natural design instincts to lead Lincoln to memorable and beautiful designs.

The Lincoln Continental was developed as Edsel Ford's personal one-off vehicle. Eugene T. 'Bob' Gregorie, the companies' chief stylist, was tasked with creating a custom design. It is believed that the design was created in an hour by Gregorie working from the Lincoln Zephyr. The car was elegant and had a long hood to cover the Lincoln V12 engine. There was a short trunk with what became the Continental series' trademark, the externally-mounted covered spare tire. The custom car was well received by Edsel's friends which lead to essentially hand-built production in 1939 and continuing until 1948.

This car is one of just 404 Continentals built in 1940, including 354 Cabriolets. This car was purchased by its owner at an estate sale in 2002. When purchased, it was in very poor condition. The restoration work was completed in the spring of 2008.

Cabriolet

The beautiful lines of the Lincoln-Zephyr made the transformation into the Continental design an easy one. All Continentals were essentially hand built and, naturally, production was limited.

The Continental was three inches lower than the Zephyr and its hood was seven inches longer. The earliest Continentals did not have a spare tire cover; that came later along with rear fender gravel shields and rear bumper splash shields. Power was supplied by the Lincoln-Zephyr 12-cylinder motor.

Continental interiors featured an instrument panel used in the Lincoln-Zephyr limousines that used a gold (macoid) trim that was also used on the car's interior hardware.

This car is number 111 and was finished on February 12th of 1940. It has been restored to the exact specification of the original build sheet. Restoration was completed in 2008 and has since been recognized as an excellent example by many car organizations.

Cabriolet

When the Continental went into limited production in 1940 it was still known as a Lincoln-Zephyr - essentially a customized Lincoln-Zephyr. The cars were basically hand built.

Two body styles were available - a convertible cabriolet (shown here) and a club coupe. Production was low; 350 cabriolets were built that year and only 54 club coupes. Factory price was $2,783 for the coupe and $2,916 for the cabriolet.

The Continentals were produced by the same V-12 motor that was used in the Lincoln-Zephyrs with the exception of polished aluminum cylinder heads and manifolds and chromed acorn cylinder head nuts.

Cabriolet

The Continental was an outgrowth of the Lincoln Zephyr series. It began life as personal transportation for Edsel Ford but was so well received among his friends, that it found its way into production.

Bob Gregorie completed the design in November 1938. It features long low styling courtesy of a four-inch section removed from the doors and body. The car appears lower but maintains standard ground clearance to ensure drivability. The car was completed the following March and shipped to the Ford compound in Florida where it was declared an immediate and sensational success.

In October of 1939, the car was introduced as a Lincoln Continental Zephyr. A coupe model debuted in May of 1940 and the Zephyr name was dropped in September.

Cabriolet

In 1938, Edsel Ford requested a special convertible coupe that was 'long, low and rakish.' His designer, E.T. Gregorie, used the Zephyr chassis as the basis for the special, and sketched the outline for a two-door, four-seat body over the outline of a Zephyr sedan. Edsel was enthusiastic, and work rushed ahead to complete the one-off in time for his vacation at his home in Hobe sound, Florida. It was the hit of the Florida social scene and Edsel phoned Gregorie to say, 'I've driven this car around Palm Beach, and I could sell a thousand of them right away.' The car went into production in 1939, but it was very expensive and just over 400 were produced.

This is one of two pre-production cars. It is completely original and has been cared for by its current owner since the early 2000s.

Cabriolet
Chassis number: H95945

This 1940 Lincoln Continental Convertible was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $70,000 - $85,000. The car is powered by a twelve-cylinder L-head engine with Holly downdraft two-barrel carburetors with the engine displacing 292 cubic-inches and capable of producing 120 horsepower. There is a three-speed sliding gearbox and four-wheel Bendix hydraulic internal expanding brakes.

This is one of the earlier hand-built models and sits on chassis number 81. The car was originally purchased with a radio, clock, power top, and the heater delete. This Continental Convertible has retained its original black exterior color with burgundy interior and black convertible top. It has been treated to a partial restoration that included some of its components, including a rebuilt engine brakes, fuel system, and re-wiring.

It has never been judged or shown but it is considered by the Classic Car Club of America as a Full Classic. At auction the car was sold for a high bid of $66,000.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet

The Lincoln Continentals are a series of premium luxury cars produced by Lincoln, a division of Ford Motor Company. First introduced in 1939 as a coach-built convertible, the Continental is often credited as being the car that would eventually become known as the personal luxury car. The Continental nameplate has been in use by Lincoln at various times, for more than 75 years.

The prestigious premium automobile was characterized by the long hood and short rear deck design. It would become an iconic top-of-the-line offering for the Ford Motor Company. Unique design features, including the rear deck mounted covered spare tire would be signature styling cues of the early models and become known forever as 'Continental Kits.'

Over the years in the Lincoln model lineup, the Continental has served various roles. This has ranged from the base-trim to the top-level sedans. Through its production, the Lincoln Continental has been produced in various body styles, including both two-door and four-door convertibles, two-door and four-door hardtops and sedans, and two-door coupes. The Lincoln Continental was the last American-built car that was factory-produced with a V-12 engine and also the last offered as a four-door convertible.

This 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet has the 292 cubic-inch V-12 engine that produces 125 horsepower. Providing smooth and ample power, it is backed by a 3-speed transmission along with a Columbia 2-speed rear axle. The Lincoln Continental of 1939 and 1940 was considered the brainchild of Edsel Ford. A mere 350 were produced over the two-year span, with this prime example being number 299. The Lincoln Continental was the very first automobile to be honored and recognized for design excellence by the Museum of Modern Art.

Cabriolet

The Lincoln Continental was born out of Edsel Ford's desire to have a new custom car ready for his vacation to Palm Beach, Florida in March of 1939. Chief Ford Designer Bob Gregorie swiftly drew up fresh designs and the Ford craftsmen went to work building it. To the delight of Edsel, his well-heeled friends swooned over the new design. He sent back word that he could have sold a thousand, and the new model went into production shortly thereafter for the 1940 model year. Lower and longer than the Lincoln-Zephyr, the model has become an icon. Just 350 examples of the Cabriolet were built in 1940.

This car features a rare Columbia two-speed rear end and the model's signature gold trimmed interior.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet

1940 was the first year of Continal production, and 404 hand-built examples were built that year. It was the brainchild of Edsel Ford, who tasked E.T. Gregorie with the creation of a completely new one-off, low-profile convertible for use at his Palm Beach home during his 1939 visit. The lack of trunk space in the design birthed the now famous 'Continental' spare wheel. Strong demand for the car prompted Ford to put it into production.

The 292 cubic-inch V12 engine produced 120 horsepower and was coupled with an overdrive gearbox and Columbia two-speed rear end. Since much of the tooling for the new model was not yet ready for the production line, the 1940 Continentals were largely hand-built.

This Continental Convertible was given a full restoration in 2015.

by Dan Vaughan