1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

Chassis No. H94317

• A representative of Lincoln’s landmark redesign
• One of 350 Lincoln-Zephyr cabriolets in 1940
• Designed by Ford Guru E.T. “Bob” Gregorie

120 hp, 292 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, Stromberg carburetor, three-speed manual transmission, solid front axle and ¾-floating rear axle with transverse leaf springs, and four-wheel, internal-expanding hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 125 in.

In 1938, Edsel Ford expressed his interest in a “special convertible coupe that was long, low and rakish,” incorporating many European-inspired design elements. In response, Bob Gregorie quickly sketched the outline of the new car’s two-door, four-seat body based on the groundbreaking Lincoln-Zephyr. This distinctive design featured a lowered hood line and cowl with extended front fenders, while at the rear, extended skirted fenders matched the bustle-style trunk. The folding top featured formal, Victoria-style blind quarters.

Edsel’s approval was enthusiastic and swift. Work began to complete the car in time for his winter vacation in Florida, but it was soon clear there was insufficient room for a trunk-mounted spare tire, leading to the car’s signature feature, the “Continental” spare tire kit. The prototype was completed in less than six months, and it was the unqualified hit of the season when it first appeared in Florida. Initially called the Lincoln-Zephyr Continental, the car entered production as a 1940 model. Only 404 examples were built in total that year (350 cabriolets and 54 coupes), and each car was mostly hand-built.

This 1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet is beautifully restored with its imposing Black finish and Tan Leather interior with black piping, which demonstrates the elegant beauty of this classic Gregorie design. The convertible top in black with tan piping and the interior brightwork plated in gold. This Lincoln spent many years in southern California where it was restored in 2012, before joining the care of a collector located in Las Vegas, Nevada. The car comes with a 1940 Lincoln Zephyr V-12 Reference Book.