The 1940 model year was a banner one for Lincoln. Sales figures for that year revealed that an incredible 22,046 buyers had driven away in one of their vehicles. However, they still managed to retain their vital air of exclusivity. They introduced the Lincoln-Zephyr Continental, and a mere 404 of those classics rolled off the line. Production figures show that while 350 of those were the Cabriolet, only 54 were the Club Coupe like our feature car. If that doesn’t make this car rare enough to pique your interest, its paint color makes it a genuinely unique classic. It is also a restoration project that needs a new home. Located in Glastonbury, Connecticut, you will find the Continental listed for sale here on eBay. The seller has set their listing to open at $19,500, although there have been no bids. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for referring this rare beauty to us.

While classed as a Lincoln-Zephyr, the Continental was a physically different beast. The company made the car stand out by adding seven inches to the length of its hood, while its overall height was three inches lower. It gave the Continental a sleek appearance and a genuine sense of presence. Our feature car emerged from the factory in June of 1940, but its production journey didn’t follow that of most of its siblings. The original owner wanted something more exclusive than Lincoln offered, so this Club Coupe and two Cabriolets found their way to the Ford paint shop when Lincoln assembled the bodies. The three cars were finished in the shade called Cigarette Cream, a color unavailable from Lincoln. The Cabriolets also received Beetle Green fenders. Therefore, the paint combination makes this Continental genuinely unique. Someone may have commenced a restoration or refurbishment, but this has stalled. I’m not convinced that the paint is the correct color because it looks too “yellow” compared to the color charts. Of course, it could also be a trick of the light, but since there are a few imperfections, the buyer will probably opt for a repaint to achieve perfection. They will also have a few minor panel blemishes to address, but since the car is rust-free, that appears to be the extent of the bodywork. The trim is all present and restorable, while there are no issues with the glass.

If I were a betting man, I would wager that this isn’t this Continental’s first restoration. The seat upholstery doesn’t look new, and if the supplied information is correct, it is neither the right material nor the correct color. The letter the seller has attached to the listing indicates that the original owner ordered the car upholstered in Green leather with White whipcord. Returning the vehicle to its original appearance is unlikely to be cheap, but the buyer will need to decide how authentic they want the finished product to be. The upholstery looks serviceable, so reassembling what is present would be the most cost-effective solution. Otherwise, they may need to employ the services of a leather specialist to return the interior to its former glory. The dash appears to be disassembled, but the supplied photos suggest that most of those parts are present.

The drivetrain combination for the Continental was similar to the rest of the Lincoln-Zephyr range. The V12 engine under the hood displaced 292ci and sent its 120hp to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission. With the car tipping the scales at a relatively modest 3,718lbs, that made it a lively performer for a luxury car from that era. The seller indicates that while this V12 doesn’t run, it does turn freely. However, there may be a more significant issue to consider because I don’t believe that this engine is original to this car. The motor should wear aluminum cylinder heads attached with chrome acorn nuts, and the intake should also be aluminum. I can spot evidence indicating the heads and intake are cast iron, placing a significant question over this engine. It is a matter that requires further investigation because it will impact this car’s potential value.

While this 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr Continental Club Coupe is a rare beast, evidence suggests it may not be 100% original. That is a shame because it will impact its potential value. The record sale price for a 1940 Continental sits at $202,750, set in 2002. Today, an excellent original example can easily top $70,000, while a six-figure sum isn’t unusual for a spotless vehicle. If I am right and the engine isn’t original, I doubt that it will threaten those sorts of numbers. However, there is no reason why a new owner with an eye for detail couldn’t transform this classic into a car capable of achieving a value beyond $55,000. The project is rust-free and appears pretty straightforward. Is that enough to tempt you to pursue it further?