The 1940 Lincoln Continental set a new standard for luxury cars made in the U.S. It would be the last American-built automobile produced with V12 power. In the car’s first year in production (1940), only 404 copies were assembled and 350 of them were cabriolets (convertibles) like the seller’s car. This machine was acquired out of an estate and the seller is short on details other than it was running a couple of years ago. Located in Bethalto, Illinois, this Lincoln is available here on craigslist for $40,000. Our thanks to T.J. for the tip on this rare piece of automobilia.
Some say that the Lincoln Continental created a whole new segment of the American automotive marketplace (“personal luxury”). Such a grand car deserved a superior powerplant, so Ford took the 75-degree V12 from the Lincoln-Zephyr and gave it an increase in the bore that brought its displacement to 292 cubic inches. The engine had dual water pumps, aluminum cylinder heads, and hydraulic valve lifters. The L-head motor had a compression ratio of 7.2:1 and produced 120 horsepower. Automatic transmissions were still years away, so the Continental used a 3-speed manual
This Continental came out of an estate, so the seller has minimal information – at least at hand. But if someone makes an offer, he’ll try to dig that info up (really?). We’re told $40,000 was spent on the car in the past 10 years and it would be good to know what that involved as only the engine compartment looks to have been recently refreshed. The seller thinks the engine is original.
The body and paint may be okay from what we can see, but it’s nowhere near show-worthy. The fender skirts are missing which explains the odd positioning of the rear wheels. The convertible tops look new, but the interior is not. The car may have covered only 40,000 miles before going into exile. These cars can be worth some serious coin but getting this one into Concours condition is going to take a major investment beyond the cost of acquisition. This is not one of those cars that you drive while you fix it up.
In its day, beautiful, engine prone to failure, often replaced, in the ’40s by Caddy V8’s, enourmous by today’s standards, if the V 12, the sweetest exhaust sound ever heard. Prices are dropping relative to inflation since those of us who hankered after one are now in our 80’s and dying off. Rare does not equal high value – my Allante is a good example, which is how I can afford a “collector car”.
I have always loved these. But this price seems a bit agressive to me for what is being offered.
Maybe it’s the angle, but that back axle really looks odd and I don’t think the lack of skirts has anything to do with it.
My Dad had a 40 convertible 12 and rolled it in the late 50’s. I have pictures of the black Lincoln. The damage, rolling a car and not killing him was very lucky. No seat belts back then but lots of American steel.
Dad still talks about that car.
Looks like a 12V alternator. I would love to have this. Thank God no one (yet) as suggested it’s for pimps and their products as so many pimp aficionados on this site are wont to do.
Looks as if the interior mainly needs a carpet. Body looks OK for a driver.
Engine rebuilt? That would eat plenty $$.
Shame that no one knows more about recent history. Might be a bargain or a money pit.
The declining prices of prewar cars in general – exceptions apply – is also perceptible in the UK. As Charlie said, those who love such cars, know how to drive them, and are willing to get off their fat asses and maintain them, are passing.