Streamlined, and then some, is one way to describe this 1937 Lincoln Zephyr custom roadster. It’s swoopier than most thanks to its removable Carson top and that helps it cut quite a profile. Let’s examine more closely. You’ll find this Lincoln in Moreno Valley, California and it’s available, here on craigslist for $54,000.
First offered in 1936, Lincoln’s air-cheating Zephyr carried on until the abbreviated model year of 1942. This is a tough one to figure out – as in how did it start life? It has a backseat so it wasn’t a coupe so that leaves either a two-door sedan that underwent a roofectomy or a convertible that traded its folding top for a here’s…Carson. Whatever the case, the modification appears to have been well executed.
The exterior finish is suitably, and very much in vogue, with its worn appearance. Is it real or staged? Hard to say with certainty but it does look a bit posed as some of it shines as if being protected by clear coat. The body panels themselves are in nice shape – no sign of rust or crash damage. The prominent grille looks great though some trim appears to have been removed. The cruiser/hot rod vibe is very much alive and lives through the wide whitewall tires, hub caps on black steelies, and fender skirts.
Under the hood is a surprise – not the 110 HP, 267 CI flathead V8 engine, that’s expected. No, the surprise is the engine room’s condition – it looks untouched for years, not what one would be inclined to find. Since it’s not stated, this Lincoln’s motivational ability is called into question. When running, however, the flatty transmits power via a three-speed manual transmission to a two-speed Columbia differential – that’s a surprise.
Maintaining low expectations, the interior is no great shakes – it appears original and untouched, which is basically a good thing but the driver’s side of the seat bottom rest is ripped and there is red primer oversprayed on the top of the dash (due to a windshield modification to accommodate the top?). The originality is nice… I guess I was just expecting something more.
So, we have a Carson top and a Columbia rear axle and that dreaded “P word” patina, but what else? Yes, it’s a custom of sort, but far from customized or even midly so. Knowing these things, what’s driving the $54 large ask? It seems pretty far beyond the normal market price for such a Zephyr as it sits. I like it, sure, but not at that price. Tell me, what do you think this Lincoln should bring?
Even as far back as when I was in high school, these were old cars, but still way cool then…and now.
Edsel was ahead of his time
This gem begs for a deep green pearl paintjob and custom interior. Hop up the flathead a bit, a pair of Smitty’s and you OWN cruise-in night at the A&W!! This is an excellent basis for a project; I can see it now on the cover of “Rod & Custom”!!
In ’37 Lincoln Zephyr offered two body styles, a ForDor Sedan and a TuDor Coupe Sedan, Convertibles were not offered until ’38, and there were three body styles, a Convertible Coupe, Convertible Club Coupe and Convertible Sedan. The car featured most likely was a Coupe Sedan. There is extensive body work to the cowl, doors and quarter panels to create the “Roadster” look. The windshield stanchions look like ’36 Ford Roadster stanchions and the dashboard has been recessed under the cowl, like the ’36Ford Roadster. The Flathead V8 is not original to the car as all Zephyrs were equipped with V-12’s.
Thx for your input!
JO
Jim if your needing more info your more than welcome to contact me. Always easier than speculating on all the details. This was a side project I did. Always fun to read the comment section and complainers. 👍😁
OK Matt, thank you!
JO
Now that it has a V 8 instead of the V 12 it’s no longer a desireable car IMO. Each to his own I guess.
Good eye Vic on the stanchions and and other details. Started life as a 4 door sedan. The V8 was swapped in many moons ago
Matt T
You do outstanding work! What a vision!
Vic, good to see you here. Have missed your input on the Barn. Folks, if there is anyone that knows his stuff about these and related Ford stuff, it’s Vic.
Thanks Bob, I appreciate that. I’ve not been on the FordBarn in a while, been frequenting various pages on FB instead. I’ve thinned out my Flathead V8 collection and added to my V-12’s. In addition to my ’39 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Club Coupe I now have a ’40 Lincoln Zephyr Continental Cabriolet as well.
I never thought I would say this about a Lincoln Zephyr, but WOW is this cool. Who would think a Carson top on A Zephyr could look that good. This is like the best custom 36 Roadster you have ever seen on steroids. There is also speed equipment for that Flathead rare and pricey ,but super cool for this car. This Car kicks all the Zephyr custom coupes and reproductions to the curb. If only I could live out my fantasies and finish this build.
Even at half the asking price, I think it would be overpriced.
Assuming you drive it around, most people will say, “What is it?”, the purists who know will say, “It is not ‘right'”, and a few of us old guys will say, “Cool!”. The mohair upholstery says it began as a closed sedan. The early V-12’s were a problem and V8’s, Caddy and Olds, were a frequent substitution, a Ford flathead if “souped up” could be enough to go around town, in this case LA before the freeways, and now, most of the time, even on the freeways provided you beefed up the brakes with modern cylinders, lines, discs, and power assist. Not as ugly as the Chrysler Airflow, and by being more extreme than the Ford allowed the Fords to be more extreme and sell well compared to the Chevy’s and Plymouths of the time. Guess I want it.
It is no doubt the beauty of this car is in the eye of the beholder, as Charlie said I am the old guy “COOL”. When I said speed equipment ,I was referring to the V-12. I think that would be my first choice for power with the proper build and speed equipment. I picture it in an Art-Deco styled Custom pre-war or shortly after. But it would be a current build and cutting edge and relative today. Oh well an old guy can dream too. Sorry about that.
This is a gorgeous, unique, sleek style that would make an incredible restomod, now that it has been altered. But Hagerty’s lists a #1 concours at $59.5K and that’s with the V12. The value doesn’t seem appropriate.
Nice car, but not worth the money. Guy has been trying to sell this for awhile for a way overinflated price. Still trying, I see.
If that’s the Ford V8 it’s most likely the 239 CID. If it’s a Mercury V8 it could be a 255 CID.
The Lincoln V12 for 1936 through 1939 had 267 CID and 110 HP.
For all the effort to clear coat it they could have put a good paint job on it. At least doing that would get it closer to the too high asking price. Really beautiful cars when done right.
I don’t usually like modified cars, but this one is special. If someone would finish the project it would be totally amazing. For me, in the current condition, the price may be a bit aggressive. But that is just my opinion. Perhaps someone will totally disagree with me and hand over the asking price.
Alas, Always beware of castrated sedans, particularly ones with quasi unit bodies to begin with. The tortional stress can often make for a very rattaly ride not to mention doors flying open or body sag that will jamb the doors shut. I always felt that carson tops were a cop out. because a working ragtop is one hell of an engineering problem far beyond the capabilities most custom shops are capable of. As to what it’s worth, the answer is X. But I don’t expect it to change hands soon.
Ya know what? This car might well have started life as a ’38 Zephyr convertible which would explain the body with rear seat yet but dedcidely non Sedan contours. The rear sheet metal probably would not match the coupe either. There was substituted a far more attractive front clip, roadster windshield, carson top and presto!. Behold!