Every time a Lincoln commercial spills onto my TV, I start to scowl. Nothing against Matthew McConaughey – I actually dig the True Detective persona he’s adopted – but because I know what their cars are. More platform-sharing, engine-sharing, zero-imagination byproducts from its corporate parent. Now, this 1942 Lincoln V12 sedan here on eBay is a reminder of how different the Lincoln brand once was, with handsome sheetmetal, suicide doors, prodigious power plants and acres of chrome. Don’t get me wrong, I recognize that Lincoln has been the somewhat redundant luxury line of the Ford Motor Company for ages, but it feels like all the imagination has been sucked out of the room up at Dearborn. Lincolns like this were once examples of achievement, of really heading somewhere; now, they feel like the overpriced upgrade at the rental counter. But if you want to ignore all of my griping, the sedan on eBay is selling with no reserve – what better way to live out the rest of the summertime in style?
I love it
It’s a shame the previous owner was a cannibalistic a**h**e.
This is a nice old Lincoln. As it is a 1942 model there were not many built and some guy takes parts off of it!! Sacrilege!! We should all gather and stone this man.
Yep. Them civilian models from the war years are rare indeed. This is worth bringing back.
Hopefully the buyer will have what’s been knocked off – I hope it doesn’t end up with the modern drivetrain what is/was all the rage – probabably not – too many doors. Inside 60 years !
I cannot understand why you yanks don’t like 4 door cars. IMO “most” 4 door cars have much nicer lines than 2 door sedans, and are far more practical. As much as I admire rare cars, I really think this is ugly. ( Just my opinion of course ).
Wayne – you have very good points about doors – but not about ugliness – when you get a little older you’ll understand better – in the meantime you’re after a spanking
That’s not a 1942.
Do a google image search on 1942 lincoln and I think you’ll probably agree. Change it to 1942 Mercury and you’ll see a similar theme for the grille styling. Horizontal bars unique to 42’s.
Oh yeah, someone bought the ENTIRE CAR for some engine parts. And now, without the parts,it’s a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to buy a “good, rebuildable V-12?” Excuse me for a moment, I have to wipe my eyes from laughing so hard.
If the seller was totally honest, he’d admit up front that though the V12 is present, vital parts made of unobtanium have been removed and suggest that it’s a good street rod project…
In a similar vein, I ran across a car nearly identical to this one back in the late ’80s. Nice shape, little rust and…no engine. The owner had pulled the V12 to use in a street rod (believe it or not)!
I have heard that the V-12 was not a terribly reliable power plant and the some Lincoln models had a hydraulic system for raising and lowering windows that was prone to leakage and malfunction.
It wasn’t, but supposedly with modern oil and some modifications those problems are solvable.
The power windows were hydraulic and I think were most famous for being able to break your arm if you had it out the window while raising it.
If I were to restore this, I wouldn’t make it too flashy. I would choose a mat color. And I would paint at least some of the crome. Just keep it low key. Maybe try to preserve some of the patina.
It seems amazing the huge difference in what people are willing to pay for 2 door cars over 4 door cars. We had a really nice Lincoln similar to this last year at our museum to be sold on consignment. It was a beautiful, complete, running survivor. And like the restored 4 door 1940 Cadallic and the 1941 4 door LaSalle pictured that we have now, nobody wants them. For example, we tried for months to sell the LaSalle, first at $14,000, then raised the price a bit thinking folks might think there’s something wrong with it at that price. Someone is going to get an incredible LaSalle really cheap. Perhaps 4 door cars might just be a good investment?
The rear styling reminds me of my 1939 dodge luxury liner. She’s a 4 door and has a back seat you can raise a family in. Bought 30 years ago on a whim and don’t regret it at all. Ride is great, (albeit a snails pace) and she draws a crowd wherever its parked. Hope someone restore this one. I KNOW its a pain, but the old girl deserves better than a hack job.
PS the four doors are the way to go when going out with another couple for dinner…
really makes entry/exit a classier affair. Ask any woman in a dress and heels.
I assume most of the posters know that this particular engine is a slug. I do not believe this car is restorable by any sane person.
It is a 46-48.
I bought a 1967 Ford LTD 4 door sedan a couple of years ago that is almost showroom new with only 51K miles on it. Price was very reasonable. In my mind there is nothing wrong with owning a “more door”. I still smile when I get behind the wheel. Nicest old Ford I’ve ever owned.
That 41 LaSale is a AWESOME CAR! VERY CLASSY! Had one and miss it lots. To bad that Lincoln is in the rust belt state. Just moved to Tn from just a town away from where this is listed.
Take the step down Hudsons for example. Fantastic silhouette in the 4 door, and butt ugly in 2 door sedan and coupe. IMO.
I couldn’t agree more. The 4 door Hudson would be my choice by far.
its not a 1942… we have 1940 1946 1947 …sold my 1946.. had power hydraulic windows!! love the big 4 doors,,, love it!