Disclosure: This site may receive compensation when you click on some links and make purchases.

1942 Lincoln V12 Sedan: The Glory Days

lincolnv12

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?

Comments

  1. Avatar Tom

    I love it

    Like 0
  2. Avatar Gary

    It’s a shame the previous owner was a cannibalistic a**h**e.

    Like 0
  3. Avatar Ed P

    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.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Kevin

      Yep. Them civilian models from the war years are rare indeed. This is worth bringing back.

      Like 0
  4. Avatar Luke Fitzgerald

    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 !

    Like 0
  5. Avatar Wayne

    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 ).

    Like 0
  6. Avatar Luke Fitzgerald

    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

    Like 0
  7. Avatar z1rider

    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.

    Like 0
  8. Avatar Mark E

    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)!

    Like 0
  9. Avatar dan Farrell

    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.

    Like 0
    • Avatar z1rider

      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.

      Like 0
  10. Avatar Rene

    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.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar david Member

    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?

    Like 0
  12. Avatar bcavileer

    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.

    Like 0
  13. Avatar A.J.

    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.

    Like 0
  14. Avatar wjsvb

    It is a 46-48.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar Ralph Terhune

    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.

    Like 0
  16. Avatar Joe Moss

    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.

    Like 0
  17. Avatar Wayne

    Take the step down Hudsons for example. Fantastic silhouette in the 4 door, and butt ugly in 2 door sedan and coupe. IMO.

    Like 0
    • Avatar z1rider

      I couldn’t agree more. The 4 door Hudson would be my choice by far.

      Like 0
  18. Avatar unclehotrod13

    its not a 1942… we have 1940 1946 1947 …sold my 1946.. had power hydraulic windows!! love the big 4 doors,,, love it!

    Like 0

Leave a Reply to z1rider Cancel reply

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Get new comment updates via email. Or subscribe without commenting.