We have published numerous stories about Lincoln’s fabulous first-generation Continental over the years at Barn Finds.  With finds that range from ratty to concours ready, the Continental looms large in Lincoln’s history.  Most folks are unaware that these were not the only Lincolns in the brand’s lineup.  For example, this 1946 Lincoln Club Coupe that is for sale on Craigslist in Tioga, New York is a lesser-known example.  Looking very much like a larger version of Ford’s club coupe, one could argue that this V-12-powered Lincoln is more attractive than its more famous Continental stablemate.  Is this rough but complete example worth the $5,000 asking price?  Does it make sense to restore this car after it spent fifty years in a barn?  Thanks to Mitchell G. for the tip.

Lincoln ended the thirties by losing a bit of its luster.  The brand’s luxurious and well-regarded Model K finally reached the end of its production life in 1939.  Gone were the days of custom bodies and coachbuilders that the K was born into.  By that point, the less expensive but every bit as beautiful Lincoln Zephyr was the foundation for Lincoln’s lineup.  With models ranging from three-window coupes to full limousines, the Zephyr name lasted until production ended due to the United States entry into World War II in 1942.

When the marque emerged again after hostilities ceased, the Zephyr’s chassis and sometimes troublesome engine remained with little in the way of improvements.  What also was left unchanged was the new 1942 styling update that these “H-Model” Lincolns proudly wore.  The front-end styling was identical to that of the Continental, but the names for these Lincolns were far less cosmopolitan.  They were simply referred to as the Sedan, Convertible Coupe, or Club Coupe.  With little fanfare and even less in the way of updates, these cars kept Lincoln afloat in the lucrative immediate postwar market.

It wasn’t hard to sell any car to customers who had been denied since early 1942.  At least not for the first few years.  Automakers, except postwar upstarts such as Kaiser Frasier and Crosley, generally just produced the cars they offered in 1942 to a hungry public.  That was all good until other companies began offering fresh postwar models that made earlier designs look positively dowdy.  Ford was in an especially big pinch, as the company was hemorrhaging money and a complete restyle became a gamble for the company’s life.  Lincoln was far down the priority list for the company, and the lack of innovation showed.  By 1949 the marque finally had a new, updated postwar design to sell.

As seen in the pictures above and below, this 1946 Lincoln Club Coupe is in a precarious position.  Coming out of a long-term storage situation that was essentially 50 years in a barn, the elements have not been kind to this car.  The situation is far better than if it were stored outside.  However, luxury cars are expensive to restore due to a large number of plated parts and more complex mechanicals.  Low production numbers also hurt their chances of having parts reproduced economically.  A close look at the pictures reveals that, while complete, a lot of money would have to be sunk into this Lincoln to bring it back to new condition.  From plating to machine shop work, to rust repair and refinishing, this would be a car that would feast upon your bank account.

Would it be worth it in the end?  Financially, I cannot see how.  While seldom seen, these Lincolns don’t generally command Continental money.  With that being said, this could be quite the labor of love project for someone.  Everything is there and mostly thrown in the car’s cavernous trunk.  The pictures reveal no obvious issues as far as damage beyond moderate bodywork, and a home hobbyist could complete a lot of the work on their own.  Perhaps the new owner might even get lucky on the V-12 needing just a refresh rather than an extensive rebuilding.  The Johnny Cash “One Piece at a Time” concept may perform miracles in this case.  At least until they get to the hydraulic window lifts…

The sad part is that this car would make for a very spectacular show car when completed.  While not the stunning beauty that the Zephyr was, the later Lincolns on that chassis are rather stately.  With complete refinishing, one could even choose any color they wanted from Lincoln’s 1946 lineup.  From deep maroon to dark green, Lincoln’s 1946 colors were on point.  Hopefully, someone with deep pockets and a love for cars will come along and make this car a show winner.  It is a true diamond in the rough.

Have you ever taken on a project car knowing that it was financially unwise to continue?  Please share your story in the comments.