Today’s find, courtesy of T.J., is a 1948 Lincoln Model H that has been with the original family since new. It’s being sold on consignment and has a lot of originality to it. Any way you cut it, Lincolns from this era make a big visual statement, and this example is no exception. Still wearing its original finish and looking smart, this impressive sedan is located in Hewitt, Wisconsin, and is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $32,000, OBO.
As with Ford and Mercury, significant changes were on the horizon for Lincoln in 1949, so the ’48 Model H was the last of its era, one that carried over from the prewar period. Even the Continental model would be put to bed for a bit and not resurface until 1956. Lincoln ranked dead last in the ’48 domestic production race with just under 8K units being assembled, and that meant an eighteenth-place finish. Rare? I guess so; it’s definitely not common. As previously mentioned, this car is still owned by the family of the original owner, and it’s wearing its born-with finish. It’s not perfect; the driver’s side, in particular, is showing surface rust and a bit more that has invaded both the front and rear fenders – it seems to be contained, however. The paint is a bit hazy, but it’s quite respectable considering it’s over three-quarters of a century old. The very distinctive grille, one that I have often referred to in the past as “ominous”, is in fine shape, while the chrome and stainless steel bits still show well. Of note, this Lincoln spent 56 years in storage, and that helps to account for its appearance and low 48K mile recording.
A V-12 engine was Lincoln’s order of the day, and in this case, it’s a 120 gross HP, 292 CI unit working through a three-speed manual transmission. The seller adds, “The original engine was rebuilt in 2016. The transmission, clutch, wiring, brakes, tires, suspension were all restored or replaced with OE parts. This car is mechanically sound and very original.”
The interior images are not that comprehensive and can be reviewed in snippets, but from what can be seen, the original environment appears to be clean and in good nick. The tan fabric upholstery doesn’t look worn or stained, and mouse house construction has been avoided. To my surprise, this Lincoln features power windows – an option that I didn’t know was available so many years ago. Also, under the front seat, there are twin heaters in place, but neither is connected for operation. The listing’s embedded video (be sure to check it out) reveals an instrument panel that is mostly free of clouding or delamination.
I’ve reviewed many Lincolns from this era, and this is probably the nicest example yet – especially when originality is considered. The price? Well, at $32,000, that seems like a stretch. I understand the seller’s rationale, as he states, “Where else can you get such a unique survivor?” That may be true, but he’s going to need to find a buyer who is interested in just such a survivor, and that may be a tall order today. Anyway, that’s my thought; what’s yours?
It’s on FB marketplace, not Craigslist.
Worth maybe 2/3’s the ask.
Fixed, thx.
JO
The ask is too high, even though it is quite nice. Unfortunately the guys who would pay big bucks for this are out of the market.
I still think of the album cover for “Feats don’t Fail Me Now” Everytime I see one of these.
Bought it new when it was released.
JO
The lower quarter panels alone disqualify the asking price. Does the seller have the original skirts? And the windows are hydraulic–not electric, so there’s the risk of a cyl. leak which could ruin those beautiful door panels. (Electrics didn’t come to FoMoCo products until `52.)
Back in the late 60s I was visiting an uncle who lived in Maine. Not too far from his house I found a ’48 Lincoln just sitting in the middle of a field. My first thought was this is just like the one in the field, 4 door sedan only that was in black. Then I saw the rear end photo. This car has a gorgeous fastback design whereas the one in the field was a regular sedan with the continental tire. Could it have been a Continental? And the fastback a Model H?
The one with the Continental spare tire was the Continental. When I was about 5, my grandparents visited from CT and he was driving his new Continental 2 door club coupe, It was a beautiful car and I was fascinated by those wierd flush-mounted circular push-button door releases, inside and out. It was the last time I saw my grandmother, as she died shortly thereafter. He lived another 20 years and I saw him a number of times but never saw the Lincoln again, nor do I recall asking what happened to the Lincoln.
@William Walsh
My condolences for your grandmother. Yes, I remember the Lincoln in the field had the push button door releases and power windows and suicide doors in the rear.
Would have been nice to know the story of what happened to your grandfather’s Lincoln.