The 1939 Lincoln Zephyr coupe is an art-deco masterpiece and a triumph of V-12 power and confidence in the run-up to World War II. The example here on eBay in Eagle, Idaho, appears to need nothing but a new owner. Bidding has a long way to go, but it’s already at $75,000.
We learn the current owner has had the car two years and “has taken great care to keep it running smoothly. The car has been well-maintained and has only 59,800 miles on it. This is a great opportunity to own a piece of history. Don’t miss out on the chance to own this classic car.”
That’s about all we learn. It appears to be an older restoration that hasn’t been allowed to deteriorate. The paint still shines, the interior reflects the upholsterer’s art, and the engine is, well, functional as far as we know. The terse description doesn’t say it’s original.
The Zephyr coupes are much better looking than the slightly ungainly four-door sedans. This one looks lovely in maroon.
The Zephyr, designed by John Tjaarda, debuted in 1936 (when 15,000 were sold), and was a styling sensation, with its raked windshield, headlights built into the fenders, and overall aerodynamic design. The Chrysler Airflow was somewhat similar but a dismal failure in the market. The Zephyr held its own and revived the fortunes of Lincoln’s dealers. Zephyr pricing started at $1,275.
The Zephyr V-12 was only offered until 1940, and the coupe was added in 1937. The compact 4.4-liter V-12 boasted hydraulic lifters and produced 130 horsepower—a lot of cylinders for less than the power of today’s four-cylinder motors, but such was the start of the art. The V-12 was incredibly smooth and quiet.
The buyer of this car won’t have to spend years waiting for the car to emerge from the open-checkbook restoration shop. He or she will know the cost upfront and can start enjoying the car from day one. One of these sold for $173,000 at RM Sotheby’s in 2020. In fact, given the color and other specs, it could be the same car offered here. The average price for a 1939 Zephyr is around $84,000, says Classic.com. but the convertibles and coupes like this car command a premium.
This thing looks like it’s going 100 when it’s just standing still. Most things today just look angry. Can we please have style again?
Ive never seen a cover for a gearshift lever like that. Its a beauty, nice lines on the two doors.
These look good from the front and the back but the side profile looks like a crappy bad Chad design.
Hands down, my all-time favorite art deco design of the 1930’s!! Not a single flaw in it’s lines. Glad nobody tried to copy it because they couldn’t. To me, it’s that perfect. GLWTA!
Love it. The body style is one of my favorites. Would trade even up for my 2008 Hyundai,
Drop the rear and drive it.
This is one of those few amazing cars that looks like its been customised,maybe, chopped..but that’s the way it rolled out of the factory.Absolutely perfect.People used to ask me who chopped my 56 Cad Coupe de Ville and found it hard to believe that Cadillac designed it that way..Some lucky soul will end up with a stunner here..
This was Edsel Ford’s crowning achievement. Stunning beauty. The V12 powerplant…not so much. Glad it has not been slammed. Rolling sculpture
I agree with Lance as to the beauty of this automobile. Incredibly well styled. I wouldn’t change a thing. I just wish I could afford it. I know that the V-12 had its issues but when running correctly it is as smooth as silk.
Hands down the most beautiful of the late thirties cars ever designed. The 40’s, 50’s and beyond, too!
This car is spectacular. The profile is probably the best ever. Just plain sexy.
If I could afford it, I’d call the seller and it would on a truck headed my way.
Andy in MA, ya gotta be an ole dart like me(F), This beauty turns me absolutely FICKLE. Looking at this engine compartment makes me drool. in 1937 I was in an orphanage in Kansas learning how to service tractor engines THATs where my love of motors began. AND bettchur sweet bottom I would trade ALL od me cars for this one, BUT it would get an automatic tranny and be driven EVERY DAY…..OH YEAH!
The real holy grail is the ’37 coupe. Fortunately, Road Legends makes a 1/18 diecast of it and it’s the best die cast I have ever seen of any car at any scale at any price. They currently go for $50-$125 and $500 would be a fair price. The only inaccuracy is that the drive shaft turns with the rear wheels and on the real car it’s enclosed, Hurry and get yours before I hoard them all.
what I term amer classic (late ‘30s to very early 50’s). Really nice from my end of the st. The V12 puts it over the top (wouldnt need here) but full resto is ideal. Already done here. To see one oe is such a pleasure (cloth covered wires, orig breaks’n upholstery, etc). Even to have pic available aint bad BUT
really wets the appetite for an in-person listen/smell/hear the full thing.