Compared to some of their other models, the Cosmopolitan was sort of a short-lived offering in the Lincoln lineup, lasting from only 1949 through 1954. It was the brand’s new flagship and available in several body styles, including a convertible, such as this 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan here on Facebook Marketplace. This one has received a lot of attention over the last 800 miles, and it appears to be a top-notch example in just about every area. Located in Smiths Grove, Kentucky, the seller is asking $27,000 but is open to a possible trade for something interesting. Zappenduster, thanks a lot for the fine tip here!
The seller describes the car’s recent restoration as comprehensive, with the exterior reportedly receiving a new paint job. There’s no word on whether any bodywork was required, but if there were any sheet-metal repairs, the quality of workmanship seems excellent, as I’m not spotting anything other than what appears to be straight, solid panels. Also looking strong are the chrome bumpers and trim pieces, and the owner also mentions that the top canvas was replaced. The period-correct wide whitewall tires are also said to be new.
Only two photos of the engine compartment are included, and they’re both close-ups, so we don’t get a wide-angle shot of the entire bay. Only one powerplant was available here in 1950: a 337-cubic-inch flathead V8, and fortunately, the seller reports that his car is still equipped with the original engine. It’s reported to have been rebuilt during the restoration process, and the car is stated to run and drive great. General Motors provided the 4-speed Hydra-Matic transmissions for the Cosmopolitan, and that’s said to be an original component here as well.
Also listed as new is the interior, with things inside looking about as good as one could expect from any car that’s reached the 75-year-or-more mark. One detail that has piqued my curiosity is the odometer reading, which is showing 17,526. I get that this one has been restored, but with what seems like such a solid nature and the excellent condition of the instrument panel, I’m wondering if it’s possible this could be the actual mileage. Any thoughts to share on this 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan convertible?
Ford, Rolls Royce and others decided the Hydramatic superior, and they were right. Most would characterize the front styling as foreign to native taste, whether you like it or not. I think it ‘oriental’, as can be seen in earlier Japanese vehicles, for example.
This is a nice example of a car you don’t see often enough. I like the styling, as it has a hint of the styling of its poorer sister, Mercury of the same era. The 337 is the biggest flathead V8 Ford offered in a car, and those mills were often pulled to go into something like a T-bucket roadster, especially if a Cadillac motor wasn’t handy. This vehicle would easily get attention at the local car shows or Karz and Kambucha.
The 337 engine was also used in larger Ford trucks.
if the “shoe box era” of Ford’s US made cars could be catagorized:
1) Lincoln/Cosmopolitan—Stodgy,
2) Mercury—Formal
3) Ford—Utilitarian
and the best would the 50 Ford and 51 Mercs, in my opinion, you agree?
My dad owned two 1950 Fords, so I have some familial attachment to that particular model. Plus, I’ve always liked the ’50 the most of the 1949 – 1951 offerings, so the ’50 Ford is my favorite. But I could go for owning the Lincoln shown in this ad.
I like the simpler styling of the parking lights on the 49 Ford, but improvements were made in 50 with even minor things such as the door handles and latches.
Ford also made improvements to the steering and suspension for 1950. I’d read that with the 1949s the car drove the driver, but with the 1950s the driver drove the car.
The junior Lincolns of that era used the Mercury shell. To me this era Cosmo is all that’s wrong with the shoebox design. A bland side broken up only by that clunky whatever that is over the front wheels. The tail lights look like they were borrowed from something else. Worse than the bathtub Packard. However 28k for a turnkey luxo convertible of that era seems a steal. Put in a heavy duty radiator and a transmission cooler and you have a perfect parade vehicle.
I love the frenched headlights, I could never understand why these models weren’t more popular. That engine was also used in Ford trucks and should be good for 152 HP in the Lincolns.
Stunning in white!
If there ever was a car that said “I’m made to parade-put someone on the back deck” this is it regardless of the era for the celebration. What a beauty and what a price if it’s anywhere near as nice as the pictures.
And the noive saying AMC had some wacky designs. This car always looked sad to me. Regardless, it wasn’t cheap, and at almost $4 grand, TWICE what Ford convertible went for, apparently, only 536 of these were sold. One of the most expensive cars of the time, and rightly so. It was quite possibly, one of the most fantastic cars in the world.
A Jewel
This beautiful vehicle is in some measure an object lesson for the classic car market (I use ‘classic’ in a generic sense, and not in the formal sense). $27K after a major restoration (engine rebuild, top, paint, whatever else) is crazy. The seller or previous owner…whoever had the work done…is hugely underwater. Be careful what you take on. A labor of love is great if you can afford the negative cost of it.
That is kind of unique that Gm would help out Lincoln by letting them use Hydra-Matic’s from the factory. Also 4 gears would have been luxurious!
A lot of makers, esp. the independents, used the hydrmatic. Better than anything they could develop with their limited funds. Rolls Royce used them. We had them in our ’51 and ’53 Kaisers.
I wonder how much profit GM made on each transmission.
Mike F.- I don’t know, but it was a sad day when the Hydramatic factory burned down, and the independents had to switch to the inferior Borg-Warner 3-speed automatic. I’ve owned Hudson Hornets equipped with both.
This is a beautiful vehicle.. But I think he left a 1 off the front of the price??? A complete (frame off??) restoration on a fairly low number, Howard says 536 sold, production. As Eric says the seller is WAAAAY underwater if he is letting it go for that price. If someone can get it for that price, he will have a great car to take to cruise ins, shows, cars and coffee, and parades..
Well the price isn’t based on how much you spent on it but on how much someone is willing to pay for it. I’m no expert, but he might be able to get around 50k running it through some auction house. The people who dreamed of such a car when they were young have long ago aged out. It’s not going to be an investment grade car, the market is basically just someone who wants a cool old car. What’s really going to sell this car I think is the hydramatic
Great car. Good condition. Crappy photos. Spend $300 bucks and get a real estate photographer. A seller will get those $s back by 2 or 3 times. Always remember you’re selling the sizzle not the steak.
Inherited?