When it was initially launched in 1936, the Lincoln-Zephyr was one of the most stylish, sleek and aerodynamic vehicles offered by an American manufacturer at that point in time. The brainchild of Edsel Ford, the Zephyr was also a true sales success for the company, and in 1939, a total of 21,000 vehicles across seven separate body styles rolled out of the Lincoln factory. This particular car is a 4-Door Sedan, and it is said to be a true survivor. It is also an elegant classic that is in need of a new home. If you think that this new home could be yours, you will find the Lincoln located in Meadows of Dan, Virginia, and listed for sale here on Barn Finds classifieds. The owner is asking $22,500 for this luxurious beauty.

Henry and Edsel Ford, while father and son, were also complete polar opposites. It is extremely difficult to explain how extreme these differences were, so it is probably best to consider their respective “babies” to gain true insight. For Henry, it was the Model T, a car that was all about function, with few concessions to comfort or style. It was tough and utilitarian and designed to transport its occupants in a certain amount of comfort from Point A to Point B. For Edsel, the Lincoln-Zephyr was the ultimate expression of his passion for style and sophistication. Here was a car that was sleek, with advanced aerodynamics, a plush interior, and a V12 engine under the hood. Even today, more than 80-years after it rolled off the production line, the 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr looks unlike any other automotive offering of the day. This particular Zephyr wears its original paint, which I believe is Avon Blue. It isn’t perfect, with a few scrapes and marks to be seen around the vehicle. However, these marks are relatively minor, and the vehicle remains extremely presentable. The panels are impressively straight, and this is a classic that has never experienced any rust issues. It is clean and solid, with all of the steel being original Lincoln steel. The external trim and chrome continues the elegant theme, and is in very good condition, while the same appears to be true of the vehicle’s glass. When it comes to styling, the front of a Zephyr is a firm highlight for me. The prow-like hood and beautiful chrome grille are both elegant, but draw attention to what were very advanced automotive aerodynamics in the 1930s.

The interior of the Zephyr has been treated to a full retrim in pale blue, and it presents extremely nicely. Everything from the seats to the door trims, the carpet, and the dash are essentially flawless. The vehicle also features a clock, and the relatively rare Lincoln hot-air heater. The only aspect of the interior that will require attention is the steering wheel, which has deteriorated noticeably over the past 81-years. This isn’t the end of the world, because there are a number of companies that offer reconditioning and recasting services, and the workmanship and quality of these are so good that it is impossible to differentiate a reconditioned wheel from an original. It is also well worth the effort to keep an eye out on eBay, because nice original wheels do pop up on there from time to time, and sometimes the prices on these items can prove to be very reasonable.

In keeping with Edsel Ford’s love of sophistication, under the hood of the Lincoln-Zephyr, you will find a 267ci, 75° V12 engine, producing 110hp. This power finds its way to the rear wheels via a 3-speed manual transmission. Edsel was also a person interested in engineering improvements, and to that end, the 1939 Zephyr saw the introduction of hydraulic brakes in place of the previous cable-activation. The good news here is that the Zephyr is in sound mechanical health. That beautiful V12 runs smoothly and quietly, with no smoke or overheating issues. The vehicle also rolls on a brand new set of Denman wide whitewall tires. This is a classic that is ready to be driven and enjoyed immediately.

The 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr has always left me to ponder some “what-ifs” for the company. Here was a car that was Edsel’s passion, and that not only was stylish and aerodynamic but offered buyers a 12-cylinder engine when its direct competition could only muster 8-cylinders. If Edsel Ford had survived beyond World War II when domestic vehicle production in the USA recommenced, just what innovations would his fertile mind have brought to the table? We will never know, but this particular car offers its buyer the opportunity to own a car that was designed and built when this man was at the peak of his powers at Lincoln. Opportunities like that don’t come along every day, and that makes this a classic that is well worth considering if you dream of owning the best that the American automotive world had to offer in the 1930s.