We’ve seen a few examples of pre-war Lincoln Continentals here at Barn Finds in recent times, but this 1941 example stands out from the crowd. While most have been in desperate need of restoration, this car runs and drives and could be driven and enjoyed immediately by a lucky new owner. There’s no doubt that it would benefit from a refresh, but its overall condition suggests that this does not need to occur immediately. If you would like to slip behind the wheel of this luxury classic, you will find it located in Visalia, California, and listed for sale here at Hemmings. The owner had initially set a price of $42,500, but he slashed this to $35,000 in the time that it took me to write this article. It appears that even this lower figure is negotiable. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D for referring this wonderful survivor to us.

The seller admits that while this Continental wears its original shade of Paradise Green, he believes that a previous owner performed a repaint in the 1960s. Its presentation remains acceptable, but it doesn’t exhibit a true high-gloss finish. There are plenty of minor marks and defects in the panels, but no damage that would warrant metal replacement. As an original survivor, the presentation is acceptable. However, a perfectionist may choose to address the small panel imperfections and treat the car to a repaint. It appears that it has spent most of its life in California, meaning that this Lincoln has managed to remain rust-free. There is nothing visible in the supplied photos, and the owner doesn’t mention any problems in the listing. The external trim and chrome are excellent, with no significant problems or issues. The glass appears to be crystal clear, and the whitewall tires add a perfect finishing touch to the exterior.

Henry Ford once famously said, “I have no use for an engine with more cylinders than a cow has teats.” Therefore, he strongly preferred the four-cylinder engines that found their way into cars like his legendary and beloved Model T and Model A. However, his son had no such qualms. Edsel Ford was the guiding light at Lincoln during this period and relished the power, torque, and smoothness that a V12 engine could provide. Therefore, it is no surprise to find a 292ci flathead V12 engine under the hood of this Continental. If in good health, it should be producing 120hp. That power finds its way to the rear wheels via a three-speed manual transmission with a Columbia overdrive. It appears that this car is mechanically complete and original, but the best news is that it runs and drives well. The owner indicates that the car springs to life at the first turn of the key and that the only reason he is selling it is he is no longer able to drive. That is a sad situation, but it is one that we have seen previously here at Barn Finds. I hope that whoever buys this classic enjoys it as much as the current owner obviously does.

This Continental’s interior is original and unmolested and could be used and enjoyed as-is. The original owner ordered the car with the seats upholstered in a combination of leather and cloth, which now shows its age. The leather has a bit of minor wear on the edges, but the fabric shows significant rot and tearing. The owner suggests that this could be patched and repaired, but I believe it has probably deteriorated beyond that point. A buyer could throw a set of aftermarket slipcovers or a blanket over the upholstery as a short-term solution, but I believe a retrim will eventually need to occur. The door trims show the usual staining of age, while the same is true of the headliner. The dash is in good order, with no visible aftermarket additions. The original AM radio is intact, but the owner indicates that this does not work. With interior trim kits virtually nonexistent, the buyer may need to employ the skills of a professional upholsterer to return this interior to its best. On a positive note, the existing upholstery should serve as an excellent template in that case.

There is little doubt that a cosmetic refresh would make a world of difference to this 1941 Lincoln Continental. However, this course of action would not need to happen immediately. The buyer could leave the car untouched and drive it with pride as an original survivor. I can see nothing wrong with cultivating the automotive equivalent of the shabby chic look, and that is a tempting proposition. If you were to purchase this Lincoln, would you restore it, or would you relish the classic motoring experience without changing a thing?