Now we’re talkin’ rare! Most 1942 model year domestic cars, regardless of marque, are rare as a result of WWII and the resulting abbreviated production schedule. In most cases, auto assembly ceased in January or February of that year and did not resume until the end of 1945. But Lincoln, in particular, put up particularly low numbers and the Zephyr coupe, such as our subject vehicle, was just 19% of their total modest output- more on that to follow. While far from original, this Lincoln is certainly worthy of review so let’s check it out. Found in Dallas, Texas by T.J., this Zephyr is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $30,000.
According to the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club, Lincoln produced a total of 6,545 automobiles in model year 1942 with introduction occurring on September 30, 1941 and production concluding on February 1, 1942. The Zephyr coupe saw a total of 1,236 copies, the second-highest model output, following the Zephyr Sedan’s 4,418 copies. All other models only managed double or triple-digit output. Zephyr coupes, and this is only the second example that I have encountered, came standard as a three-passenger model though some were five-passenger capable by virtue of a jump seat positioned behind the front bench. And the seller claims that this coupe is in fact, a five-passenger jump seat equipped car, one of only 273 produced according to his count.
You wouldn’t know that jump seat detail by image visuals as the interior is gutted. There is a pulled-out and disassembled bench seat, but not a lot else is discernable. It’s basically a mess though there is a mish-mash of parts included, some that the seller states may not belong to this car. He also adds, “THE BODY AND FLOORS ARE RUST FREE…THE TRUNK FLOOR AND TRUNK LID ARE ALSO RUST FREE“. Rust free? That’s not how the floors and trunk pan appear to my old eyes. The basic elements of the at-one-time impressive instrument panel are still in place but the dash, as with everything else in the interior environment, is going to need a significant amount of restoration. The interior environment looks like it has experienced a lot of dampness.
While not always appreciated, the original 130 HP, 305 CI V-12 engine has been removed and replaced with an early 50s Lincoln flathead V8 of unknown provenance. The installed engine is hardly complete and is transmission-less though the original V12 engine, and transmission, are both included in the sale.
The seller tells us that this Lincoln is a barn find, having resided in California and last registered in 1971. It was originally finished in Bristol Blue and there is a good bit of that original hue visible but much of it is obscured by red primer. The body, all in all, doesn’t look too bad, there is no sign of rot-through, mostly just some surface rust. The trim appears to be all present though there is a centerpiece component missing from the grille – it may be included in the accompanying ancillary parts collection. The bumpers look to be unbumped but they’ll need to be replated. The lines of this Zephyr are timeless, the large C-pillar and swept-back trunkline are a perfect representation of automotive stylist’s preferences for this era. The exterior form of this coupe just leaped off the screen and captured my attention. I’m used to finding Zephyr Club Coupes and Cabriolet’s, though not ’42s due to their rarity, but a sloped back Zephyr Coupe, regardless of condition, is always a welcome and uncommon find.
This car is going to be a big project any way you cut it and a $30K price of entry seems like a bridge too far for this project. It’s rare, worthy, and should be saved but at what cost?
Those floors don’t look rust free to me. Forgive me if I’m wrong I do need glasses. 😎😂
That replacement flathead Lincoln V-8 is
really heavy, like around 1,000 lbs.
The only Lincoln flathead v8 was the 337, which was used from 1949 to 51. It was actually a truck engine modified for use in the Lincolns those years.
If you could restore it and have 30 thousand invested then you would not be upside down. But to start there would be a labor of love and not one of profit. It’s a handsome car but I’m not sure it’s pretty. I cannot deny the appeal of restoration.
30K in that condition? For a little less than that, I just sold a ’48 Continental Cabriolet (only 400 built) with later model drivetrain that looks like Barrett Jackson level from 20 feet and could be driven across the country. This ’42 coupe is a rare bird, but looks like under 10K to me.
Okay, someone has to say it, why not me, Mr Loser? LS Swap!!!!
I am normally a stickler for originality but in this case, I’m with ya Steve!
A `42 this solid, and a 5-pass. version to boot? Very much worth restoration!! I’d be inclined to make a 3-pass. and skip the jump seat! The long rear deck that flows into the roof carries the line of the `37-41 models well. This would look good in ‘Tobacco Cream’ with tan leather guts and proper whitewalls!
I wonder if an earlier front clip could be swapped, this one ain’t cool..
Looks like a flood car and they gutted it
I came here for the bent12 – gone !
A flattie is kool in chrome (not a performance, etc)
BUT
the i8 would B my druthers…
Right in the middle of ‘classic merican iron’ (to me late ’30s – very early 50’s)) thnx for the spot, write up Jim.
These came as either the 3 passenger, or a 4 passenger with a single jump seat across the back. It’s been a while since I’ve worked on one, but if my memory is correct, this is a 3 passenger, as the jump seat framework required different body supports behind the front seat. I think the big X brace shown here was used only on the 3 passenger version.
In an era where many cheaper enclosed cars came with a 2-piece windshield, this car’s body looked ancient due to the flat one-piece front glass. Starting in 1938, even Packard 6 coupes had a split windshield.
As a friend once said about the roominess of the trunk, “Ya can rent it out to an immigrant family!”
Seller claims that he has the jump seat.
JO
Paying an $30,000 entry fee into buying this car as it sits and you’re already way under water but she is a beauty. Car guys dream of Lincolns like this one.
For $30K he must not want to sell it!
Chopped, channelled, caddy engine, get rid of the butt ugly front end maybe graft a forty front onto it, black, red truck and roll, www tires and sombreros.
Selling 1942? Lincoln Zephyr parts for my neighbor. He has Dasboard, Rear end, transmisions, etc let me know if you know anyone looking.