Rebuilt Flathead: 1951 Lincoln EL-Series Sedan

This 1951 Lincoln EL-Series Sedan is an older restoration that has stood the test of time. It presents exceptionally well, and the restorer’s decision to follow the faithful path with its paint and trim allowed them to recapture its former glory. It has a genuine 78,000 miles on its odometer, accumulating 6,000 of those since the seller rebuilt its flathead V8 engine. It is ready to be enjoyed by a new owner, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting the Lincoln listed here on eBay in San Francisco, California. The seller set their BIN at $20,000 with the option to make an offer.

Released in 1949, the EL-Series replaced the H-Series in Lincoln’s model range. It represented the marque’s first new post-war offering, with the company adopting the “ponton” styling trend that was emerging during the period. Buyers could select from four body styles, with our featured car’s first owner choosing the practical 4-Door Sedan. One of the most distinctive design features is the “suicide” rear doors, providing improved access to the back seat. The seller states that this Lincoln is an older restoration, but it is unclear when the work occurred. The builder utilized the car’s original color combination of Canary Yellow and Raven Black, and the results justified the effort and their eye for detail. The paint has a warm glow, and the panels are as straight as an arrow. I can’t spot any rust, and if the car has spent its life in its current location, it may have avoided such issues throughout its life. The lack of overall deterioration suggests a high-quality approach to the restoration, meaning it may be decades before the Lincoln requires any cosmetic TLC. The trim and glass are in good condition for their age, and the sale includes a spare set of hubcaps, another back window, and other components.

Lincoln powered the EL-Series with the same 337ci flathead V8 that Ford offered in its heavy truck line. It produced a very impressive 154hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, with this car feeding the power to the rear wheels via a four-speed Hydramatic transmission, which Lincoln sourced from General Motors until 1955. The EL Sedan was a relatively heavy vehicle, tipping the scales at around 4,400 lbs. However, the flathead’s low-end torque delivery made the vehicle an accomplished performer that was at home both in the city and on the open road. The seller states that this beauty has only clocked 6,000 miles since they rebuilt the V8 using genuine parts. It runs and drives beautifully, especially on the highway. Once again, the seller includes some additional mechanical components that the new owner can squirrel away in their workshop as free insurance.

This Lincoln’s interior received as much attention as the rest of the vehicle during its restoration. Unsurprisingly, the builder followed a faithful approach with the materials, returning the inside of this beauty to its factory form. Time has treated it kindly, because it still presents superbly. The carpet and upholstered surfaces are free from significant wear and marks, while the paint looks crisp. The back seat is spotless, and the bright trim is surprisingly free from pimples and other evidence of age. Unlike the more upmarket Cosmopolitan, the EL-Series didn’t receive power windows or a power front seat as standard equipment. However, this car does feature the factory pushbutton radio.

I’ve been trying to select the best word to describe this 1951 Lincoln EL-Series Sedan, and I keep being drawn to “elegant.” The styling is understated, and the exterior bright trim is quite restrained by the standards of the era. The restorer’s decision to follow the faithful path with their build was admirable, and the rebuilt V8 is the icing on the cake. If you’ve been searching for a post-war classic to park in your garage, could this Lincoln be a contender to occupy that space?