The Continental enjoyed a long and healthy run at Lincoln from 1939 to 2020. The pre-and post-war editions were extremely luxurious and just 738 Continental convertibles were built in 1947 alone (warmed-over, pre-war models). This one is said to have been in a trailer since 1970 and is in pretty rough shape, perhaps only good enough to be a parts car (per the seller). And, heaven forbid, it has a Cadillac engine under the hood!
Inspiration for the Continental came from a personal vehicle that was built for Edsel Ford. They were powered by one of the biggest engines of the day, a 292 cubic inch Lincoln-Zephyr V12. These cars had a trunk-mounted spare tire that led to the term “Continental Tire” being coined. Styling for the 1946-48 Continentals was the same as the 1942 edition that debuted before auto production was put on hold during WW2. The Classic Car Club of America has recognized the 1939-48 Continentals as “Full Classics” – in part because they were the last of the U.S.-production cars fitted with a V12 powerplant.
As best as we can tell, this Lincoln was shoved into a trailer in 1970 and has been there ever since. It hasn’t run in years and carries what would be a 390 cubic inch Cadillac V8 since that was the displacement in 1964. We don’t know what happened to the V12, but the overall vehicle will need loads of TLC, even as a parts car.
There is no title, so the buyer will have to be happy with a Bill of Sale. The auto and trailer are in Somerset, New Jersey, and the Continental is available here on Facebook Marketplace where the magic number is $4,750. With such a low production number, how many of these could be left in any condition?
Cadillac engine is lighter and packs 200 more horsepower than the V-12.
Yep, tha Cadillac engine is a good start on improvements. If I were to somehow aquire it for very cheap, Blasphemy would follow.
Sorry, but this redesign was never pretty. It looked fat and heavy. The v-12 had issues. The original Continental was sleek and beautiful.
In 1964 Cadillac had a 429, not a 390. That engine is not a 390 as the distributor is up front. It is however, an early version of the 429.
Even better!
new jersey- no title- bad scene. make it a parts car. good luck
@HairyOlds68
Agree with you there. Salvage title, no title, you’re in for a long ride!
NJ sucks when it comes to titles and regs
Does anyone have any idea how much the cost of just reconditioning the parts are? $$$$$$$
Someone should be paid to take it away.
I own a 48 Continental cabriolet restomod in #1 condition.
Thank you for removing another Continental from the survivor’s list, adds to the value of mine
I have always loved these. I am not surecwhy I never added one to our collection. I think they are beautiful 😍
BobMck I agree with you. I feel these are beautiful cars. Yes the original Continental was sleek and very art deco, and the redesign does make them look huge and heavy but there has always been a place in my heart for these.
I’m not sure about the V-12 though. What’s the point of a big engine if it’s got so little horsepower and torque? It’s no wonder Cadillac V-8s are always being shoved into these.
When I worked at Somerville Ford in Somerset NJ in the early 90s a salesman had one. Not sure if it was a ’47 or ’48 they look very similar. His was a red convertible and I’m assuming a restomod.
Lincoln tried bringing this look back in the early 2000s on their Navigator SUV. That really helped Escalade sales. 😄
I hope someone does SOMETHING with this car and not make it a parts car. We are losing too many classics as it is.
Not in that trailer……
I love Lincolns and currently own 3 but even as a dyed in the wool fan of Lincolns I have to say, these models aren’t pretty even in the best of shape.
Starting in the early 50’s a lot of Continentals got Caddillac and Oldsmobile engines for obvious reasons. The last one I saw someone had put the Ford V10 in one and kept the rest of the car stock.
My 48 Cabriolet is completely stock in appearance #1 condition
But it has a 502 RamJet, racing transmission and chassis and even AC and USB PORTS.
People wave and blow their horns as this beauty passes by, but it can lay down 100 ft of rubber at the stoplight and I never have to worry about on coming traffic as I pull onto the highway