Beschreibung:

The first series Lincoln Continentals positively exude that mysterious quality we now call 'star power.' Based on a special 1939 cabriolet developed by Ford Motor Co. design chief E. T. 'Bob' Gregorie for Edsel Ford, the original Continental brought the spirit of European design elegance to an American marque. Edsel drove his sporty, low-slung custom convertible to Florida for his 1939 winter vacation and returned with orders for 200 copies in hand; assuring production would commence as soon as possible. Debuting as 1940 models, production Continental Cabriolet and Coupe models would be offered during 1940-1942 and, after WWII, from 1946 to 1948. Although widely known and admired, the Continental was in reality an ultra-exclusive car when new. With a list price of around $4,500 for the Cabriolet, only those of truly significant means could hope to acquire one. In fact, total production of first series Cabriolets, including 1940-1942 and 1946-1948 models, would be just 2,277. The Continental's clean, refined design, quality appointments and standard amenities like power windows set a new standard for luxury and design. It was chosen by the Museum of Modern Art in New York as one of the eight automotive works of art in a special 1951 exhibition. In 1959 TIME magazine listed it as one of the top ten best-designed commercial products in history. Lincoln built only452 cabriolets in the short final year of its production in 1948. The example offered here has won first-in-class recognition by the Classic Car Club of America three times. It is a fully optioned car featuring an overdrive transmission, a restored original radio, a new Stayfast power top with matching boot, power windows, wide white walls, a heater, a clock, and a leather interior. It is equipped with its original 305 cubic inch V-12 motor, which the vendor reports is a very smooth runner. It has new hydraulic pumps and hoses to allow smooth operation of the windows and top. The engine has recently been fitted with new belts and hoses and the valves have been reground. The car was totally rewired along with new harnesses. The radiator and the heater radiators were completely redone. The body was stripped to bare metal and correctly refinished in the original Regal Blue. The bumpers and trim have been re-plated. The leather interior is new as are the wool carpets, and the top and interior has been installed to Lincoln specifications. The Lincoln Continental is accepted as a Full Classic™ by the Classic Car Club of America, one of few automobiles produced in the postwar years that is so honored. One of the most recognized American cars of any era, any first generation Lincoln continental will stir the pulse of those who appreciate elegance of form in automotive design.