1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental

[santo]

Only 350 made, owned since 1975, Came highly optioned, $ 40,000 631-813-7139 runs n drives great, not restored, no rot, paint imperfections. See more at  unclehotrod13

[Hudsy Wudsy]

I don't follow Ford products all that closely, so please forgive my ignorance, but can a Lincoln be both a Zephyr and a Continental?

[58L-Y8]

The first year 1940, what became Lincoln Continental for 1941, was advertised as Lincoln-Zephyr Special Continental Cabriolet.   The inspiration, design and development of what became the Lincoln Continental by Edsel Ford and E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie is a fascinating episode in automotive history.  Truly it was one of serendipitous events and the people who made it happen. 

[Hudsy Wudsy]

6 hours ago, 58L-Y8 said:

The first year 1940, what became Lincoln Continental for 1941, was advertised as Lincoln-Zephyr Special Continental Cabriolet.   The inspiration, design and development of what became the Lincoln Continental by Edsel Ford and E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie is a fascinating episode in automotive history.  Truly it was one of serendipitous events and the people who made it happen. 

Interesting. I had no idea!

[58L-Y8]

Mr. Wudsy, 

 

The Ford Styling department, lead by E.T. Gregorie, was a refuge for urbane, cultured Edsel Ford from his tyrannical and increasing paranoid father and his henchmen as the 1930's wore on.  Edsel had had custom-bodied specials built on Ford chassis periodically, another was in order for 1938-'39.  This time, the Lincoln-Zephyr platform would be the basis.  Edsel and E.T.  had ongoing discussions of styling and the current trends here and aboard, European custom coachbuilders a real influence.  Edsel visited the major European auto shows annually,  no doubt returned with a trunk full of promotional materials.

 

In discussions of what the latest special was to be, Edsel only specified it be 'continental' in theme and proportions.  That left the design to the talented Gregorie to create.  In oral recollections, he related that he took a vellum side elevation drawing of a '38 Lincoln-Zephyr sedan to trace over, in one half hour that inspired design developed: lowered, long hood, low belt-line, close-coupled passenger compartment utilizing the blind-quartered cabriolet top, short boxed trunk, deleted running boards, pontoon fenders, cleaned of extraneous trim.  When Edsel saw the drawing, he was instantly smitten, told Gregorie not to change a line, take it to the Lincoln in-house custom body shop to see how soon it could be built.   Production of the Lincoln K was staggering to a close, the shop had plenty of skilled metalworkers who were available to literally hammer out the body panels.  

Initially, the plan was to build only the one-off special, that was to be shipped to Hobe Sound, Florida by March 1939 for Edsel's vacation.  Upon the car appearing to Edsel's wealthy contemporaries, the reception was enthusiastic, with multiple request for additional copies.   Edsel was surprised by the interest it generated but also realized the potential it represented, ordered a second special built ostensibly for his sons but also as an engineering prototype.  Throughout 1939. the idea developed these special Zephyr convertible would be a good addition to the line. Gregorie developed the styling based on what would become the new Lincoln-Zephyrs for 1940.   As mentioned, Lincoln Twelve K was drawing to a close, Edsel saw the special convertibles were an opportunity to keep the skilled workmen building the bodies.  There were no volume tools and dies for the first year, all bodies are hand-formed, welded and leaded. 

 

Think of it, in contrast to our era of computer-aided automotive design, one talented man drew on his knowledge and talent to develop a timeless design with only the impetus of the inspiration that it be 'continental' in theme.  No endless design reviews, no focus group feedback sessions, no market research to determine viable volume interest, just the efforts of two men of taste and vision.

Aren't you glad you ask..?  

 Added profile photo.

Edited July 12, 2020 by 58L-Y8 (see edit history)

[Hudsy Wudsy]

9 hours ago, 58L-Y8 said:

Mr. Wudsy, 

Aren't you glad you ask..?  

 

I am glad, indeed. Such an interesting story, and such an American story. I'll never look at another Lincoln Continental of this vintage the same. Thank you for that effort. I wish that for a moment, at least, they might have given some thought to funeral car -- soon enough there would be a need.

                                                                                                                                                     H.Wudsy

Edited July 12, 2020 by Hudsy Wudsy (see edit history)

[58L-Y8]

I added the profile photograph of that first 'continental'.   Its gone, because it was a hasty build, it was extremely heavy with lead, leaked badly and unpowered because of the weight.  When it had served its initial purpose, they saw no point in preserving it.  The second one, the engineering prototype, does survive and is restored and shown at various concours d'elegance.

[Hudsy Wudsy]

I see that the height of the front fenders is almost even with the height of the hood. How quickly styling advanced in the thirties.

[suchan]

16 hours ago, 58L-Y8 said:

Think of it, in contrast to our era of computer-aided automotive design, one talented man drew on his knowledge and talent to develop a timeless design with only the impetus of the inspiration that it be 'continental' in theme.  No endless design reviews, no focus group feedback sessions, no market research to determine viable volume interest, just the efforts of two men of taste and vision.

It's a pity the same wasn't true of the Edsel car. The prototypes were striking, then the committees got busy....