Sold 1939 Lincoln Zephyr 2146371159 Tweet

In the early 1930s Ford Motor Company boss Edsel Ford keenly recognized an ever-widening gap between the top Ford Deluxe models and the ultra-exclusive coachbuilt Lincoln K series. The era of custom coachbuilding was waning as buyers sought a more affordable luxury car and Ford was on the sideline as GMs LaSalle enjoyed considerable success. In 1935 Edsel Ford announced the all-new 1936 Lincoln-Zephyr a streamlined luxuriously appointed production car that was priced far less than the traditional K-series yet still offered the prestige of a twelve-cylinder engine. The stylish Zephyr would be a win for Lincoln with brisk sales through the cars replacement in 1946.Edsel Ford teamed up with the accomplished stylist Eugene T. Bob Gregorie to design the gorgeous streamlined body characterized by its pronounced prow waterfall-like grilles and pencil-thin chrome detailing that delicately highlighted the curvaceous lines. A masterpiece of industrial design the Zephyr is often credited as the first commercially successful American streamlined car particularly when compared to the relative failure of the Chrysler Airflow. Particularly in 3-window coupe form the Lincoln Zephyr is seen by many as one of the most beautiful mass-produced American automobiles of all time.Not only was the Zephyrs styling advanced so was its construction. Engineer John Tjaarda developed a semi-monocoque design similar to the Chrysler Airflow. Zephyr bodies were built by Briggs Mfg. and were a precursor to the modern unibody ensuring a light yet strong platform. A silky smooth 70 degree V12 was derived from Fords venerable Flathead V8 developing 110hp from 267 cubic inches.This stunning 1939 Zephyr coupe is an elegant and beautifully presented example of Fords Art Deco masterpiece. Fully restored to a very high standard this rare and desirable 3-window coupe is one of just 2500 of its kind built in 1939 and it has outstanding provenance as it was once part of the famed William F. Harrah collection. On September 30th 1984 it was purchased from the Harrah Collection auction by Edward Todd of Santa Ynez California. The Todd family would continue to care for the car for the next 24 years until it joined the collection of a St. Louis Missouri-based enthusiast. In 2009-2010 the new owner treated the Zephyr to an extensive refurbishment which included the concours-quality bare-metal respray in the original color and a complete overhaul of the V12 engine.Today this Zephyr Coupe presents in stunning condition and close inspection reveals this to be one of the finest 39 Zephyrs available; impeccably detailed to a very high standard throughout. The body is beautifully straight with excellent fit of the panels and concours quality paintwork. Exterior brightwork has been restored to a similarly high standard. The deep blue complements the graceful lines of the Zephyrs bodywork punctuated with wide whitewall tires on correct body color steel wheels and elegantly simple Lincoln-Zephyr script hub caps.The interior has been restored to a similarly high level and presents with period correct two-tone broadcloth upholstery on the seats and panels. Darker tan carpets are piped in light cloth to match the door panels and tie the color scheme together nicely. The art-deco appeal of the Zephyr continues inside with what is perhaps one of the coolest instrument panel designs of the era. Clean and simple the dash consists of a central round instrument cluster that flows into a pillar extending straight to the floor. As a 1939 model this car features the unique one-year-only shift lever that sprouts from the side of the center console to retain the ultra-clean and sleek appearance of the interior. The quality of the soft trim restoration is of course first-rate and the presentation is every bit as good as that of the body.With limited mileage since its being rebuilt the V12 sits in an impeccable engine bay beautifully prepared and detailed with correct hoses and hardware. The chassis and undercarriage are also very well prepared with high quality and correct semi-gloss black finishes on the major components. The exceptionally clean underbody shows this car has seen only light use since the restoration work was completed and it remains ready to be enjoyed today.Of the six body styles offered in the Zephyr lineup the three-window coupe is favored by collectors for its elegance and purity of form. Even so very few are restored to this level of quality. This outstanding Zephyr Coupe is one of the finest available today documented as a former member of the Harrah collection and a prime candidate for classic touring or any number of concours worldwide.Offers welcome and trades consideredFor additional details please view this listing directly on our website https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7461-1939-lincoln-zephyr-coupe/