1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

The first Lincoln Continental was developed as Edsel Ford's one-off personal vehicle, though it is believed he planned all along to put the model into production if successful....

The first Lincoln Continental was developed as Edsel Ford's one-off personal vehicle, though it is believed he planned all along to put the model into production if successful. In 1938, he commissioned a custom design from the chief stylist, Bob Gregorie, ready for Edsel's March 1939 vacation. The design, allegedly sketched out in an hour by Gregorie working from the Lincoln Zephyr blueprints and making changes, was an elegant Convertible with a long hood covering the Lincoln V12 and long front fenders, and a short trunk with what became the Continental series' trademark, the externally-mounted covered spare tire. The car could be considered a channeled and sectioned Zephyr that did not even have the bulge that in the Zephyr (and in some other cars) replaced the running-board at the bottom of the doors. This decrease in height meant that the height of the hood was much closer to that of the fenders. There was hardly any trim on it at all, making its lines superb.

This car is often rated as one of the most beautiful in the world. The custom car for the boss was duly produced on time, and Edsel had it delivered to Florida for his spring vacation. Interest from well-off friends was high, and Edsel sent a telegram back that he could sell a thousand of them. Lincoln craftsmen immediately began production on the Continental convertible, and even a rare few hardtop models. They were extensively hand-built; the two dozen 1939 models and 400 1940-built examples even had hand-hammered body panels, since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941.

This early 1940 Continental Cabriolet has a known history going back many years. The car was the the pride of Jack Pecsok-a founding member of the Indiana Region of the CCCA- who drove the car on numerous CARavans and showed it locally at Grand Classics. It has a very early CCCA Senior badge from many years ago. Jack kept the car stored in his climate controlled museum like garage and used it sparingly. We sold the car after he passed to the current caretaker who has also now passed and the car is offered on behalf of his estate.

Overall the car presents pretty well from 10 feet but it does have some paint crazing upon close inspection (pictured). The interior leather is in very good condition, and really needs nothing, as is the chrome and brightwork. The top shows some age but is not ripped or torn in any manner. The undercarriage presents as that of a driven car-because that's what this is- a car you can jump in and drive with confidence.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very early Continental Cabriolet with an honesty that cannot be denied.