LOT 228 •
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Chassis no. 876H.56.913
Sold for US$29,250 inc. premium
Lot 228•
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Chassis no. 876H.56.913
The Greenwich Concours d'Elegance, Collectors' Motorcars and Automobilia|7 June 2009, 12:00 EDT|Connecticut, Greenwich
1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet
Chassis no. 876H.56.913
Chassis no. 876H.56.913
Lincoln emerged from World War II with its pre-war product line relatively unchanged. The Lincoln-Zephyr had been new for the short 1942 year with design features showing the influence of the dramatic Lincoln Continental while the Continental itself had gotten a new grille, prow-shaped hood and headlights. All Lincolns now relied on the Continental’s smooth, quiet 305 cubic inch V-12 engine for power.
The only significant change after the war was a new die cast egg crate grille and Lincolns for 1947 and 1948 continued essentially unchanged. Lincoln’s engineers and body designers were at work on a completely new Lincoln which finally broke cover on April 22, 1948. The Lincoln Series 9EL was based on the Mercury body but the top of the line Cosmopolitan was a brand new full envelope body style.
The respected Lincoln Continental, developed for Edsel Ford’s personal use and rushed into production after it was enthusiastically received, was at the core of Lincoln’s postwar offering. Its 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.
Universally admired and appreciated both when new and by collectors since it was barely more than a used car, the Lincoln Continental is the kind of handsome, good-performing, stylish automobile that appealed to Ted Leonard.
Lincoln built only 452 cabriolets in the short final year of its production in 1948. Ted Leonard became the custodian of one of them four decades later in 1988, handsomely finished in Burgundy with Burgundy leather and Beige upholstery. It has a spotlight, wheel trim rings and wide whitewalls in addition to the standard power windows.
Ted Leonard used it proudly, appreciating its style and elegance on the roads around his home and sharing the pleasure he derived from owning and driving it with everyone who saw it. Now unused in the past few years, it will respond to sensitive attention and be a presentable Continental for driving around town. Alternatively, it is ideal as the basis for a sympathetic restoration to show quality condition, particularly rare and significant as one of the few built in the last year of Continental production.
It 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, and will be much appreciated by members of the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club. Its quiet, powerful V-12 engine, comfortable, weather-tight cabriolet top and rollup windows make it ideal for the many tours and events for which its “Classic” designation and widely appreciated design and quality make it a valued participant.
The only significant change after the war was a new die cast egg crate grille and Lincolns for 1947 and 1948 continued essentially unchanged. Lincoln’s engineers and body designers were at work on a completely new Lincoln which finally broke cover on April 22, 1948. The Lincoln Series 9EL was based on the Mercury body but the top of the line Cosmopolitan was a brand new full envelope body style.
The respected Lincoln Continental, developed for Edsel Ford’s personal use and rushed into production after it was enthusiastically received, was at the core of Lincoln’s postwar offering. Its 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.
Universally admired and appreciated both when new and by collectors since it was barely more than a used car, the Lincoln Continental is the kind of handsome, good-performing, stylish automobile that appealed to Ted Leonard.
Lincoln built only 452 cabriolets in the short final year of its production in 1948. Ted Leonard became the custodian of one of them four decades later in 1988, handsomely finished in Burgundy with Burgundy leather and Beige upholstery. It has a spotlight, wheel trim rings and wide whitewalls in addition to the standard power windows.
Ted Leonard used it proudly, appreciating its style and elegance on the roads around his home and sharing the pleasure he derived from owning and driving it with everyone who saw it. Now unused in the past few years, it will respond to sensitive attention and be a presentable Continental for driving around town. Alternatively, it is ideal as the basis for a sympathetic restoration to show quality condition, particularly rare and significant as one of the few built in the last year of Continental production.
It 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, and will be much appreciated by members of the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club. Its quiet, powerful V-12 engine, comfortable, weather-tight cabriolet top and rollup windows make it ideal for the many tours and events for which its “Classic” designation and widely appreciated design and quality make it a valued participant.
Looking for a similar item?
Our Cars specialists can help you find a similar item at an auction or via a private sale.
Find your local specialistAuction Viewings
Lot symbols
| • | Exempt from tax |
| Zero rated for tax, no tax will be added to the Hammer Price or the Buyer's Premium. |