Fantasy Junction

Description

1942 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible

VIN – H137627
Exterior Color – Green
Interior Color – Caramel Leather
Engine – 305 cu. in. V12
Transmission –3-speed manual w/overdrive
Current Miles – 93,128 TMU

General Overview

By the 1930s, Lincoln had advanced to become a leading luxury division for Ford Motor Company. As their model lines grew, Lincoln established a loyal following seeking the very best in Ford quality coupled with luxury appointments and impressive V12 power. Originally an independent company, Ford purchased Lincoln in the early 1920s, but it would take another decade of refinement and development to position the Lincoln as a premier luxury vehicle. Over time, Lincoln became synonymous with both performance and luxury due in part to their refined and powerful V12 engine, which set new standards in the model line including the stylish Zephyr – the high performance offering in the Lincoln lineup.

History and Restoration of this Car

This Lincoln Zephyr convertible is one of just 1,236 cars built in 1942. During this year the US Government halted all civilian industrial production to exclusively service the war effort. This resulted in 1942 becoming a very rare year for any civilian model automobile let alone a convertible of this highly desirable status. Before this edict was announced, Lincoln managed to produce very few cars for public purchase. With such few cars produced, fewer still were convertibles, and fewer today survive as complete examples of this rare model. This car is all the more desirable as it has added factory features including a factory radio with a vacuum operated retractable antenna, 3-speed manual with overdrive, bumper overriders, an outside mirror, and wide whitewall tires.

In 1975, this Zephyr was restored by Harry Wynn and driven by the owner, a friend of the current family owners, until he sold it to the current owners in 1994. Under current long-term ownership this Zephyr has been properly maintained, annually serviced, and properly maintained to ensure a driver ready standard.

Condition Overview

Today this Lincoln Zephyr is ready to enjoy and show. The green paint has aged well over time and still shows very nicely. The exterior finish is glossy and smooth, and the stainless trim, chrome, and detailed features unique to this model are in excellent condition. The doors, hood, and trunk all open and shut with excellent closure and very nice panel gaps. The pushbutton door mechanisms, latches, and key operation function properly. The overall body work is quite good and very likely was based on a sound original example when restored a remarkable 50 years ago. The later series 1940s grille features unique slotted venting spanning the bottom length of the front area with the upper grille trimmed in the same way though in smaller width. The single piece windshield adds to the fresh look of this series offering expansive front views from the commanding driver’s seat. The distinctive “speed-form” taillights and matching the trunk handle, Lincoln emblems, and full sail hood ornament complete the car in a dynamic and futuristic way. With the top down, the clean lines are enhanced by fully descending side windows which add to the wide, low stance. A set of Broadway Grand Prix 4-Ply Polyester Cord H78-15 whitewall tires with full wheel covers and trim rings are mounted. The full front wheels are exposed but the rear wheels are smoothly concealed under a full fender skirt giving the car a custom coach appearance.

The interior has been prepared with equal attention to accuracy and excellence in finish. Reupholstered in a beautiful and authentic color combination, the front bench seat offers a 50/50 split with ample space for two or even three passengers and easy access to the rear seat which is also roomy enough for three passengers. The dashboard features a painted faux wood finish, beautifully finished instrumentation, and detailed chrome accents. The ivory steering wheel is finished with a chrome horn ring and Lincoln center emblem. The three-speed column mounted shifter is easily operated and also features overdrive. Every aspect from the carpeting to the convertible top headliner has been prepared to a very high level of finish. Even the trunk is correctly lined with matching edge beaded carpet and a full-sized spare tire concealed under the raised floor panel.

Under the hood, the impressive V12 engine is correctly finished with excellent matching paint on the inner fender panels, correct olive-green engine block and head color, correctly painted and plated parts, and an original air cleaner assembly. Clearly the build quality is of a very high level and was performed by experienced restoration experts who utilized the very best in materials and correct component suppliers to restore this car to a high standard – a surprisingly challenging task considering 50 years ago when parts had to be acquired by phone calls, hand-written correspondence, and limited local sources. The underside of the car appears to have not been restored, rather simply maintained and improved as needed. There is no visual evidence of structural compromise to the chassis or floors, the suspension components are in excellent condition, and the exhaust appears to be more recently replaced, also in excellent condition.

Impressive in person, especially with the top down, entrance to the interior is accessed by the pushbutton doors. The driver’s seat is comfortable and welcoming. The car starts easily and idles smoothly while each of the three speeds can be shifted from the column with surprising ease. The overdrive is engaged and allows for reduced engine rpm when cruising at freeway speeds. Hydraulic brakes are consistent with the era and, while handling is suited to leisurely cruising, the car keeps up with modern traffic.

This restored and rare Lincoln Convertible is ready for local shows, driving events, and Lincoln club gatherings. Boasting finishes that would be cost-prohibitive to restore today, this car is brimming with wonderfully finished details ready to enjoy or refine at the preference of the next owner. American cars from this era that can be readily enjoyed are getting harder to find without expensive restorations or specialized mechanical work. This one is ready to go and please the next fortunate owner.

Items Included with the Car

This car is accompanied by a show display sign, a top boot cover, tire jack and tire changing tools, a 1942 model Lincoln V12 Reference Booklet, a spare set of various grille pieces, V12 engine gasket sets, a pair of headlights, 6 spare hubcaps, assorted small spare parts, various hardware, misc. suspension parts, carburetor parts, a windshield wiper repair kit in the original box, and assorted light bulbs.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608