Lincoln’s first Continental was rushed to completion by Bob Gregorie, head of Ford’s Design Department, as a one-off for Edsel Ford. Among the shortcuts taken in order for it to be ready in time for his upcoming vacation was the elimination of almost all exterior brightwork. Thus, the elegant, unembellished styling that has become one of the Continental’s hallmarks was, at least in part, a serendipitous maneuver. The Continental was well received among Edsel’s Florida circle and the decision was made to put it into production in 1940. It continued to be built through the 1948 model year.

This V-12 Lincoln is known to have last been sold in Tulsa 2011, where it was described as being in the same collection since 1973. It is evident that the car has been off the road for decades and carefully preserved without any unnecessary restoration efforts. Inside the driver’s door, one can easily track and research a good deal of the car’s maintenance history and milage. In July of 1963, it was fully serviced with fluid and filter changes at a Conoco station with 37,644 miles on the odometer. Later, a full service took place in November of 1974 with 41,020 miles. Judging by the overall originality of this Continental, even without full ownership history, it is easy to be comfortable with the 41,394 miles currently showing. The paint is truly vintage with a heavy patina. Very little has changed in the interior since new with original upholstery, and the engine compartment is equally original, with the exception of minimal changes in order to stay running properly. This Lincoln could easily be a person's next ticket into the coveted preservation class at the next AACA meet.