If E.T. “Bob” Gregorie gave life to the Lincoln Continental, surely Edsel Ford was its original patron. Returning from Europe in 1938, Edsel sketched for Gregorie a concept that he wished to build on a Ford chassis. Gregorie did detailed drawings based on a Zephyr convertible instead, and the result was the Continental. The hood and fenders were extended about a foot, and the car sectioned horizontally by four inches. The bustle back with outside “Continental” tire was the finishing touch. The car was built and Edsel took it to Florida that winter. Legend says that his friends were so taken with the car that 200 of them placed orders. True or not, the Continental went into production in December 1939, and a coupe version soon followed.

This 1947 example is fully restored with a professionally rebuilt 305-cid, 130-hp V-12 engine with three-speed manual transmission with optional overdrive. The esteemed Classic Car Club of America recognizes this model as a Full Classic, and as so is eligible for their many events. It is finished in Lincoln Maroon and displays a new saddle-toned interior, optional radio, heater, power windows, dual mirrors, working clock, wide whitewall tires and factory wheel covers. Only 831examples of the Lincoln Coupe were built in 1947, along with 738 Cabriolets – this Coupe is reported to be in excellent running and driving condition.