1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

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$55,000 USD | Sold

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125 hp, 292 cu. in. flathead V-12 engine, three-speed synchromesh manual transmission with overdrive, front and rear transverse leaf spring suspension, and four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 125 in.

• CCCA Full Classic eligible for all CARavans, Grand Classics, and club events

• Recent CCCA 98-point Senior Division winner at the San Marino CCCA regional meet

• Equipped with the optional overdrive transmission that is perfect for touring

Post-war Lincolns utilized the pre-war dies and chassis but were distinguished by a massive two-tier egg crate grille and only minor detail changes throughout the final three years of production. Even though it was built on the same 125-inch wheelbase as the standard Lincoln, the limited production Continental actually had a longer hood, shorter tail, and a more squared-off decklid, with its signature exposed spare tire.

A total of 5,324 Continentals were built—3,047 coupes and 2,277 cabriolets—in six model years, an average of less than 1,000 per model year. This limited availability plays a part in the post-war Continental’s desirability today; as a CCCA Full Classic, the same styling and grace that intrigued buyers of the 1940s remains a constant some 80 years later.

This three-owner Continental has spent its entire life in California, having been in long-term single-family ownership in the upscale Griffith Park area of Los Angeles. It has undergone an extensive restoration in preparation for CCCA competition, where it was judged 96 points in the Primary Division at the National Meet in Anaheim, California in January 1994 and 98 points in the Senior Division at the San Marino, California regional meet in July 2009, 15 years later! It proudly wears CCCA Badge #1845 on its grille. In addition, it was driven from Los Angeles to Pebble Beach in celebration of the 70th anniversary of Lincoln in 1991 and scored a Second Place trophy at the Palm Springs Concours in 1998.

According to the consigner, this road-worthy car has completed many trips throughout Southern California. Painted a classic Lincoln Maroon paint with a tan cabriolet roof and a tan leather interior, the car presents extremely well, with everything in working order. The paint is beautiful, along with an equally fine leather interior. Equipped with optional overdrive, it is equally at home on the road or on the show field.