Returning from Europe in 1938, Edsel Ford sketched for designer E.T. 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, 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 many of them placed orders. Thus, the Continental went into production in December 1939, and a coupe version soon followed.

Lloyd Needham acquired his Continental cabriolet in the early 1980s from his fellow longtime Ontario enthusiast, Al Webster, who had owned it for five years and oversaw its restoration to original condition, including rebuilding the engine. The restoration was furthermore recently improved for Mr. Needham, with body and paintwork by Stan Uher of Classic Coachworks in Blenheim, Ontario. With the original gold finish for the interior trim and gauges no longer available, all were refinished in genuine gold plating, producing a spectacular appearance. The result scored a perfect 100 points in CCCA judging in 1998.

The Lincoln has been well kept in the manner typical to the Needham cars, and shows beautifully, with nearly pristine and still show-worthy leather and cloth upholstery, well-fitted body panels finished in rich Spode Green, and excellent interior hardware. Even the engine compartment is clean and well detailed, with a very authentic appearance. Showing only 1,033 miles at the time of cataloguing, this Continental would be a most rewarding acquisition for a new owner.