In the late 1930s, Edsel Ford commissioned a supposedly one-off design for use at his Florida vacation compound. He entrusted company chief stylist E.T. “Bob” Gregorie to craft the machine based off factory drawings of the streamlined Lincoln Zephyr Convertible. Gregorie’s creation would go on to become a name synonymous with American luxury, the Continental. He extended the hood and fenders almost a foot while sectioning the car four inches horizontally. Edsel’s high-society Florida friends were reportedly so taken with the car that they clamored to place purchase orders.

The Continental went into production in December 1939, and a coupe version soon followed. Production was modest, just 404 in 1940 and 1,250 the following year, but it had the intended effect: a starting a trend. Jackie Cooper had one, and Frank Lloyd Wright and Raymond Loewy each bought one to customize for themselves.

For 1942, the Streamline Modernist style dictated a more massive front end, which was applied to all Lincolns, the Continental included, albeit with a delicate horizontal bar grille. With only 136 built, the 1942 Continental Cabriolet is the rarest of all pre-war Continentals.

Said to have been the recipient of a full restoration approximately 10 years ago, this coveted Continental is presented in handsome dark blue livery over red leather upholstery. The cabin’s Art-Deco influence is unmistakable in the beautifully styled dash with gold-plated trim, central ventilation controls, and instrument bezels. Gold-plated top latches, sun visor hardware, and other minor fixtures continue the theme, while luxury extras include a factory AM radio and power windows.

Early Lincoln Continentals are uncommon in general and this superb example is among the rarest of all, making it a true find for enthusiasts of the Art Deco era.