Inspired by the elegant designs he saw while on a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel Ford challenged designer Bob Gregorie to develop a new and stylish Lincoln. Gregorie was the first to hold such a title at Ford Motor Company and had created the stunning boattail bodywork for Ford the younger’s famous 1932 Model 40 Special Speedster. He devised a convertible coupe on the existing Lincoln Zephyr chassis with Edsel Ford insisting that it be long and low for a speedy look. Launched as the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental, the long-running model has become the company’s most iconic. In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art chose the Continental as one of eight automotive “works of art,” while eight years later Time ranked it within the top 10 of the 100 best-designed products.

The 1948 Continental was a prewar holdover as Lincoln prepared an all-new model for 1949. It remained exclusive, large, and luxurious, clearly benefitting from hand craftsmanship. Power came from a 305-cubic-inch L-head V-12 engine rated at 130 horsepower. Just 847 Club Coupes and 452 Convertibles were produced for the 1948 model year.

This example was assembled on 12 February 1948 and shipped to “Strickland Metro Inc.” four days later, according to a copy of its build record on file. It left the factory finished as it currently is in Valley Green Metallic over tan leather with a tan top. Factory options included a heater, radio, overdrive, fog lamps, chrome bands, side mirrors, and Goodyear whitewall tires. Having been well-preserved within Sonny Schwartz’s impressive Suzy Q Collection, the presentation is pleasing with few signs of gentle use.

A Classic Car Club of America Full Classic, this attractive Continental Convertible will be welcomed at many events and CARavan tours, where its impressive presence and smooth V-12 are sure to please.