Much as Packard broadened its appeal with the One-Ten and One-Twenty and Cadillac reached a wider clientele through LaSalle, Lincoln introduced the lower-priced Zephyr to weather the difficult economic climate of the Great Depression. Debuting in November 1935 as a 1936 model, the streamlined Zephyr shared its name with the glamorous, cutting-edge diesel locomotives of the Burlington Railroad, neatly capturing the technological optimism of the era. Its advanced design originated with John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Company and was further developed under the direction of Edsel Ford and talented young stylist Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie.

The Zephyr proved enormously important to Lincoln. Of the 18,994 Lincolns sold for 1936, 17,715 were Zephyrs. Beneath its aerodynamic bodywork was a new 267-cubic-inch L-head V-12 derived from Ford's proven flathead V-8 architecture, producing approximately 110 horsepower.

For 1939, the Lincoln-Zephyr received meaningful improvements, most notably the adoption of four-wheel hydraulic brakes. Styling revisions included a higher hood line, a larger grille with vertical bars, concealed running boards, and a redesigned instrument panel. Among the various body styles offered, none was more striking than the sleek “three-window” Coupe. Just 2,500 examples were produced for the model year, making it considerably less common than the four-door Sedan and one of the most sought-after closed Zephyr body styles today.

This example completed assembly on 28 June 1939 and was originally finished in Brewster Green with a tan leather interior, according to build data compiled from records held by The Henry Ford. It was subsequently restored and today presents in handsome burgundy over a grey corded-fabric interior, a particularly attractive combination that complements the Coupe's long hood, flowing roofline, and distinctive three-window profile. Authentic period details further enhance its presentation, including bumper overriders, dual exterior mirrors, chrome wheel covers and trim rings, and color-keyed wheels fitted with whitewall tires.

Inside, the Zephyr displays one of the period's most memorable Art Deco instrument panels. Its centrally positioned instrumentation groups the primary gauges within a single large circular dial, with a clock mounted below and decorative trim flowing down toward the carpeted transmission tunnel. A banjo-style steering wheel completes the striking driver's environment, while two auxiliary rear seats provide occasional additional passenger accommodation without compromising the Coupe's exceptionally graceful proportions.

With only 2,500 produced, its highly desirable three-window bodywork, handsome older restoration, and important mechanical improvements introduced for 1939, this Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe represents one of the most compelling American streamlined designs of the pre-war era. Combining distinctive Art Deco styling, V-12 power, and the refinement expected of the Lincoln name, it offers an appealing opportunity to acquire one of the marque's most recognizable designs.