MODEL 96H-74. 110 bhp, 267.3 cu. in. L-head V-12 engine, three-speed manual transmission with Columbia overdrive, solid front axle and live rear axle with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 125"

The Ford Motor Company had all but abandoned the convertible sedan body style by 1939. It would be the last for Ford itself, with barely 3,500 built. In the Lincoln-Zephyr line, the Style 740 Convertible Sedan from 1938 was carried over as Style 74. Unlike the Ford, whose rear doors swung from the B-post, the Lincoln-Zephyr had “suicide” rear portals hinged at the rear, as they were on the sedan.

In addition to new hydraulic brakes, Lincoln-Zephyrs now had two-brush generators with external voltage regulators. Modest styling changes included a new grille, restyled bumpers, and doors with flanged bottoms, concealing the running boards. Inside, a central pedestal rose from the floor, containing a radio speaker and heater (when fitted), a clock, and the instrument cluster at the top. The pedestal also concealed the transmission shift lever, which exited at the top on the driver’s side, where it fell easily to hand. The instrument cluster was revised in arrangement, and a voltmeter, which Ford called a “battery condition indicator,” replaced the ammeter. Upholstery choices included cloth or leather, the latter in tan-grey, red, or brown. Convertible sedans had new inside door panels and redesigned rear arm rests and seat cushion patterns.

Long a Ford option, and also available on Lincoln-Zephyrs, was the Columbia two-speed axle, which gave an overdrive ratio to the transmission. Engaged by a vacuum cylinder at the differential, it provided, in effect, a cruising gear, appreciated in its day for greater fuel economy and today, for its ability to reduce engine rpm at Interstate speeds.

Michael Dingman purchased this 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Sedan from Sheldon Gomberg, of Los Angeles, California, in February 2002. It was then consigned to Kevin Westmoreland’s Performance Restoration to be completely rebuilt—an exhaustive process that totaled over $215,000. It is painted black with black canvas top and red leather upholstery. The paint is excellent, exhibiting a deep shine and no surface flaws. The black canvas top has attractive red piping and looks virtually new. A matching boot cover is housed in the trunk. The upholstery is correctly pleated and appears unworn. Matching red carpets line the floor.

The engine compartment is clean and properly detailed, the aluminum heads and manifold providing artistic contrast to the green cylinder block. The chassis and undercarriage are matte black, all nicely presented, and the car is fitted with 7.00x16 Firestone Deluxe Champion wide whitewalls.

Equipped with the optional Columbia overdrive, the car is ideally suited for touring. Although it has completed limited mileage since restoration, it has been well maintained, with the intention of preserving its as new appearance. A virtually new Lincoln-Zephyr, one of just 302 convertible sedans built for 1939, this car is an extremely rare and highly desirable automobile.