The very rare convertible sedan offered here was one of just 302 built in 1939, a year that the Lincoln-Zephyr adopted new hydraulic brakes and modest styling changes, including a redesigned grille, bumpers, and doors with flanged sills, covering 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 RPMs at modern highway speeds.

Michael Dingman purchased this 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 7.00 × 16 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, this beautiful Zephyr has been well maintained in its current owner’s collection since 2012, with the intention of preserving its as-new appearance. A virtually new example, it is an extremely rare, highly desirable automobile.