Nearly every street rod is in some way unique, but current technology and fashion favor a familiar pattern: small block Chevy or Ford power, an automatic transmission, power rack-and-pinion steering, tubular control arms, and four-link trailing arms with either coil-over-shock or air suspension. The recipe is tried and proven, and a multitude of suppliers offer a wide array of components. Every once in a while, though, someone comes up with something completely different. This 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr is a remarkable example of that.

This car was built in 2011 by Regal Roadsters, of Madison, Wisconsin, and it is a sight to behold. For nearly three decades, Regal Roadsters was a source for two-seat Thunderbird replicas in both kit form and turn-key fashion, and it set out to create the ultimate in high-tech nostalgia. They started with a 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe, one of the most beautiful designs of the 1930s, and channeled the body by three inches. A custom frame was fabricated to accommodate the choice of technology: tubular control arms and four-link rear suspension with Ride Tech Firestone air springs and Ride Pro controls. The brakes are Wilwood discs, 14 inches with six piston calipers in the front and 12 inches with four pistons at the rear. The steering is power rack and pinion.

No small block V-8 is worthy of a 1930s Lincoln, so a V-12 of pedigree was chosen: the Cosworth-developed AMV03 six-liter DOHC powerplant similar to those in Aston Martin Vanquish models. This engine was tuned for this car, and it puts out an incredible 600 horsepower. The transmission is a specially engineered 4L60E Hydra-Matic with an Edge Racing heavy-duty torque converter and TCI controller. The rear axle is a nine-inch Ford with Mosher 430 gears, which drives the 31-spline Mosher axles. The driveshaft is aluminum, from Inland Empire, and the stainless-steel 2.5-inch exhaust system uses Borla mufflers, for the ultimate exhaust note.

The body is painted carbon grey metallic with a 3M clear coat, and it has been treated underneath with a Wurth undercoating. The interior is upholstered in Wollensdorf soft red leather, which nicely harmonizes with the grey German wool carpet and wool broadcloth headliner. The car has electric windows, a JL/Kenwood integrated audio and navigation system with a Bluetooth interface, an Escort 9500 integrated laser and radar detector, a remote start and alarm system, and shoulder and seat harnesses. The heating, cooling, and climate controls have been engineered into the cabin and instrument panel, with the latter being a modified version of the iconic Lincoln-Zephyr console layout. A custom steering column was incorporated with the original Lincoln-Zephyr coincidental lock, and the wheel itself is leather-wrapped, to match the seats. LED lighting is used in the front and rear to help light the way.

Michelin Pilot P235/50ZR18 tires are mounted on Colorado Custom aluminum 18x8 wheels with hidden valve stems. With the air ride suspension, the ride height can be adjusted at will for various road conditions. The car comes with an extensive operation and maintenance manual, which provides full details on all systems.

This is truly a unique automobile, and due to its unusual specifications and the way in which it was created, it is almost certain to remain one of one, a singular creation.