Near the close of the 1930s, the upper end of the car market has virtually vanished as many could no longer afford such luxuries. Even the wealthy were still battling the burgeoning effects of the great Depression. The few that had managed to retain funds would have the ability to purchase luxury cars, but many found it inappropriate to spend on such extravagant items. Under the massive umbrella of Ford Motor Company, Lincoln was able to survive the financial storm.

For 1942, Lincoln offered three different models, the Zephyr, Continental and Custom. Mechanically, engineers at Lincoln had somehow found a way in increase performance in their dependable V-12 as horsepower was brought up to 130. A flashy facelift in the Zephyr prefigured immediate future postwar styling. All models now had longer, higher fenders. The front end acquired a bold grille of horizontal bars, and headlamps flanked by parking lights on either side. The last prewar Lincoln rolled out of the factory on February 10, 1942.

The previous owner had this sedan for 26 years. It has been driven for just over 12,000 miles and is stated to be 100 percent original though it should be noted that the title shows exempt; sans an extensive update of the exterior paint finish. In 1970 this Zephyr was found in a barn in Pinehurst, North Carolina, where it has been hidden since the original owner stored it in 1954. Physical evidence and inspection reflects the preserved status. New tires were mounted in 1998 and the car was re-painted in 2001. Total 1942 Lincoln production was 6,547 units with Zephyr sedan making up the most of the sales with 4,418 cars finding new owners. The sticker price when new was $1,801; the odometer on this elegant V-12 Lincoln shows 12,517 miles.