In 1938, Edsel Ford handed his chief designer and friend, E.T. “Bob” Gregorie, some sketches of a car he wanted built. Gregorie did detailed drawings based on a Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, and the result was the Continental. The hood and fenders were extended about a foot, and the car sectioned horizontally by four inches. The bustle-back with outside “Continental” tire were the finishing touches. The car was built and Edsel took it to Florida that winter. Legend says that his friends were so taken with the car that 200 of them placed orders. It went into production for 1940.

An older restoration, this 1941 Continental Cabriolet presents very nicely in medium gray, with tan canvas convertible top. Body contours are excellent and the paint is very good, the only detail flaws appearing on the welting for the rear fender skirts. The brightwork is generally good but for one or two thin spots. The interior is upholstered in green leather, which has seen moderate use. There is matching carpet on the floor. The dashboard has restored mahogany woodgrain, and complements an excellently restored steering wheel. Equipment includes a radio with cowl-mounted antenna, fresh-air heater-defroster and a dashboard clock.

The engine compartment is clean and correctly detailed. The undercarriage is clean and well-presented; the underbody in gray and the running gear painted black. The car has Firestone Deluxe Champion 7.00-16 wide whitewall tires.

There were just 400 Lincoln Continental Cabriolets built for 1941. Surely this is among the nicest.