The new face on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr overshadowed a number of improvements made under the skin. The wheelbase was lengthened by three inches, allowing the engine and transmission to move forward. This in turn increased legroom for the front seat, particularly for the center position, where the configured shift lever was finally removed from the occupant’s lap. Adoption of a hypoid rear axle contributed to lowering the floor by almost 1.5-inches.

There were improvements as well to the 267.3-cid, 110-hp V-12 engine. Hydraulic valve lifters were adopted, providing quieter operation. Combustion chambers were redesigned, and a Holley-built Chandler Groves carburetor became an alternative to the standard Stromberg unit. There were also internal changes to the transmission. Among numerous changes to the electrical system was the relocation of the battery to the engine compartment, as Ford had done the previous year.

Two new body styles were offered: the 760 three-passenger convertible coupe and the 740 five-passenger convertible sedan. The rigidity that was given up by removing the Zephyr’s roof was compensated for with a cruciform section added under the body. The convertible sedan was unusual in that it retained the four-door’s smooth tail contour, whereas most convertible sedans had a bustle at the rear. Both open models debuted on October 23, 1937 and featured manually-operated, spring-assisted convertible tops. A five-passenger convertible coupe, style 760B, was added later in the year. All Lincoln-Zephyrs shared an unusual spare tire arrangement, in which the tire was mounted on a tilt-out mount, easily swung out to bumper level. Reliable sources show that of the 19,751 cars produced under this banner in the 1938 model year, only 461 were the convertible sedan.

This 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Sedan has excellent black paint and a tan canvas top with matching piping. The seats are upholstered in buttoned brown leather; which seems to show little sign of use. The floors are covered in light-brown carpet. A radio is installed in the instrument panel. The car appears to be in superb condition, the way it would have been sold off the showroom floor.

The engine compartment is clean and very nicely detailed. Liberal use of aluminum gives the engine an artistic quality, nicely contrasted with the darker tone of the cylinder block and the black of the ancillary components. The Lincoln-Zephyr is correctly detailed and very nicely presented.