The 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible remains a high-water mark of Art Deco automotive styling, representing the perfect marriage of streamlined aerodynamics and mechanical sophistication. As one of only 350 units produced for the 1940 model year, this vehicle is a genuine rarity that showcases the landmark Continental design language pioneered by Eugene T. Gregorie. This specific example has benefited from a meticulous restoration, earning it multiple Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club (LCOC) awards. It stands today as a verified piece of rolling sculpture, finished in deep nitrocellulose lacquer and ready for prestigious CCCA judging and tours.
Gregorie Design and Nitrocellulose Lacquer Brilliance
Visually, the Zephyr is defined by its teardrop silhouette and the effortless flow of its front fenders into the raked radiator grille. The Black nitrocellulose lacquer paint provides a glass-like finish that accentuates the subtle curves and chrome brightwork synonymous with pre-war luxury. A power-operated black canvas roof provides protection from the elements, tastefully accented with Red piping that hints at the cabin’s color scheme. The car’s stance is period-perfect, sitting on a chassis designed to offer the most graceful profile of any convertible in the late 1930s and early 40s.
Oxblood Red Leather and Period Refinement
The interior is an exercise in period opulence, featuring a rich Oxblood Red leather that coats the seating surfaces and door cards. The dashboard maintains its original elegant layout, housing a heater and an AM radio for a complete vintage experience. Every tactile surface, from the steering wheel to the switchgear, reflects the high standard of the restoration that has satisfied LCOC judges. This cabin was designed to provide a serene environment for long-distance touring, ensuring that the driver and passengers experience the pinnacle of 1940s American luxury.
Smooth V-12 Power and Columbia Overdrive
Mechanical propulsion is provided by the sophisticated 292 CI L-Head V-12 engine, which utilizes a Zenith downdraft carburetor for precise fuel delivery. This smooth-running powerplant generates 120 hp/122 PS and is paired with a 3-speed manual gearbox. A critical feature for modern road use is the inclusion of a Columbia overdrive, which allows the V-12 to cruise at contemporary speeds without excessive engine strain. The suspension comprises a front independent setup and a rear three-quarter floating axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs, providing the cushioned ride quality expected of a premium Lincoln.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 292 CI L-Head V-12 |
| Carburetion | Zenith Downdraft |
| Transmission | 3-Speed Manual w/ Columbia Overdrive |
| Suspension | Front Independent / Rear Leaf Springs |
| Braking System | 4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes |
| Production | 1 of 350 for 1940 |
| Exterior Paint | Black Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Interior Material | Oxblood Red Leather |
Investment Potential and Rarity Among Peers
In the hierarchy of pre-war collectibility, the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible occupies a unique space due to its extremely limited production run. While the contemporary Cadillac Series 62 offered stiff competition, the Zephyr’s V-12 engine and Gregorie-led styling gave it an avant-garde edge that remains highly prized today. Its eligibility for CCCA tours and judging significantly broadens its appeal to serious collectors. With only 350 ever built, the opportunity to acquire an award-winning example with such a high level of restoration is a rare occurrence in the current market.
The Quintessential Pre-War Luxury Convertible
This 1940 Lincoln Zephyr is a remarkable survivor that encapsulates the grace and technical ambition of the Ford Motor Company’s luxury division. From the effortless power of its V-12 to the stunning contrast of the Oxblood interior against Black lacquer, every detail has been preserved to honor its heritage. It remains a definitive investment for anyone seeking the very best of American automotive design from the 20th century.
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Source: mecum.com
