Beschreibung:

Body No. 876H574857 While returning from a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel Ford sketched a concept that he wished to build on a Ford chassis. His designer, E.T. "Bob" Gregorie did detailed drawings based on a Lincoln-Zephyr convertible instead, and the result was the Continental. The hood and fenders were extended about a foot, and the car was sectioned horizontally by four inches. The bustle back with outside "Continental" spare was the finishing touches. The car was built and shipped to Edsel at his Florida home in March 1939. Legend says that his friends were so taken with the car that 200 of them placed orders. The Continental went into production in December 1939, and a Club Coupe followed in the spring of 1940. Production was modest, just 404 in 1940 and 1,250 the following year, but it had the intended effect: a trend. Jackie Cooper had one, and Frank Lloyd Wright and Raymond Loewy both bought them to customize for themselves. For 1942, the current style dictated a more massive front end, and bulkier rear fenders. The model year was shortened by the beginning of war, and when the factories opened again for 1946 and postwar tastes demanded a nose that was bolder still. In all, 5,324 Lincoln Continentals were built before the model was discontinued after the 1948 model year. A very successful entrepreneur and businessman, Eugene Beardslee made a second career of collecting fine automobiles, particularly Lincolns. He was very particular about the quality of his cars, and insisted on a high degree of perfection from his restorers. This 1948 Continental Coupe was restored a number of years ago by Robert Turnquist's Hibernia Auto Restoration in New Jersey. Showing only the slightest signs of aging, the car is painted in gloss black, with wide whitewall tires. The interior is done in correct grey leather and cloth, with dark blue carpet on the floor. The red plastic interior hardware and steering wheel show no cracks and only the slightest blemishing. Equipped with radio, heater and power windows, the car has been recently serviced and runs and drives extremely well. Lincoln's 1948 model year ran for just six months. Continental production had peaked in 1947. Just 1,299 were built for 1948, 847 of them Club Coupes. When the new model year came around, the Continental was gone, and with it Lincoln's V-12 engine. This is an excellent opportunity to acquire an exceptional example of the last of the breed.