Introduced in late 1935 as a 1936 model, the original Lincoln-Zephyr combined the aerodynamic efficiency of streamlined styling with an early form of unit body construction that reduced weight while enhancing rigidity. A style leader from the beginning, the original Zephyr featured a tall, prow-like grille for its first two years. A new face appeared on the 1938 Zephyr, featuring a low-mounted, horizontal grille that would have a tremendous influence on automotive designers everywhere—by 1940 many American cars were frankly copying the late '30s Zephyr frontal ensemble.

The 1940 model year was a transitional year for Lincoln, as the new and very exclusive Continental, based on the Zephyr chassis, went into production just as the last of the huge Lincoln Model Ks super-luxury cars were delivered. Meanwhile, the 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr was a clean, beautifully detailed car that appeared to have evolved from the 1939 models. But it was in fact an essentially all-new car.

The new second generation Zephyr had a low grille that was larger that before and the headlamps mounted in the fenders were the new sealed-beams that were being adopted industry-wide in 1940. At the rear, the dramatic taper of earlier Zephyr bodies was replaced by a fuller design that allowed wider rear seating and added luggage room.

Powered by the familiar L-head (or 'flathead') V-12, now punched out to 262 cubic inches producing 120hp at 3,500 rpm, and matted to the rugged Zephyr 3-speed column-shifted manual transmission, the Zephyr was no slouch. Instrumentation was new, as well, with most instruments placed directly in the driver's vision...instead of in the center-mounted clusters found in earlier models.

This Zephyr sedan was is believed to have been featured in the opening scene of the 1991 Warren Beattie film Bugsy. The car has been repainted and currently shows well in stately Darian Blue. The interior, which has been redone with modern textiles matches the exterior paint color nicely. The V-12 has also been rebuilt. A fine touring car that can fit the whole family, this '40 Zephyr would be a welcome addition to any garage!