The 1942 Lincoln Continentals continued the basic body design of the 1940-41 models, but were longer, lower and wider than their predecessors. The '42s also had a bolder, more squared appearance to their fenders. With the exception of their 1942-only grille design, the new Lincoln prestige models set the style for the 1946-48 Continentals produced after World War II.

Continental Coupes were distinguished by their window openings, framed in narrow chrome moldings that predicted the "hardtop" look of the 1950s. Just 200 Continental coupes were built as 1942 models before the auto industry turned fully to wartime production that March.

An interesting and unusual 1942 option was the gold interior accents package seen on the car offered here. The horn ring, center control panel housing, speedometer and clock bezels, door hardware and trim, and dome light bezel were among the gold-toned items.

The 1940-48 Continental was based on the Lincoln Zephyr chassis and was powered by its L-head V-12 engine, which owed much to the sturdy Ford V-8 of the period, from which it was derived.

The Lincoln Continental was first admired by Gene Beardslee when he worked for the Grumman Corporation on Long Island. He praised his coworker LeRoy Grumman's model, a new car at the time, so highly that when he purchased his own in the 1960s from Berkeley Heights, he had Mickey and Ed Pease do a comprehensive restoration on the car to imitate Mr. Grumman's. It was finished, and still remains, in the identical color scheme.

When the restoration was completed, the car was shown at the National Lincoln meet where it was awarded the Ford Motor Company award. The car was recognized as a bench mark example of a 1942 Lincoln Continental. Although the car has aged a bit since its refurbishment 40 years ago, it has not diminished in appeal. The interior has softened, becoming authentic and inviting. The rich green lacquer paint has started to show age cracks here and there but still as a nice rich shine. The mechanicals of the car have been kept in top order and a good deal of service work has been performed to ensure the car is running well. This car has a nice warm patina that encourages the car to be driven and enjoyed as is.

This 1942 Lincoln is yet another chance to own a fine and super rare Lincoln from the celebrated Beardslee Collection.