Body no. 5EH5645

Nowadays synonymous with Lincoln, the 'Continental' model name had first been used in 1940 for Bob Gregorie's masterly styling exercise on the existing V-12 Zephyr chassis. A sportier, top-of-the-range companion to the Zephyr, the Continental had started out as a personal, custom-bodied one-off commissioned by Lincoln boss Edsel Ford, and would be hailed as a classic of automotive design by authorities as diverse as the Museum of Modern Art and the Classic Car Club of America.

Lincoln had relied exclusively on V-12 engines since 1933, the Continental's being a 75-degree, 292cid (4,787cc) L-head sidevalve producing 120bhp. Few changes were made until the September '41 introduction of the '42 model, which featured a revised front grille and an enlarged (305cid, 5.0-liter) and more powerful engine, while a notable new option was 'Liquimatic' three-speed automatic transmission.

When Lincoln's production lines resumed automobile manufacture towards the end of 1945 it was with mildly revised '42 models. There were only two Continentals available - a convertible and a coupe – the former being the most expensive offering in the entire Lincoln range. A three-speed manual gearbox (with optional overdrive) was standard equipment, the automatic having been temporarily discontinued. Only 201 Continental convertibles and 265 coupes were built for the 1946 model year and today these rare and exclusive models are among the most coveted of post-war American classics.

Thoroughly restored in the early 2000s, this Continental continues to show very well today. Finished in Skyline Blue with matching blue leather inside and a tan top, the elegance of this early post-WWII Lincoln is extremely evident. Reported to be a strong runner and good driver, the car has been only sparingly used since its restoration.

A CCCA Full Classic™, Continental Convertibles are highly prized for their comfort and swiftness down the road. In many respects, they are like a modern car. Great for touring, shows, or just jaunts to the beach, whatever the occasion there are few more stylish ways in which to make your way there than in a Lincoln Continental Convertible. On that second point, this Lincoln already has an invite to be shown at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance on the Sunday after the auction, so that is an itch that can be scratched immediately!