1948 Lincoln Continental

This 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible is beautifully restored, rare, well-optioned post-war classic that has been deemed a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA). The story of the Lincoln Continental traces back to 1939, when Edsel Ford, then president of Lincoln, commissioned a custom-built Lincoln Convertible Coupe inspired by the sleek, aerodynamic styling of Europes most prestigious marques. That one-off personal car became the direct inspiration for the production Lincoln-Zephyr Continental, introduced in 1940 as a stylish, forward-thinking replacement for the aging Model K. The Continentals revolutionary design departed from the past by eliminating running boards, incorporating expansive glass areas, and embracing elegant Art Deco proportions. Longer, lower, and more sophisticated than previous Lincolns, the Continental set a new standard for American automotive design, signaling a bold move toward modernity and refinement. Production of the Continental halted in 1942 as the U.S. automotive industry shifted to wartime manufacturing. When peace returned in 1945, Lincoln-like other American automakers-resumed production using prewar tooling and designs. The 1946 Lincoln Continental, introduced to the press on September 13, 1945, featured only subtle updates, including a wider grille and minor trim revisions. By 1948, the Lincoln Continental had reached the final year of its original design run, remaining nearly identical to its 1946 and 1947 predecessors. In fact, enthusiasts often quip that the best way to tell them apart is by asking the owner. The 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible stood as the pinnacle of the lineup, carrying an original price tag of nearly $5,000-an exceptionally high figure for the time. Due to its premium cost and minimal styling changes, production numbers were extremely limited, with only 452 Continental Convertibles built in 1948. Today, this rare and elegant automobile stands as a true icon of postwar American luxury. Its timeless styling, V12 power, and exceptional craftsmanship have earned it recognition from the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic, underscoring its significance in the history of Lincoln and American automotive design. This particular example comes to from a wonderful family of collectors who owned and stewarded the car for nearly 30 years. Under the hood of this 48 Lincoln Continental Convertible is a 292 cubic inch L-head V12 engine fed by a single 2-barrel carburetor, producing a factory-rated 120 horsepower when new. The smooth-running 292 V12 is paired with a 3-speed manual transmission operated via a column-mounted 3-on-the-tree shifter. Exhaust exits through a single outlet, delivering a rich, throaty tone from the rear. This 48 Lincoln rides on wide whitewall bias-ply tires mounted on steel wheels accented by full wheelcovers and beauty rings, giving the car a timeless and elegant presence whether cruising the boulevard or displayed at a local show. Out back, a rear-mounted continental kit carries the spare tire-an iconic feature of this namesake model. The rear wheels sit neatly behind fender skirts, adding to the streamlined, luxurious appearance of this CCCA Full Classic. Dual chrome outside mirrors are especially helpful when changing lanes on a CCCA CARavan or squeezing into a parking space the local CCCA car show or chapter event. Topping it all off is a black cloth power convertible top that operates smoothly at the flick of a switch and remains in wonderful condition; and, when the top is lowered, it tucks neatly below a matching boot. The all-steel body has been refinished in beautiful Victoria Coach Lincoln Maroon paint capping off the outstanding exterior appearance of this 48 Continental. The interior of this 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible just screams luxury! The front and rear seats are extremely plush and they have been reupholstered in Oxblood Burgundy leather. The matching burgundy cutpile carpeting, matching upholstered door panels and sun visors, and art deco steering wheel all look great retaining their stock appearance. This Lincoln Continental comes outfitted with full instrumentation including a 110 MPH speedometer, temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge, and fuel gauge. The dash is finished off with various other controls along with an optional clock, optional AM radio with integrated speaker, and a locking glovebox. Whether youre already a card carrying member of the Classic Car Club of America and adding to your existing collection or youre buying your very first classic car, this 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingsons a call today at 763-428-7337!