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| Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Sedan 1939 |
Change was in the air in Dearborn for 1939. Along with the Ford and new Mercury cars, the Lincoln-Zephyr received hydraulic brakes, but unlike its siblings’ binders, the Zephyr's brakes had servo-assist. Modest styling changes included a new grille, restyled bumpers, and doors with flanged bottoms, which concealed the running boards. Inside, a central pedestal rose from the floor, containing a radio speaker and heater (when fitted), a clock, and the instrument cluster at the top. The pedestal also concealed the transmission shift lever, which exited at the top on the driver’s side, where it fell easily to hand. The instrument cluster was revised in arrangement, and a voltmeter, which Ford called a “battery condition indicator,” replaced the ammeter. Convertible sedans had new inside door panels and redesigned rear arm rests and seat cushion patterns.
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| Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Sedan 1939 |
The car presented here was one of only three hundred and two convertible sedans produced in 1939. It was acquired by its present owners about a quarter of a century ago, and they immediately began the adventure of restoration. As his wife recalls, the owner had an amazing understanding of the Lincoln-Zephyr and its parts, and he also had an eye for accuracy and detail, insisting that all components be presented as best as possible. Accordingly, no stone was left unturned when returning the car to its original condition.
Stripping the banana yellow paint that the car wore when acquired revealed its original color, the very rare, special shade of Ardmore Green, which was introduced in and available only for 1939. The new finish was applied by a former Hill and Vaughan painter. All colors throughout are original to the car, style, and year, and the car has almost all available options and accessories. When the restoration was completed, it was shown only once, at the Orange County regional meet of the Lincoln-Zephyr Owners Club in 2008, where it scored 98.75 points. There, it was awarded First in Class and the Ford Trophy, and it went on to be displayed at the Petersen Automotive Museum.
This stunningly restored art deco masterpiece of a rare body style in spectacular colors ranks as one of the most popular Lincolns of all time.
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