Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupe 1938 - World Of Classic Cars -

Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupe 1938

Like other prestige manufacturers, Lincoln needed a more moderately priced car to help it endure the tough times of the post-Depression era. The Ford Motor Company responded with the introduction of the Zephyr in November 1935. The streamlined teardrop styling was credited to designer John Tjaarda, of the Briggs Body Company, with help from a young Ford designer named Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie and input from Edsel Ford. The trio was ultimately credited for fashioning one of the first successful streamlined cars in America.
The Zephyr was powered by a new small V-12 engine derived from the standard Ford flathead V-8. Despite the advanced styling and novel V-12 engine, its parent organization, the Ford Motor Company, was never happy with sales. Yet, of the 18,994 Lincolns sold in its first year (1936), 17,715 were Zephyrs, which arguably kept the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company alive. In its third year, Lincoln produced 19,111 units, including just 600 of this six-passenger, two-door convertible coupe model.

Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupe 1938

The car shown here is believed to be one of about two dozen surviving Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupes, according to the Lincoln-Zephyr Owners Club, and it is equipped with the optional radio and Columbia two-speed rear axle. As confirmed by a copy of the original title, its first owner was Louise Stratman, who really was a little old lady from Pasadena, California. Ms. Stratman sold her Lincoln in the 1950s to Ray Kuhn. It was then stored on blocks until it was purchased by the third owner in 1988, who described it as an “all-original beauty that was in solid, straight, and rust-free” condition.

Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupe 1938

A comprehensive restoration followed, which was overseen by the legendary Tom Sparks, an associate of whom painted the car its Washington Blue finish. Flathead expert Jack Miles was engaged to do work on the engine, transmission, and rear end. The upholstery and top were done by Dick Jeffers, and the leather was matched for grain and custom-dyed by Killeen Leathers to replicate the originals. The tan convertible roof and matching leather interior make for a stunning appearance over the art deco-inspired lines.
The car was completed and shown in May 2007, where it scored 99.5 points at the LZOC/West National Meet, earned the Gregorie Award for excellence, and was named the Best Junior Zephyr of Show—all in its first outing! After a short stay with a fourth owner who used it sparingly, the current and fifth owner maintained it as part of his well-looked-after collection for nearly seven years.