Based on the Lincoln Zephyr and styled by former yacht designer "Bob" Gregorie in direct collaboration with Edsel Ford, a one-off concept convertible called the Continental was readied in time for the Fords' spring vacation in Florida and proved a hit with their affluent circle of friends, who insisted on a production model of the car. Handsomely styled, the Lincoln Continental brought European design cues and exclusivity to American automobile buyers. First offered for 1940, the Continental was powered by a V-12 engine and produced through 1948, albeit with a 3-year hiatus for most of 1942 through 1945 when civilian automobile production was curtailed in favor of wartime production requirements.

The styling of the 1942 Continental was maintained with subtle updates through 1948, the last year a Continental would be produced until Ford Motor Company organized the separate Continental Division in 1955. The final-year Continentals of 1948 marked the last time an American automaker would build and sell a car with a V-12 engine. Production was limited and in 1948, the top-of-the-line Continental Cabriolet sold for around $4,800, with just 452 examples produced. A true icon of automotive design, the Continental was selected by New York's Museum of Modern Art for public display as part of the famous "Great 8" works of automotive art in 1951.  

Handsomely finished in black with a tan power-operated convertible top and black-painted wheels mounting Lincoln-branded chrome wheel covers with gold scripts and wide whitewall Firestone tires, this 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet is a stellar example throughout. The beautiful black paint finish and the Continental's unforgettable bodylines are accented by rear stone guards and fender skirts, chrome front and rear bumpers with guards, twin sideview mirrors and of course, a "Continental" spare-tire kit. The striking red leather-upholstered interior is equipped with an AM radio, clock, heater/defroster, and power windows. Underhood, the impressive L-head 292 CI V-12 engine is paired with a column-mounted 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. A recent inspection confirms the V-12 engine is silky smooth in operation, the exterior and interior are virtually flawless, and everything works properly, including the power-top mechanisms and power windows. See this rare and beautiful CCCA Full Classic for yourself by contacting us for viewing arrangements and full details today.