Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026 12pm
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
Registration No: PXS 117 Chassis No: 8H181779 MOT: Exempt
1 of just 452 Lincoln Continental Convertibles built in 1948
292ci V12 engine with three-speed manual transmission, and factory options of a radio, chrome bands, fog lamps, and more!
An older restoration still presenting very well
Multiple award-winner while still a resident of the United States
A very rare sight on British roads!
Inspired by the elegant designs he saw while on a trip to Europe in 1938, Edsel Ford challenged designer Bob Gregorie to develop a new and stylish Lincoln. Gregorie was the first to hold such a title at the Ford Motor Company and had created the stunning boattail bodywork for Edsel’s famous 1932 Model 40 Special Speedster. He devised a convertible coupé on the existing Lincoln Zephyr chassis with Edsel Ford insisting that it be long and low for a speedy look. Launched as the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental, the long-running model has become the company’s most famous and revered. In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art chose the Continental as one of eight automotive “works of art,” while eight years later Time ranked it within the top 10 of the 100 best-designed products.
The 1948 Continental was a pre-war holdover as Lincoln prepared an all-new model for 1949. It remained exclusive, large, and luxurious, clearly benefiting from hand craftsmanship. Power came from a 292 cubic-inch L-head V-12 engine rated at 125 horsepower. Just 847 Club Coupes and 452 Convertibles were produced for the 1948 model year.
Exuding all the glamour of the golden age of Hollywood, this magnificent 1948 Continental is not only an extremely rare example of one of the most artistically-designed American automobiles, it has also been described as “probably the best of its kind in the world” having been named the outright Senior National Champion by the Antique Automobile Club of America (A. A. C. A.), and Best Continental by the Lincoln Zephyr Owners’ Club of the U. S. A. The A. A. C. A. has also awarded it National First Place in its Preservation category. These awards followed a restoration in the 1990s which has been preserved extremely well, with the Grotto Blue paint and two-tone interior showing no obvious signs of age, save for some pleasant patination of the leather.
The Lincoln formerly resided in sunny California; now, we in Britain are privileged to have it on our soil, following its importation in November, 2021. It has had just two British owners, the present acquiring it in 2024. It received some light refurbishment around the time of import, having firstly had the coil overhauled for $500 in 2021. The same year, it was given to IK Sport Classic in Yorkshire to be fitted with a new condenser and spark plugs and have the carburettor refurbished for £750.
The ’48 Continental was a true end-of-an-era car. The American luxury V12 had flourished during the 1930s, despite market conditions not being favourable towards such opulent and expensive machines. Cadillac withdrew its V12s after 1937, while Packard’s lived on to 1939. The smoothest of power-plants had its last hurrah in the Lincoln, before all three manufacturers contented themselves solely with eight-cylinder offerings from 1949. As such, it is something to be cherished, and it would make an ideal machine for the Rally of the Giants and maybe some prestigious concours d’élégance. Supplied with its V5C and old California title, we anticipate a lot of interest in this jewel in the crown of the American motor industry.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
