The original Lincoln Continental was, of course, a custom-created car for Edsel Ford, whose driving of the car on his winter holiday in Florida drew so much attention that Continental became a model (and for a while a separate company with Ford).
The Pick of the Day is a 1948 Lincoln Continental convertible being advertised on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Volo, Illinois.
“From the estate of a very prominent car collector and friend of ours,” the dealership reports in the advertisement. “He bought it 22 years ago and kept it properly stored.
“It won an AACA senior national 1st prize in 1989. It also won a top honor from Lincoln owner’s group.”
The dealer points out that this is one of only 452 such cabriolet produced for 1948, which was the last year of this Continental design. (The Continental would be replaced in 1949 by the Cosmopolitan model. The Continental returned in 1956.)
As one of the last true classics recognized by the Classic Car Club of America, the dealer points out, “This gives the car a higher status and enables it to participate in CCCA events.”
Not only that, but the car has had air conditioning and power steering added, “which will make touring that much better.”
As for other details, the dealer notes that the exterior is in excellent condition and the power convertible top works, with a repainted frame and newly felt-wrapped weatherstrips and a tan Haartz cloth top.
The interior has been “redone with correct ribbed cord cloth and leather trim. The door panels have been redone in genuine leather. It has the unique power window switches and pushbutton door openers. The red clear plastic steering wheel looks to be in excellent shape.
“The dash is beautifully restored — it’s all repainted, the gauges are restored, chrome sparkles etc. Premium carpet with bound edges and matching mats. I noticed the interior lights are working.”
The V12 engine — gotta love this turn of phrase — “runs as smooth as a mouse in slippers.”
Even the trunk has been relined with correct carpeting with bound edges, even on the inside surface of the trunk lid.
“Under the car is very clean; it was obviously restored,” the dealer adds. “Front and rear suspension was restored. The brake system was redone. The hoses, lines, master cylinder and e-brake cables still look fresh. Looking up at the motor and trans they still look fresh too. The fuel tank was restored.”
However, the dealer does note that the exhaust system could use replacement.
“This car is still beautiful,” the ad points out. “It has been very well cared for and preserved since the restoration. It has hardly been used. Although it seems to run and drive fine, it was restored over 30 years ago. A mechanical service is suggested if your plans are to really put miles on it. This true classic is rolling art!”
The car is being offered for $54,998. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
Hello, Larry.
Can I get permission, or would you be willing to share a photo of the ’48 Lincoln Continental to be featured in my 1940s & 1950s Classic Cars Calendar? If you agree, I will send you a free copy of the calendar each year.
Oh lordy!!! As a Continental fan, sure wished I had that $54,998! If I did, they blue baby would come live with me!!! Matter of fact, I must have been “imprinted” as one very much like this in the same color, sat in the driveway of a neighbor’s house when I admired it as a 5 year old, living in the mid-50’s in Shawsville, VA…Our other neighbor had a delicious tomotao red 1958 Ford hard-top-convertible!
Tim Beasley – Virginia Beach, VA
Perfection!
A relative bargain. I had a 48 Lincoln Continental that was medium green, green leather interior, which I bought from my mother (not given) for $1,000. I put a 430 Lincoln V-8 in it, which greatly improved the performance, and didn’t hurt the value. The car was sold at Barrett Jackson three years ago for $75,000. Some question whether the originals are worth more than the restored and modestly upgraded.
This is a very similar car to the one featured in the 1962 classic Bette Davis/Joan Crawford film “What Ever Happened To Baby Jane.” Another white Continental, sans fender skirts, was used in the campy Crawford bio-pic “Mommie Dearest.” I think Babe Ruth, Ernest Hemmingway and D.W.Griffith owned similar vehicles. John, above, is correct most of these survivor cars now sport newer Ford V8s, and even Cadillac and Oldsmobile power trains. I have noticed on the L A. area Craigslist a few barn find/heavy fixers Lincoln Continentals for sale.
Absolutely beautiful car. I wish I hit the lottery and it would be on its way to my home and a space in my garage. Not sure what the wife would say but we could deal with that after a nice drive in the country
I know it’s not available, but if the owner may sell pls contact me. My aunt had this car and would love for her to experience it before she passes.