1942 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Custom

In 1938, Edsel Ford expressed interest in a “special convertible coupe that was long, low and rakish”, incorporating European design elements. Based on the Lincoln-Zephyr, Lincoln’s head designer, Bob Gregorie, quickly sketched the outline of the new car’s two-door, four-seat body, distinctively featuring a lowered hood line, cowl and extended front fenders. Edsel’s enthusiastic approval was swift, and the car was completed just in time for his winter vacation in Florida. Insufficient room for a trunk-mounted spare tire gave rise to the car’s signature feature, the “Continental” spare, and the car was the hit of the season when it was shown to Edsel’s fellow snowbirds. So much so, that it entered series production as the 1940 model Lincoln-Zephyr Continental. While 1941 Continentals received only detail changes, the 1942 models were lengthened, lowered and widened. In 1941, as America’s involvement in the war deepened, precious resources were gradually shifted from automobile production to the growing requirements of national defense. Consequently, 1942 Lincoln models substituted zinc for the stainless steel used in the grille, and cast iron cylinder heads replaced their aluminum predecessors. Following the Pearl Harbor attack and America’s full-scale entry into the war, civilian automobile production was discontinued in February 1942, and was not resumed until after V-J Day. Only 136 cabriolets and 200 club coupes were built in 1942 before production ceased.

This mild custom Lincoln is a blast to drive. It has a Chevrolet 350ci V-8 engine with a Turbo 350 automatic transmission. The engine has less than 10,000 miles on it. The car has just 97,134 original miles. The rear end is from a 1970s Lincoln Versaille. It has the great look of the 1940’s with a modern reliable drivetrain. This car was originally from California and is a rust free example. It has a custom interior and a gold plated dash. Options include 4-wheel power disc brakes, power steering, dual spotlights, dual exhaust, fender skirts, heat and air conditioning, power windows and an AM/FM Cassette.
With only 136 produced, this is a rare opportunity to own a very low production pre-war automobile.

Branson Auto Museum was conceived in August of 2007 and opened on May 15, 2009. Partners in the Museum,knew that the Branson area was hungry for car and automotive related things to do. Branson Auto Museum was originally scheduled to go into a purpose built 20,000 sq. ft. building on the Strip. When the partners discovered that the former crafts mall the "Engler Block" was available, they knew it would be the perfect fit for what they were planning. The buiding is layed out in sections that wander through the building which is the ideal setting for a museum. The charm and character of the building also lends itself nicely to a museum.