1939 Lincoln Zephyr 2-Door 3 Window Coupe

Somehow Edsel Ford and Ford Motor Company had the magic touch. While Chrysler and DeSoto’s streamlined Air Flows had a lukewarm public response, the Lincoln Zephyr was an immediate sensation at the 1936 New York Auto Show. It was not just the beautiful design, but the Zephyr’s V12 engine was smooth, whisper quiet, fuel-efficient (20 mpg), and had plenty of horsepower. The Zephyr looked elegant with recessed headlights flush with the front fenders and the tear-drop-shaped profile’s clean lines.

Besides good looks, the Zephyr had some Ford Motor Company firsts, such as hydraulic brakes and a solid stamped steel roof. Edsel Ford loved the car. Employing his design genius, Bob Gregorie took the Zephyr and made it the basis for a new prototype car, the Lincoln-Zephyr Continental. Edsel had this new car shipped to his home in Hobe Sound, FL and blank check orders flowed in. Released in mid-1939 but labeled 1940, the Continental was born. In 1941, the name “Lincoln” was added to Continental and Lincoln-Zephyr became a separate model.