Remarkably well documented history having only 4 owners from new! Survives with all original body and chassis, never being exposed to inclement weather! Total history included with a compassionate total restoration in 2007! One of the most stunning you will ever find! AACA Senior winner, and multiple LCOC National 1st Place winner, including Best in Class FOMOCO Trophy!
Developed from 1939 through 1948, the first generation Lincoln Continental was interrupted in production by World War II, where no automobiles were produced by any American auto makers between the years of 1942-1945. With its return to production in 1946, the Continental was revised with subtle changed to both the style, but also to the vulnerable V12 engine. The former 292ci V12 engine received several improvements that included high capacity oil pumps, cast iron heads, and stronger internals all to improve cooling capacity and longevity of the engine overall, and provide extra horsepower. These H-Series Continentals produced from 1946-1948 are considered the most collectible of the 1st generation for this reason. The entire selection of Lincoln-Zephyr V12 powered Continentals are recognized by the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) as a Full Classic, making them one the last, and youngest, to ever be considered by the club.
We are excited to offer this 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet finished in Pace Car Yellow over Brown Leather interior with new Tan Stayfast canvass convertible and matching boot cover! Powered by its original 292ci V12 Lincoln-Zephyr power plant producing an estimated 125 horsepower and 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive, this wonderful example runs as smooth as it looks! Options include AM radio with vacuum antenna, 15” steel wheels fitted with Firestone Deluxe Champion 4-ply wide whitewall tires, fog lamps, continental spare tire, rear fender skirts, locking glove box & trunk, dash clock, hydraulic power top & windows, under seat heaters & windscreen defrost, front & rear bumper guards with wing tips, dual outside mirrors, and more!
The history of this Continental Cabriolet is exceptional, with a life beginning on a short trip destined for Los Angeles, California after being ordered by Foothill Motors of Pasadena. The trip was interrupted by Lee Butler of Butler Lincoln Motors of Washington D.C. after a special request from Dr. Erwin Ruth, who requested a 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet as a Christmas gift for his mistress, Marie Carmen Duff, some 32 years younger than him. It was diverted from its westward destination and awarded to Ms. Duff in December 1947. Turns out, she never learned to drive and the car was garaged most of its early years, driven only in the summer months with Dr. Ruth behind the wheel through 1959. It was decided to have the car repainted that Fall of 1959, only to have the painter fail to meet expectations. In frustration, the doctor would park the Lincoln back in the garage, on blocks, with the gas tank full, and he engine completely filled with oil. It would stay in this pickled state until his death in October 1969 at 80 years of age. Ms. Duff, still remaining a companion to Dr. Ruth, was asked to sell the car to his longtime friend, Thomas Lerch, when he died.
Tom took possession in October 1970 and drove it for the first time, after extensive engine and brake readiness, the summer of 1971. Being a military person soon to be stationed in Kabul, Afghanistan, the car would be parked again through October 1973. Upon return, Mr. Lerch then relocated from Washington D.C. to Bethesda, MD, then on to North Canton, Ohio. His remarkable care and meticulous maintenance records are fully documented in his personal log book! He detailed every single service, complete engine overhaul, all mileage indications, oil changes, chassis lubrications, cleaning & waxing dates, and of course all events he participated in. These included year-to-year Lincoln & Continental Owner’s Club National Meeting, and numerous CCCA CARavan tours!
This beautiful example was most recently located in Springfield, IL were it has been garage kept & maintained by its former owner, Cliff Greenwalt, since 2004. Mr. Greenwalt followed in perfect order with a superb, and very complete, total restoration of the body and mechanicals. Credit for the complete bare metal repaint goes to Kenny Crow of Wavery, IL, and the engine overhaul compliments to Dubin Auto Garage, also of Waverly, IL. Less than 1,000 miles are on the completed car, 965 miles to be exact, finished in 2007. The exterior paint has been beautifully polished, and the engine bay has been fully detailed for shows! Whether the top is up or down, it shows extremely well from all angles! The chassis and undercarriage are in solid condition and present very well. We invite prospective buyers to come and view this vehicle in person or to call with additional questions. This represents a great opportunity to own a final year, first generation Continental and one of the last V12 powered cars produced by any American auto manufacturer! Thanks for looking!
Price: Auction
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Location: Saint Louis, Missouri, United States
