1940 Lincoln Continental

LOW RESERVE Convertible

10 - Cyl.

Manual

Gasoline

I purchased this car about THREE plus years ago.It was my intention to duplicate “Rhapsody in Blue” my favorite 1940 Continental that I reluctantly sold years ago to a major shareholder of Ford Motor company. This car was described as a rust free car with rebuilt engine (V12) and in good driver shape. The interior (black leather) had been done about 10 years prior and the black leather upholstery looks great however I wanted to change it to a powder blue as I intended to duplicate my Multiple National Award AND Concours d'Elegance winner. The chrome (most every major piece) grills, bumpers were re- chrome plated. It appeared to be a solid car and that is what I wanted since I have owned a few of the top National Winning and Concours winning Continentals in the country. I sent a driver to inspect the car and bring it home. At that time I had about $40,000 in a ‘driver’ however anyone that knows me understands that I am a perfectionist to the point of being anal about my show winning restorations from our collection. Upon receiving the car I was not disappointed in the general appearance. Some minor things needed to be done. I had the engine pulled and checked and it certainly appeared to have been rebuilt. The driveline and exhaust we removed to do a complete chassis restoration repairing any flaws in the chassis, rear and suspension to high Concours standard at a real cost of $15,000.At one time a Cadillac engine was installed which was commom (actually the Lincoln Club used to present an award for the best converted car).Since there had been a Cadillac engine installed with dual exhausts the chassis rails had holes cut to accomadate the exhaust system.That was certainly corrected under my instructions to be back to original and better than new condition. From underneath the car during the process we noticed that there were some holes in the floorboards and brought in an expert welder to correct it rather than leaving it alone. The cast aluminum supports that notoriously are cracked (ask any Continental owner and he/she will concur) we had removed and replaced with recast ones stronger than original.Labor and material for that alone exceeded $1500.00. We stripped parts of the body where there was the slightest indication of former body damage or rust and had most every spot repaired. All parts,brake lines,fuel tank exhaust system were removed prior to a three week stripping of the chassis by three people to bare metal.Then expoxy primers and flaws in the chassis were filled with Devcon ($135.00 per pint container) .After curing it was then totally sanded and additional primers sprayed and re-sanded prior to poly urethane in black applied.The gas tank was flushed,cleaned,repaired,road dents removed and then the same process bringing about a most gorgeous Pebble Beach finish. I then sent the car to a friend who has a restoration shop to paint the car and reassemble it. He called me about two months later to tell me that even though we had done much work he found even some more,albeit minor, that needed attention knowing how particular I am. For instance the rocker panels which were replaced prior to my acquisition were riveted instead of welded.That is common but not done to my Pebble Beach standards whereas I would want them better than new .He soda washed the entire finish to bare metal.At that point in my life I was tired of doing this for the past 30 years and paid him $3500 and had the car returned. I have out of pocket over $65,000 in this car. Everything is there and I can have others finish it but I am too involved in our family foundation to get into it.I realize that I will lose money on this but it makes no difference.At 72 years of age there are more important things that producing the finest show cars around. By the way even the convertible top vacuum pumps,correct and original, work which also is rare. My loss is your gain. This is an extremely low reserve auction. Please do not play games. This car will be sold or donated to one of many museums. Note the beautiful black leather upholstery interior and the detail that each spring has been 'bagged' individually. Also the top Pebble Beach and beyond gas tank which was taken apart and done to the highest standards anywherew.That is how we have done our show cars.Just tired.Photos in burgunday was how it looked when I purchased it. All proceeds go to our family foundation that provides financial assistance to the Red Cross Homeless Shelter,Project HOME,Community scholarships to the most needy and programs for Woman's shelters and Pittsburgh Medical Center's Organ Recipient Fund and Food4Troops serving our warriors on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq.. Please do not ask for donations as we are fully committed. On Nov-04-11 at 22:24:39 PDT, seller added the following information: Cover of Lincoln Continental Magazine's"Rhapsody in Blue" On Nov-15-11 at 07:40:26 PST, seller added the following information: Here is a You Tube link to show the extensive work done on the chassis to make it top show http://youtu.be/PSrmbfcokpo On Nov-19-11 at 13:15:59 PST, seller added the following information: I just found a set of four show tires wide and correct white walls for this car that are like new.They will go with the car also.no extra charge! PLUS: An antique picnic set that is period correct for the trunk or a classic car like this.A service for four or six that is complete.