1946 Lincoln Other

FOUR DOOR SEDAN

305 CI V-12

3-SPEED MANUAL W/OVERDRIVE

Clear

Gasoline

Thanks for stopping by to take a closer look at John's early-post-war 46 Lincoln Salon Four Door Sedan. It's Series 66H/Body Style 73 and a survivor that will profit from limited restoration. The Bob Gregorie design, which used many Continental elements made a distinctive visual statement. It's formal body style with its massive chrome grill, squared fenders, high roof line, large windows and easily accessible rear compartment via 'SUICIDE' rear doors made it popular among executives, diplomats and government officials. At the time (and since WWII) Lincoln has been the only car to offer the silky smooth performance delivered by a V-12 engine and the only one with innovations like push-button door latches. The car is at once both SLEEK AND STATELY and the only high-end American car with styling that retained its four traditional fenders. Production numbers for sedans are unavailable. It's known only that Lincoln produceed 16,645 coupes, convertibles and sedans. We estimate about 10,000 of those were sedans. Unfortunately, due to the popularity of the Continental, coupes and sedans were more than often considered expendable. An internet search found very few available for sale or being shown even at Lincoln events. Here's the story of this rare sedan. I use the term 'rare' because it is one of the remaining few that is an unmolested, no-rust, ORIGINAL SURVIVOR sedan. The best, and almost only way, to tell actual condition of a cars' body is if, as with this one, the car wears its original paint - dark green in this case. Only exception is its REBUILT, #'s matching, 305 cubic inch V-12 engine which was running nicely when the car was moved into John's storage barn. Because these Lincolns were almost hand assembled, body panels achieved remarkable fit. Take note, for instance, of the narrow gap of the front door and cowl shown in the last photo (and excuse the one included by mistake). It's unlikely Rolls Royce's tolerances were tighter. Like RR, however, it was build quality and craftmanship that were the guiding production principals. Unlike many other postwar cars, there is nothing 'tinny' about the body and a solid tap on any thick vanadium metal panel will result in a resounding thump. As a result this 125" wheelbase car weighs in at two tons. With its optional OVERDRIVE unit supporting the transmission, the long-stoke, 130 horsepower L-head V-12 engine will move the car along quietly and comfortably at freeway speeds. A long time eBayer and approaching 80 myself, I'm listing this one for my old (90 years and pictured) car buddy, John Chabot. John was raised in Detroit and began his lifelong career in the car business polishing diecast parts for the majors. As a result, John is a well informed buyer of old cars and has always had an affinity for Lincolns. He bought this one and a 48 Continental (also listed) late in the 20th Century with the intention of bringing them back to life. His physical condition and other interests left his 'barn finds' in his own barn (pictured) mostly unattended to. Restoration typically involves drivetrain work, rechroming, repainting, glass replacement and upholstery will eat up most of a $35K dollar bill. With this car the paint would probably profit most from a thorough cleaning to allow it to remain squarely in the survivor class. Original glass is all good. Bumpers will profit from rechroming, but the chrome grill and and most of the plated diecast parts could be nursed into acceptable condition (note the shiny top left patch of grill subjected to some rubbing). Much of the brightwork is stainless steel, including the octagonal hubcaps and trim rings and will polish up nicely. Engine has been rebuilt, saving a $10K bill, and has been run an estimated 2500 miles. It will profit from rewiring. Clutch and transmission were functional when it was parked. CAR IS COMPLETE and includes the radio and original seats and door panels. Some other extra parts are available. Hydraulics and upholstery will need attention. This Lincoln was not originally equipped with optional fender skirts. Fortunately, there is no deal-breaking rust or corrosion to attend to. So if you're looking for an EXCITING PROJECT project to personalize and one that will actually look presentable with some cleaning and cobweb removal, this may be your car. Cars I've enjoyed working with are those that are built with care and integrity. I've found old Hudsons and Porsches to fall into that category and my assessment of this Lincoln is that it's equally worthy as a fun and manageable project. Suspect, tho, it may require buying an occasional lunch for the guys at your local chrome and upholstery shops to stimulate some excitement about this WORTHY PROJECT. As always, your QUESTIONS ARE ENCOURAGED AND APPRECIATED. This car can be seen in the pictured barn in Shingle Springs, CA, a few miles south of Hwy 50 between Sacramento and Placerville and inspection prior to bidding is recommended since its easy to get carried away writing a discription of this lovely piece of vintage iron. John is also available to discuss the car with you by phone. He can be reached at 530.677.4125. He has an interest in moving along this one as well as his 48 Continental and would be pleased to make a collector a PACKAGE DEAL FOR BOTH. The car is a 'roller' on its premium wide-whitewall tires and John will assist with loading onto the carrier of your choice. Successful bidder will make a nonrefundable $500 PayPal deposit within 72 hours of auction close. Balance is due within 7 days and payment instruments must clear before the car will be released. Thanks for wading through all this information and GOOD LUCK BIDDING! Added note: Apologize for the photos taken in cramped, inside barn area, but us two old duffers just didn't have what it takes to remove them into the sunlight. Possible that John may be able to send additional photos to your eMail address.