1946→1948 Lincoln Continental
In the immediate post-war period, Lincoln updated the Continental with new trim including a much more elobaorate front grill and bumper. It kept the model’s L-head V12 engine which produced 130 bhp. The model was sold up until in 1948 when Ford launched the Continental brand as a separate division with the Mark II.
In Detail
type | Series Production Car |
production years | 1946 – 1948 |
1946 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet – sold for $56,100. This outstanding Continental is one of only 201 cabriolets constructed in 1946 and one of considerably fewer that remain in existence today. Though much of this car’s history is unknown, it is apparent that by 1976 the car had come into the care of Alan Berg of Wyncote, Pennsylvania. Within a year of his purchase, Mr. Berg set about an extensive restoration conducted by The Restoration Shop of Jamesburg, New Jersey. Sourcing correct NOS parts from known marque specialists such as Vintage Auto Warehouse in Frederick, Maryland, and Lincoln Services, Ltd. in Pennsylvania, the artisans at The Restoration Shop were able to refurbish this Continental to its majestic original condition.
This handsome Lincoln wears whitewall tires and is finished in a deep coat of Monsoon Maroon paint. Its interior is appointed in tan leather and it offers a matching tan soft top. The car is accompanied by a binder of documentation, including restoration receipts, original registration cards and its award letter from the LCOC. Rich in details such as its elegant Art Deco clock, delicate chrome and streamlined hood ornament, this fabulous Continental is a premier example of post-war American styling and luxury motoring that would make a glowing addition to a collection. Auction Source: 2011 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible – sold for $52,000. Based on the custom Lincoln built for Edsel Ford in 1938, the Lincoln Continental was introduced in 1939 and established a new standard for Ford’s luxury brand. Although production ceased immediately after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the first-generation Continental returned in 1946 and remained until 1948. Since then it has been is recognized as a Full Classic by the Classic Car Club of America, one of the last production cars so honored. The 1948 Continental convertible offered here has recently been restored from the ground up and is superbly refinished in the original Lincoln Maroon with a new Tan leather interior and new top. The silky and powerful Lincoln V-12 engine is original to the car and is backed with the stock 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Auction Source: 2010 Mecum at Monterey
1946 Lincoln Continental Indy 500 Pace Car – sold for $104,500. Although this is not the only Continental claimed to be the ’46 pace car, this is the only one recently used by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and driven by former CEO Tony George in 2005 during the race festivities. Longtime Indy 500 announcer Tom Carnegie was driven by George in this car in a gathering of pace cars prior to the running of the 2005 race. Carnegie, whose voice is synonymous with the historic race, first served as public address announcer in 1946, the same year the Continental paced the race.
In very presentable condition throughout following the restoration work it received in the last five years, the 1946 Continental is again as it appeared at its first public outing. Driven by the CEO himself with none other than Tom Carnegie in the back seat, this Continental is rightly regarded by the Speedway as being the correct, authentic pace car from 1946. In fact, it was even displayed for a period of time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and is ready for continued parade and museum use. Auction Source: RM Auctions’ 2010 Sports & Classics of Monterey