In August, we featured a 1939 Lincoln Zephyr - opens in new window or tab. four-door sedan that was getting an extreme makeover by being chopped, stretched, and widened in preparation for an all-electric powertrain. It’s quite the opposite story for this beautifully-restored 1941 Zephyr V12 now offered on eBay - opens in new window or tab..
This 1941 example illustrates the splendor of the original bodywork. While many two-door Zephyr models can be seen at car shows around the country, the four-door models are a fairly rare sight. During the 1930s, Edsel Ford became intrigued with streamlining, especially after seeing Chrysler’s revolutionary Airflow model of 1934. The younger Ford also felt that the prestigious Lincoln name needed new life with a smaller, more affordable car like the Cadillac LaSalle.
To that end, Ford commissioned Briggs Manufacturing, Ford’s major body supplier, to build two prototypes. The design was based on a set of drawings—for a rear-engine vehicle—by Dutch stylist John Tjaarda, who was employed by Briggs. The production car’s design was further refined by Ford designer Bob Gregorie.
The car’s flowing streamlined design inspired its name, which was derived from the Greek word “Zephyrus,” the god of the west wind. With a sharply-raked windshield, V-nosed grille and sloping fender line, the Zephyr slips through the air.
Introduced as the Lincoln-Zephyr in November 1935, the car was powered by a 267 cubic-inch 12-cylinder engine producing 110 horsepower. The engine was developed from Ford’s Flathead V8. The transmission was a three-speed manual and top-end speed was approximately 90 miles per hour.
Priced at $1,250, the “junior Lincoln” (available as a two-door or four-door sedan) was well below the stately Lincoln K models that started at $4,000. The Zephyr was a sales hit from the start, turning the Lincoln Division of Ford from a money loser to a profitable operation.
Further upgrades followed over the next few years. In 1938, a Convertible Coupe and Convertible sedan was added to the lineup. Hydraulic brakes were added in 1939, and the 1940 and 1941 models received a larger 292 cubic-inch engine.
The car now listed on eBay - opens in new window or tab. is one of the last pre-war Zephyrs. Reportedly, the car was originally owned by a Montana rancher. Repainted once, the interior is said to be completely original. The remainder of the restoration took place about 10 years ago and the car has since then been in an Oregon collection.
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