1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Convertible Midnight Blue

1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

As a private collector, I’ve had lots of cars. I’ll start by telling you why I bought this car in 2007 and have had it ever since.

I wanted a car with lots of history, excellent workmanship, classic style, and all the modern conveniences. So, this car is a First Generation 1940 Lincoln Continental “Cabriolet” convertible. It was built before World War II, and is 1 of only 350 Cabriolets ever built. I wonder how many are left, some 80 years later! We have been told this particular car was personally owned by Bette Davis (1908-1989) of Hollywood fame. That nailed it for me in the historical prerequisite department.

The Continental Cabriolet models were extensively hand built. Remove the door panels, and you can view the hand-hammered steel body. I really admired the European “continental” classic lines of this full-size personal luxury vehicle, which was built for the Palm Beach elite class.

We live in South Florida and I am just 5 years younger than this vehicle. It was more important to me to have a comfortable driving and riding vehicle, than to have all original (much more expensive) parts. This vehicle had been updated by renowned retro builder, Tommy Jenkins, with a 5.0-liter H.O. Ford V-8 engine, automatic overdrive transmission, power steering, tinted glass power windows, power door locks, power leather seats, power brakes, and of course, air conditioning. After the remodel, this car went on to win the 1994 Goodguys Indy Nationals Most Outstanding Classic Hot Rod award.

So, this was the perfect car! I’ve had a rare piece of history, a gorgeous car to drive and admire, and it had all the modern conveniences. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful car, but it’s time to sell.

Enough about me. Here’s a summary of her features:

·5.0-liter H.O. Ford engine

·V-8

·Automatic overdrive transmission

·Power steering—rack and pinion

·Power windows with tinted glass

·Power door locks

·Power leather seats

·Power brakes

·Air conditioning

·8" Ford rear end w/3.50 ratio

·Tilt wheel

·Front disc brakes

·12-volt electric system with wire harness

·Wire spoke custom wheels with radial tires

·Hand-hammered steel body

·Exterior color is Midnight Blue Metallic

·Interior color is gray

·Believed to be owned by Bette Davis

·Rare—1 of 350 Cabriolets ever built

·Retroed by Tommy Jenkins

·Won the 1994 Goodguys Indy Nationals Most Outstanding Classic Hot Rod award

·Garage kept and meticulously maintained by my personal full-time auto mechanic