1940 lincoln V-12
 

going to look at a 1940 lincoln continental cabrolet on monday and was wondering if their was any members here with knowledge of these engines? the car was dark blue from factory and current owner has owned car since 1952 when he bought it off fellow service member while stationed in Japan. his health is failing so has offered me the car. did these cars have 2 speed rear ends? this came up suddenly and i need some info on these cars. thanks!:)

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

Those are nice cars. Look at the floor pans , pull the carpet back and look from the underside also. It could or could not have a columbia but would be a plus if it does. And just assume the V 12 will need rebuilding and if it doesn't then that's another plus. Just look at the body really good top and bottom,mechanicals can be rebuilt if necessary easier than a whole bunch of body work.And remember, everything for this car will be expensive !

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

the engine is at the machine shop now and that bill will reflect on my offer.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

Ken is correct, the mechanicals are much easier to deal with. the bodies on the '40 Lincoln Zephyr Continentals were largely hand formed and a lot of lead was used in the rear trunk section to get the contours, they are also unit-body construction, making them a bit more challenging where bodywork is concerned. '40 was the first production year for the Lincoln Zephyr Continental, they are outstanding automobiles in my opinion.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr Continental was the 1st" Continental", Lincoln
Division only made 350 cabriolets and then made 54 Continental Coupes.
This was Edsel Ford and Bob Gregorie( spelling?) project--NOT Henry!
If it seems complete not bad shape--try to buy it! A lot of Ford parts in
this car. If the deal goes down , join the LZOC--Lincoln Zephyr Owners
Club. A lot of help. Dave Cole , a writer for V8 Ford club knows all about
these cars--his everyday driver was a '40 Lincoln Zephyr Continental ,
he drove for years! Good Luck! Hey Vic "E" mail me -- Larry([email protected].

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

thanks so far! when you say unit-body do you mean unibody as in no seperate frame?

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

It has a frame but the body is mated to it by way of welding. Lincoln referred to them as being unit-body. Removing some bolts to separate the body from the frame aint gonna happen with the Lincoln. Makes for a little more work when trying to restore one of these cars.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

thanks! i just read this and this vehicle is probably out of my league. guess i'll find out tomorrow but i will get some pictures if nothing else!

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

Check for rust in the body between the rear fender and the top. For some reason this is an area that rots out the sheet metal leaving only a thick piece of lead. Columbia overdrive was an option. Some were factory installed and some were dealer installed. The Borg Warner OD was not available until 1941. If it is mostly there, BUY IT. I agree with what others have said.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

just talked to machine shop and V-12 is rebuilt and ready to go!

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

Hey Ken/Alabama,
Talked to Vic Piano today, "E" mail me at zephyr38@verizon.
I may have a part you need. Thanks Larry

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

62 years of collecting parts! 3 extra transmissions,extra V-12 engine, extra front & rear suspensions, extra doors.... If you didn't know these cars were handbuilt first glance would make you think it had been in multiple collisions because of crude looking welds that factory made zero attempts to hide! cool car needing total restoration! the picture of car was from 1952 in japan. the extra V-12 intake (3 bolt) had 1-30-47 cast in it.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

more pictures! http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...#post-10539029

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

A body shop that I worked at in the 70's had one of these sitting in it. It was about 3/4 of the way thru as complete restoration.
Man did I covet that car..
Buy it.
Torchie.

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

heard today that of the 350 built in 1940 only 54 were cabriolets! right around 17%!

Re: 1940 lincoln V-12
 

Sorry...Lincoln built 350 cabriolets (convertibles) and 54 Coupes in 1940.