1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Convertible
Locally Owned- One of 452 Cabriolets built in 1948 VERY RARE!$29,995
Plus Taxes & Licensing
CLASSIC
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Locally owned 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet! Owned by its current owner for over 20 years! One of only 452 Cabriolets produced for 1948, making this a rare find! Originally powered by a V12 engine, this Continental has been updated with a reliable small-block Chevy 350 V8, paired with a smooth 3-speed automatic transmission. Modern enhancements include power steering, power brakes with front disc brakes, and air conditioning, ensuring effortless cruising. Finished in Burgundy exterior with red vinyl upholstery, red carpet, and tan canvas convertible top. This is a true Classic Car that attracts a lot of attention and gets thumbs up every time you drive it. A great-looking post-war era car that won’t break the bank. Easy Classic Car financing and worldwide transport are available. Come by for a test drive!
A Legacy of Elegance: The History of the 1948 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental was born from Edsel Ford’s vision of elegance and exclusivity in 1938, when he commissioned chief stylist Eugene “Bob” Gregorie to create a one-off personal vehicle for his Florida vacation. Working from the Lincoln-Zephyr blueprints, Gregorie reportedly sketched the design in an hour, crafting a sleek convertible with a long hood, flowing fenders, and the iconic rear-mounted spare tire that defined the Continental line. The design’s low profile, achieved by channeling and sectioning the Zephyr’s body, eliminated running boards and minimized trim, creating a timeless silhouette often hailed as one of the world’s most beautiful cars. Enthusiasm from Edsel’s affluent peers in Florida prompted Lincoln to produce the Continental, with early models hand-built, featuring hand-hammered body panels until dies were made in 1941. Production paused during World War II, resuming from 1946 to 1948 with updates like a bold egg-crate grille and added chrome trim to suit post-war tastes. Recognized as a “Full Classic” by the Classic Car Club of America, the 1948 Continental, one of the last cars to feature a factory V12, remains a celebrated icon, even earning a place in the Museum of Modern Art’s 1951 exhibit of automotive art.
Factory Options of the 1948 Lincoln Continental
The 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet was equipped with luxurious factory options that underscored its status as a premier luxury vehicle. Standard features included power windows, a power-operated convertible top, and an AM radio, offering unmatched convenience for the era. Optional extras available from the factory included a heater, fog lamps, chrome trim bands, and wide whitewall tires, enhancing the car’s opulent appearance. This example retains its factory power windows, power top, and AM radio, preserving the essence of its original luxury while integrating modern upgrades like a Chevy 350 V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission for enhanced drivability.
Frame and Chassis Construction
The 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet was built on a robust body-on-frame chassis, a hallmark of its durability and luxurious ride quality. Derived from the Lincoln-Zephyr platform, its 125-inch wheelbase provided a stable foundation, featuring a rigid I-beam front axle and live rear axle, both suspended by transverse leaf springs and supported by Monroe double-acting shock absorbers. This construction ensured a smooth, stately ride befitting its elite status. The body-on-frame design allowed for the Continental’s distinctive low profile, achieved by sectioning the body and eliminating running boards, creating a sleek silhouette that stood out among contemporaries. This example retains the essence of its original engineering, with the modern Chevy 350 V8 and 3-speed automatic transmission seamlessly integrated, using the factory column shift for a nostalgic yet reliable driving experience.
Design and Craftsmanship
Designed by Eugene “Bob” Gregorie under Edsel Ford’s direction, the 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet is a masterpiece of automotive artistry, blending European-inspired styling with American grandeur. Its sleek, uncluttered lines, long hood, and flowing fenders culminate in the signature rear-mounted spare tire, encased in a chrome-accented cover, which gave the model its name and timeless appeal. This example’s Burgundy exterior, tan canvas top, and red vinyl interior with matching red carpeting accentuate its elegant proportions, while the post-war egg-crate grille and chrome trim add a touch of boldness. The interior, with its front bench seat and chrome-accented dashboard, offers a spacious, luxurious environment. Hand-crafted in its early production years, the Continental’s meticulous construction shines through, making this cabriolet a standout for collectors and enthusiasts seeking a blend of heritage and style.
Post-War Competitors
In the post-war era, the 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet competed with American luxury marques like Cadillac, Chrysler, and Packard. Cadillac’s Series 62 Convertible, with its powerful V8 and bold styling, was a primary rival, appealing to buyers seeking performance and prestige. Chrysler’s Imperial Crown Convertible, though rarer, offered advanced engineering and opulence, while Packard’s Custom Eight Convertible competed with its reputation for craftsmanship. Unlike its competitors, the Continental’s European-inspired design and original V12 engine (now a Chevy 350 V8 in this example) gave it a unique edge, attracting Hollywood elites and affluent buyers. European luxury brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley, while present, were less direct competitors due to their higher cost and limited U.S. availability. The Continental’s blend of style, exclusivity, and American power made it a pioneer in the personal luxury car segment.
Modern Upgrades for Timeless Appeal
This 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet has been thoughtfully upgraded to balance vintage charm with modern reliability. The original 292ci V12 has been replaced with a robust small-block Chevy 350 V8, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission that utilizes the factory column shift, delivering smooth, dependable performance with a nod to its heritage. Modern enhancements include power steering for effortless handling, power brakes with front disc brakes for confident stopping, and air conditioning for comfort during warm-weather drives. The dual exhaust tips enhance the car’s aggressive stance and produce a refined, throaty note that complements its luxurious character. These upgrades ensure this Continental is as enjoyable to drive as it is to admire, making it ideal for cruising or car shows.
Why This Continental?
This locally owned 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet is a rare find, with only 452 cabriolets produced in its final year of first-generation production, making it a highly sought-after classic. Its stunning Burgundy exterior, tan convertible top, and red vinyl interior create a striking combination that turns heads. The Chevy 350 V8, paired with a 3-speed automatic transmission and factory column shift, ensures reliable performance, while modern amenities like power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning enhance drivability. Whether you’re cruising to a car show, embarking on a scenic drive, or adding to a collection, this Continental offers a unique blend of vintage prestige and modern convenience. Don’t miss the chance to own a piece of automotive history that’s ready for the road and built to impress.
10 Key Features of This 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet
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Rare Production: One of only 452 cabriolets built in 1948, a true collector’s item.
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Stunning Color Scheme: Rich Burgundy exterior with a tan canvas convertible top and red vinyl interior with matching red carpeting.
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Modern Powertrain: Small-block Chevy 350 V8 with a 3-speed automatic transmission, tied to the factory column shift for nostalgic operation.
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Modern Upgrades: Power steering, power brakes with front disc brakes, and air conditioning for enhanced drivability.
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Factory Options: Equipped with original power windows, power-operated convertible top, and AM radio.
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Iconic Design: European-inspired styling with a long hood, flowing fenders, and rear-mounted spare tire, designed by Bob Gregorie.
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Body-on-Frame Chassis: Robust 125-inch wheelbase with transverse leaf spring suspension for a smooth, luxurious ride.
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Dual Exhaust Tips: Adds a sporty aesthetic and refined sound to complement the car’s elegance.
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CCCA Full Classic: Recognized by the Classic Car Club of America as a “Full Classic,” a prestigious designation for post-war vehicles.
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Locally Owned: A cherished vehicle with a connection to the local community, ready for its next caretaker.
Additional Information for Prospective Buyers
This 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet is a rare opportunity to own a vehicle that defined American luxury in the post-war era. Its low production numbers—452 cabriolets in 1948—combined with its iconic design and modern upgrades, make it a standout choice for collectors and enthusiasts. The body-on-frame construction ensures durability, while the Chevy 350 V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, and factory column shift offer reliable, nostalgic performance. Modern amenities like air conditioning and power steering make it a practical classic for regular enjoyment. Although service records and prior history are unavailable, the car’s condition reflects careful maintenance and local ownership. Priced competitively for its rarity and upgrades, this Continental is ready to be driven, displayed, or restored to show quality, offering versatility for any buyer’s vision. Contact us today to schedule a viewing or test drive and experience the allure of this American classic firsthand.
Standard Features:
- Engine: 292 cubic inch L-Head V12. Replaced with a Small Block 350
- Transmission: 3-speed manual transmission with overdrive. Replaced with 3-speed automatic transmission with column shift
- Body Style: Convertible.
- Power-operated convertible top: A hydraulic system raises and lowers the roof.
- Interior: Luxurious materials like leather and red carpets.
- Instrument panel: Gold anodized trim.
- Power Windows: Windows operated by hydraulic power.
- Dual wipers: For a clear view in the rain.
- Fender skirts: Rear wheel covers that streamline the appearance.
- “Continental kit”: The distinctive rear deck-mounted spare tire.
- Bumper guards: Massive chrome guards on the front and rear bumpers.
Optional Features:
- Radio: An AM radio was an available option.
- Heater: For comfort in cooler weather.
- Leather Upholstery: Luxurious seating surfaces.
- White wall tires: Wide tires with white sidewalls.
- Fog Lamps: Amber-colored driving lamps.
Additional Notes:
- Some sources mention options like chrome bands and fender stone guards.
- Features like heat, front disc brakes, power steering, power brakes, tilt wheel, cloth interior, and air conditioning are sometimes listed as being on 1948 Continentals, but these may be on different body styles or indicate vehicles with aftermarket modifications.
- The 1948 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet was a relatively rare car, with only 452 Convertibles produced in 1948.
- The 1948 model year was the last year for the V12 engine in an American-built car.
Fuel Efficiency Rating
- City: N/A
- Highway: N/A
Actual rating will vary with options, driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition.
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