1947 Lincoln Model 76H 2-Door Convertible Coupe V12
The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, who commissioned a coachbuilt 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln buyers. In what would give the model line its name, the exterior was given European “continental” styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire.
After World War II, the Lincoln division of Ford returned the Continental to production as a 1946 model; Lincoln dropped the Zephyr nomenclature following the war, so the postwar Continental was derived from the standard Lincoln (internally H-Series). To attract buyers, the design was refreshed with updated trim, distinguished by a new grille. For 1947, walnut wood trim was added to the interior.
One of America’s most distinctive cars, the Lincoln Continental has low, sleek lines featuring a rear-deck treatment with protected spare tire mounting uniquely its own. Its long tapered hood, seven inches longer and three inches lower then other Lincoln models, accentuates this car’s overall lowness which has been obtained without the sacrifice of headroom or road clearance.
Its interior, with translucent plastic steering wheel, rich blue instrument panel, and top-grain leather upholstery is ultra-modern and functional in appearance.
Featured on this model are Hydraulic Lift-Top. Hydraulically controlled windows and large one-sectioned windshield.
With the end of the war, the Continental was built from 1946 – 1948, but the writing was on the wall for the model. Changing tastes and production techniques made it difficult to maintain sufficient manufacturing quantities. There was no longer room in the market for a small production, highly personalized luxury automobile. In order for the Lincoln Motor Company to continue the Continental line, a total redesign from scratch would have been required, and Edsel Ford had passed away in 1943 leaving a void in vision and design and any appetite for a new model.
The 1939–1948 Continental is recognized as a “Full Classic” by the Classic Car Club of America, one of the last-built cars to be so recognized. As of 2015, the 1948 Lincoln Continental and 1948 Lincoln were the last cars produced and sold by a major U.S. automaker with a V12 engine.
