1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible 1
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1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible

The Lincoln Continental helped reshape American luxury car design in the years surrounding World War II, with the 1948 model representing the final iteration of its first generation. This distinguished automobile combined European-influenced styling with American engineering prowess.

The exterior design featured squared-off fenders and bold grillwork that created a commanding presence on the road. One of its most distinctive and widely imitated features was the rear-mounted spare tire, shrouded in metal, which became a hallmark of the Continental name.

The 1948 model retained the basic styling introduced in 1942 but incorporated updated details that reflected post-war design trends.

At its heart, the Continental housed a 305 cubic inch L-head V-12 engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. This powerplant produced 130 horsepower at 3,600 rpm through a single two-barrel carburetor, making it the only post-World War II American car to feature a V-12 engine.

The chassis utilized an I-beam front suspension with leaf springs and a live rear axle, while four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided stopping power.

The interior reflected the Continental’s position as Lincoln’s flagship model. The cabin featured premium materials throughout, with the dashboard displaying elaborate chrome details and carefully designed instrumentation.

The overall layout emphasized both luxury and driver comfort, setting new standards for American automotive interior design.

Production numbers remained exclusive, with only 452 Cabriolet models manufactured in 1948. The price tag of $4,746 positioned it well above mainstream vehicles – for comparison, this amount could have purchased more than two Ford V-8 Convertibles that same year. This exclusivity attracted numerous Hollywood celebrities and social elites to the model.

The Continental’s significance extended beyond its initial production run. The Museum of Modern Art recognized its design excellence by including a first-generation example in a select eight-car exhibit in 1951.

The model’s influence continued through the 1950s, inspiring numerous aftermarket accessories and establishing itself as a certified Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) Full Classic.

After 1948, the Continental name disappeared from Lincoln’s lineup until the introduction of the Mark II in 1955. This gap in production further emphasized the unique nature of these first-generation models, which successfully merged American engineering with European design influences during a transformative period in automotive history.

Credit: Bonhams|Cars

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