Lincoln-Zephyr
Encyclopedia
Lincoln-Zephyr was a marque for the lower priced line of luxury cars in the Lincoln
line 1936-40. Lincoln-Zephyr and Mercury
, introduced 1939, bridged the wide gap between Ford's V-8 De Luxe line and the exclusive Lincoln K-series
cars. This served a purpose similar to Cadillac's smaller LaSalle "companion car". The car was conceived by Edsel Ford
.
s market failure. In fact, the Lincoln-Zephyr actually had a lower coefficient of drag than the Airflow, due in part to the prow-like front-end on the Zephyr. The Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely successful in reigniting sales at Lincoln dealerships in the late 1930s, and from 1941 modelyear all Lincolns were Zephyr based and the Lincoln-Zephyr marque was discontinued.
Annual production for any year model was not large but accounted for a large portion of the Lincoln brand's sales. In its first year, 15,000 were sold, accounting for 80% of Lincoln's total sales.
Production of all American cars halted in 1942 as the country entered World War II
, with Lincoln producing the last Lincoln Zephyr on February 10. After the war, most makers restarted production of their pre-war lines, and Lincoln was no exception. The Zephyr name, however, was no longer used after 1942, with the cars simply called Lincolns.
The idea of a smaller and more-modern luxury car to fill the gap in Lincoln's traditional lineup was revisited in the 1950 Lincoln Lido
(The Lido was the same size as other 2-door Lincolns though), 1977 Lincoln Versailles
, 1982 Continental
, and 2000 Lincoln LS
. The Zephyr name itself was resurrected for the car's spiritual successor in 2006, though this modern Zephyr
was quickly renamed MKZ
for 2007.
For 1936 available as 2-door Sedan or 4-door Sedan. A locking glove box was standard. Radio was optional. For 1937 the 2-door Sedan was renamed Coupe-Sedan, a Coupe (3-Window) was added along with a formal Town-Limousine. For 1938 a Convertible Coupe and a Convertible Sedan was added. For 1940 the Coupe-Sedan was replaced by the Club Coupe, the Convertible Sedan was discontinued. Trunk space was increased in 1940.
This was the first time the name Continental appeared on a car from Lincoln, as a model under Lincoln-Zephyr rather than a separate model. They were partially hand built since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941. Production started on December 13 1939 with the Continental Cabriolet, from June 1940 also available as Continental Club Coupe. 350 Cabriolets and 54 Club Coupes were built
When the last Lincoln V-12 (Model K) had been delivered on January 24 1940 the Lincoln Motor Company was soon to be transformed into Lincoln Division, effective on May 1 1940, and for 1941 modelyear the Lincoln-Zephyr was no longer a separate marque. All 1941 models were Lincolns and the Zephyr based Lincoln Custom
replaced both the large Lincoln K-series cars and the Lincoln-Zephyr Town-Limousine. It also had full instrumentation.
The following models sold under Lincoln marque, but they have their heritage in the Lincoln-Zephyr:
Both years available as Sedan, Coupe, Club Coupe and Convertible Coupe.
Sedan and Limousine, some with blinded quarter roof option.
Cabriolet and Coupe.
After the war the cars were no longer named Zephyrnor did they have any other modelname, they were simply known by their bodystyles: Sedan, Club Coupe or Convertible Coupe.
construction and very rigid, but surprisingly light for its size. The first model had a weight of 3,350 lb (1,520 kg).
The Zephyr was powered by a small 75° V12 engine
developed from Ford's Flathead
V8
and unrelated to the larger K-series s. The valve-in-block flathead engine was quite compact, allowing a low hood. But like the V8 Fords of the era, the Zephyr V12 often suffered from hot spots due to exhaust passages through the cylinder block. In addition, the earliest Zephyrs suffered from poor oil pressure, resulting in upgrades to the oil pump.
The 1936 to 1939 models were 267 in³ (4.4 L) with hydraulic lifters added in 1938. 1940 and 1941 cars used an enlarged 292 in³ (4.8 L) engine, while 1942 and early 1946 models used a 306 in³ (5.0 L), but lower compression ratio because of the iron heads. Late 1946 to 1948 Lincolns based on the Zephyr used a 292 in³ (4.8 L).
The original engine had 110 hp (82 kW) and gave the car a top speed of 90 miles per hour (40.2 m/s) .
Suspension was by Henry Ford's beloved transverse springs front and rear, with dead axle front and torque tube rear, already seen as outdated when the car was introduced. Brakes were cable-activated for 1936 to 1938; 1939 and onwards were hydraulic. The Zephyr was the first Ford product to have an all-steel roof, except the late 1931 Model AA truck.
The Seven Crystal Balls
.
Lincoln (automobile)
Lincoln is an American luxury vehicle brand of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln vehicles are sold mostly in North America.-History:The company was founded in August 1915 by Henry M. Leland, one of the founders of Cadillac . During World War I, he left Cadillac which was sold to General Motors...
line 1936-40. Lincoln-Zephyr and Mercury
Mercury (automobile)
Mercury was an automobile marque of the Ford Motor Company launched in 1938 by Edsel Ford, son of Henry Ford, to market entry-level luxury cars slotted between Ford-branded regular models and Lincoln-branded luxury vehicles, similar to General Motors' Buick brand, and Chrysler's namesake brand...
, introduced 1939, bridged the wide gap between Ford's V-8 De Luxe line and the exclusive Lincoln K-series
Lincoln K-series
The Lincoln K-Series was a line of luxury vehicle produced by Lincoln from 1931 to 1942. While the original K-Series featured a 385 in³ V8, a V12 became standard in 1933...
cars. This served a purpose similar to Cadillac's smaller LaSalle "companion car". The car was conceived by Edsel Ford
Edsel Ford
Edsel Bryant Ford , son of Henry Ford, was born in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He was president of Ford Motor Company from 1919 until his death in 1943.-Life and career:...
.
Overview
Introduced on November 2 1935as a 1936 model, the Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely modern with a low raked windscreen, integrated fenders, and streamlined aerodynamic design. It is noted for being one of the first successful streamlined cars after the Chrysler AirflowChrysler Airflow
The Chrysler Airflow is an automobile produced by the Chrysler Corporation from 1934-1937. The Airflow was the first full-size American production car to use streamlining as a basis for building a sleeker automobile, one less susceptible to air resistance...
s market failure. In fact, the Lincoln-Zephyr actually had a lower coefficient of drag than the Airflow, due in part to the prow-like front-end on the Zephyr. The Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely successful in reigniting sales at Lincoln dealerships in the late 1930s, and from 1941 modelyear all Lincolns were Zephyr based and the Lincoln-Zephyr marque was discontinued.
Annual production for any year model was not large but accounted for a large portion of the Lincoln brand's sales. In its first year, 15,000 were sold, accounting for 80% of Lincoln's total sales.
Production of all American cars halted in 1942 as the country entered World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, with Lincoln producing the last Lincoln Zephyr on February 10. After the war, most makers restarted production of their pre-war lines, and Lincoln was no exception. The Zephyr name, however, was no longer used after 1942, with the cars simply called Lincolns.
The idea of a smaller and more-modern luxury car to fill the gap in Lincoln's traditional lineup was revisited in the 1950 Lincoln Lido
Lincoln Lido
The Lincoln Lido was an entry-level luxury car in 1950 designed as a lower priced Lincoln. It was produced from 1950 to 1951, however reappeared as a special show car in 1963 called the Lincoln Continental Lido. The 1950 to 1951 model featured a vinyl or canvas-covered roof, fender skirts, and a...
(The Lido was the same size as other 2-door Lincolns though), 1977 Lincoln Versailles
Lincoln Versailles
This is about the Lincoln vehicle produced using the Versailles nameplate. For the Ford vehicles sold under the same nameplate, see Ford Versailles...
, 1982 Continental
Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental is an automobile which was produced by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company from 1939 to 1948 and again from 1956 to 2002...
, and 2000 Lincoln LS
Lincoln LS
The Lincoln LS is a mid-size, rear wheel drive sedan from Lincoln. For its production run from 1999 until 2006, it was based on the Ford DEW98 platform, which was shared with the Jaguar S-Type and Ford Thunderbird...
. The Zephyr name itself was resurrected for the car's spiritual successor in 2006, though this modern Zephyr
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
was quickly renamed MKZ
Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
for 2007.
Models
- Lincoln-Zephyr V-12 (1936-1940)
For 1936 available as 2-door Sedan or 4-door Sedan. A locking glove box was standard. Radio was optional. For 1937 the 2-door Sedan was renamed Coupe-Sedan, a Coupe (3-Window) was added along with a formal Town-Limousine. For 1938 a Convertible Coupe and a Convertible Sedan was added. For 1940 the Coupe-Sedan was replaced by the Club Coupe, the Convertible Sedan was discontinued. Trunk space was increased in 1940.
- Lincoln-Zephyr Continental (1940)
This was the first time the name Continental appeared on a car from Lincoln, as a model under Lincoln-Zephyr rather than a separate model. They were partially hand built since dies for machine-pressing were not constructed until 1941. Production started on December 13 1939 with the Continental Cabriolet, from June 1940 also available as Continental Club Coupe. 350 Cabriolets and 54 Club Coupes were built
When the last Lincoln V-12 (Model K) had been delivered on January 24 1940 the Lincoln Motor Company was soon to be transformed into Lincoln Division, effective on May 1 1940, and for 1941 modelyear the Lincoln-Zephyr was no longer a separate marque. All 1941 models were Lincolns and the Zephyr based Lincoln Custom
Lincoln Custom
The Lincoln Custom was a custom limousine and long-wheelbase touring sedan from Ford's Lincoln luxury division, manufactured only in 1941 and 1942...
replaced both the large Lincoln K-series cars and the Lincoln-Zephyr Town-Limousine. It also had full instrumentation.
The following models sold under Lincoln marque, but they have their heritage in the Lincoln-Zephyr:
- Lincoln Zephyr V-12Lincoln Zephyr V-12Lincoln Zephyr V-12 was a model produced by Lincoln 1941-1942, it was inherited from Lincoln-Zephyr when the two marques were merged for the 1941 model year....
(1941-1942)
Both years available as Sedan, Coupe, Club Coupe and Convertible Coupe.
- Lincoln Custom (1941-1942)
Sedan and Limousine, some with blinded quarter roof option.
- Lincoln Continental (1941-1948)
Cabriolet and Coupe.
- Lincoln (1946-1948)
After the war the cars were no longer named Zephyrnor did they have any other modelname, they were simply known by their bodystyles: Sedan, Club Coupe or Convertible Coupe.
Specifications
Designed by John Tjaarda (1897–1962), who was fascinated with airplanes, with a Cd of 0.45, the body was monocoqueMonocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
construction and very rigid, but surprisingly light for its size. The first model had a weight of 3,350 lb (1,520 kg).
The Zephyr was powered by a small 75° V12 engine
V12 engine
A V12 engine is a V engine with 12 cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of six cylinders, usually but not always at a 60° angle to each other, with all 12 pistons driving a common crankshaft....
developed from Ford's Flathead
Ford Flathead engine
The Ford flathead V8 was a V8 engine of the flathead type, designed by the Ford Motor Company and built by Ford and various licensees...
V8
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
and unrelated to the larger K-series s. The valve-in-block flathead engine was quite compact, allowing a low hood. But like the V8 Fords of the era, the Zephyr V12 often suffered from hot spots due to exhaust passages through the cylinder block. In addition, the earliest Zephyrs suffered from poor oil pressure, resulting in upgrades to the oil pump.
The 1936 to 1939 models were 267 in³ (4.4 L) with hydraulic lifters added in 1938. 1940 and 1941 cars used an enlarged 292 in³ (4.8 L) engine, while 1942 and early 1946 models used a 306 in³ (5.0 L), but lower compression ratio because of the iron heads. Late 1946 to 1948 Lincolns based on the Zephyr used a 292 in³ (4.8 L).
The original engine had 110 hp (82 kW) and gave the car a top speed of 90 miles per hour (40.2 m/s) .
Suspension was by Henry Ford's beloved transverse springs front and rear, with dead axle front and torque tube rear, already seen as outdated when the car was introduced. Brakes were cable-activated for 1936 to 1938; 1939 and onwards were hydraulic. The Zephyr was the first Ford product to have an all-steel roof, except the late 1931 Model AA truck.
In fiction
A Yellow 1938 Convertible appeared in the Tintin BookThe Adventures of Tintin
The Adventures of Tintin is a series of classic comic books created by Belgian artist , who wrote under the pen name of Hergé...
The Seven Crystal Balls
The Seven Crystal Balls
The Seven Crystal Balls is the thirteenth of The Adventures of Tintin, a series of classic comic-strip albums, written and illustrated by Belgian writer and illustrator Hergé, featuring young reporter Tintin as a hero....
.
See also
- Lincoln Zephyr
- Ford ZephyrFord ZephyrThe Ford Zephyr was a car manufactured by the Ford Motor Company in the United Kingdom. Between 1950 and 1972, it was sold as a more powerful six-cylinder saloon to complement the four-cylinder Ford Consul: from 1962 the Zephyr itself was offered in both four- and six-cylinder versions.The Zephyr...
- Mercury ZephyrMercury ZephyrThe Mercury Zephyr is a compact car sold by the Lincoln-Mercury division of Ford Motor Company for the North American market. Introduced as a replacement for the Mercury Comet, it was produced from 1978 to 1983...
- Lincoln MKZLincoln MKZThe Lincoln MKZ, initially named the Lincoln Zephyr, is a mid-size, entry-level luxury car from the Lincoln division of the Ford Motor Company. Lincoln revived the Zephyr name in the fall of 2005 as a platform-mate for the Ford Fusion and Mercury Milan; the vehicles were based on the CD3 platform,...
External links
- The Old Cars Manual Project Original Lincoln and Lincoln-Zephyr sales material for comparison.