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!
Should be a flathead V12 displacing about 292 ci. They were anemic and underpowered for their size, only rated at 125 Hp. Too many siamesed ports for good breathing. However, there is beginning to be a fair number of companies making speed parts for these motors. Check out H&H Flatheads for intakes, heads, etc. Transmission is most likely a 3 speed + OD, with a single speed torque tube rear end. They did offer a Columbia 2 speed rear axle as an option up until 1942, so you will just have to stick your head under the car and look. Fully restored, Continental Cabriolet's can bring 6 figures at auction, they only made 350 convertibles, and 54 coupes in 1940. If you have the balls to chop it up, it could make a pretty cool hot rod as well.
are the transmission similar to a ford or mercury of the same era? the reason is to adapt different engine to stock transmission. at one time in the 60's car had 49 mercury flathead in it to power it from california to washington state since V12 had been damaged from drag racing it!
I had a '42 once with a 500 ci Caddy in it. The Continentals were cl***ics before they got old so survival rates are high. Many were owned by Lincoln dealers in the 50s. Engine transplants were common and Lincoln OHVs, Y-blocks and FEs are often found in them. There's still an active club for them and cars with transplants are accepted without prejudice. It's commonly accepted that the stock engine is ****. OHVs came out only a few years later and transform the car. If it's immaculate it's valuable so should keep the V12. Otherwise any period correct OHV transforms it. A 1940 is beautiful so no external customizing is necessary. Ed
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 '40-'41 Continental is one of two production car series who's *** appeal has been commented on by saying : "If the person driving one isn't 'getting any' now, they're NEVER going to!" (the other was the XK-series Jaguar!)
post some pictures! person has to be dedicated and have metal working skills to do one of these cars or have very thick wallet!
we just sold an all original 42 cont. cabriolet with famous history/owner they are not really that high $$$$ car as what people say they are. honestly in the condition your car is in i would do what ever you want to do to it tk
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