1939 Lincoln Continental Prototype

While on a trip to Europe in the fall of 1938 Edsel Ford was impressed with the long hoods, short trunks and rear mounted spare tires of the European sports cars. After returning from Europe Ford consulted with E.T. "Bob" Gregorie the designer for Lincoln to have him design a custom car with a "Continental" look. Gregorie used the Zephyr based to build the Continental and designed elegant chic look with clean pure lines without superfluous chrome ornaments or running boards (which were a standard feature of cars during that time).

In March of 1939 the Continental prototype was ready, Edsel Ford had the car shipped to Florida where he was vacationing at the time. The chic new Continental was an instant hit with the locals it is said that Edsel Ford received no less than 200 request to purchase the new Continental and the call was made by Ford to Gregorie to get the Continental into production. In October of 1939 the production Lincoln Continental made its debut.

The inexpensive prestigious looking car was popular with many of Hollywood's celebrities like Rita Hayworth, Clark Gable and Mickey Rooney. During world war II the production was stopped, but returned in 1946 and then went away again after the 1948 model year. In 1956 the Continental was brought back by Edsel's youngest son William Clay Ford, seven more generations were produced through 2002. 

Frank Lloyd Wright famed architect considered Gregorie's Lincoln Continental "the most beautiful car in the world".

The car was then owned by several owners over the years who had intentions of restoring the car. In 1977 Mr. Anderson purchased the car, however he did not start the restoration for another 20 years. In 2002 the restoration was complete, the currant owners showed the car to the then 94 year old Bob Gregoie who was thrilled to have the opportunity to ride in the car one more time.