1938 Lincoln Zephyr Convertible Coupe
- Engine
- 267.3 cu in (approx. 4.4L) L-head V-12, 110 bhp
- Colour
- Washington Blue
A 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr Convertible Coupe, one of only 600 built that model year and believed to be among roughly two dozen survivors. Originally delivered to Louise Stratman in Pasadena, California, it passed through several owners before undergoing a comprehensive restoration overseen by Tom Sparks, with engine work by flathead specialist Jack Miles. The restored car debuted at the 2007 LZOC/West National Meet, scoring 99.5 points and winning multiple awards, and later took Best in Class at the 2012 La Jolla Concours d'Elegance.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$180,000
- 1938 →Factory deliveryLouise Stratmanfull documentation
Original purchaser, resident of Pasadena, California. Ownership confirmed via a copy of the original title.
- 1988 →Private saleThird ownerpartial documentation
Purchased car while it was still in largely unrestored condition; commissioned a full restoration overseen by Tom Sparks, with specialist work on the drivetrain and interior.
- Date unknownPrivate saleRay Kuhnpartial documentation
Acquired from Stratman at some point in the 1950s; the vehicle was subsequently kept in storage on blocks.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFourth ownerpartial documentation
Kept the car for a brief period and drove it infrequently.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownFifth ownerpartial documentation
Held the car for close to seven years as part of a carefully maintained collection, driving approximately 150 miles per year while keeping up routine maintenance.
Competition
- 2007-05-01Lincoln-Zephyr Owners Club2007 LZOC/West National Meet99.5 points; Gregorie Award; Best Junior Zephyr of Show
First competitive outing following completion of restoration; car earned multiple honors at a single event.
- 20122012 La Jolla Concours d'EleganceBest in Class
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationTom Sparks (overseer); Dick Jeffers (upholstery/top); Killeen Leathers (leather)
Full restoration overseen by Tom Sparks; the car was refinished in Washington Blue. Upholstery and convertible top were completed by Dick Jeffers, with leather custom-matched for grain and colour by Killeen Leathers to replicate the originals.
Restoration completed and the car first shown in May 2007.
- —Engine rebuildJack Miles
Work carried out on the V-12 engine, transmission, and rear axle assembly by a specialist in flathead engines.
Undertaken as part of the broader restoration programme overseen by Tom Sparks.
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