120bhp, 292 cu. in. flathead V12 engine, three-speed manual transmission, solid axle front and rear suspension with transverse leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulically actuated drum brakes. Wheelbase: 125"
The 1930s were a period of continual evolution for Lincoln, not only in features, but also in refinement and technical innovation. Lincoln moved quickly to respond to the dramatic continuing changes in the U.S. economy and their effect upon the U.S. auto industry. In fact, no other American luxury car manufacturer moved as quickly, or as effectively, to recognize the tectonic shifts.
Lincoln finally abandoned Henry Leland’s superbly engineered V8 in 1933, becoming an entirely V12 line-up that year, but it was a line of full size, classically engineered automobiles. To meet the market’s need for a lower priced luxury range in 1936, Lincoln introduced the Zephyr with brilliant styling abundant in Art Deco details. Featuring an all steel body and roof, it was powered by a new V12 engine derived from the strong and proven Ford flathead V8. Four cylinders were added and the cylinder angle was changed to 75 degrees to give even firing impulses. Aluminum cylinder heads were employed for better cooling and combustion control. Lincoln remained “all-V12”, but with only 267 cubic inches of displacement (enlarged to 292 cubic inches in 1940). In short, the Zephyr was economical both to build and to operate.
Steadily upgraded with the addition of hydraulic brakes in 1939, the success of the Zephyr no doubt quickened the inevitable demise of the large Lincoln K series that was phased out after the 1939 model year, except on special order. The K was replaced as Lincoln’s showpiece in 1940 with the brilliantly styled Lincoln Continental that has become a legend among American luxury marques.
The first Continental was rushed to completion by Bob Gregorie, head of Ford’s Design Department, as a one-off for Edsel Ford. Among the shortcuts taken in order for it to be ready in time for his upcoming vacation was the elimination of almost all exterior brightwork. Thus, the elegant, unembellished styling that has become one of the Continental’s hallmarks was, at least in part, a serendipitous maneuver. The Continental was well received among Edsel’s Florida circle and the decision was made to put it into production in 1940. It continued to be built through the 1948 model year, a tribute to its quality, Edsel Ford’s taste and the design and engineering talents of Bob Gregorie’s design department.
The 1941 Continental Coupe presented here is believed to have been owned by Rita Hayworth, the beautiful Hollywood actress and dancer. To American GIs, of course, she was most remembered as a pinup girl alongside Lana Turner, Betty Grable, and others. In the 1940s, she was married to the Academy Award-winning Orson Welles, who himself gained fame for such films as Citizen Kane.
In an article written by Jim and Cheryl Farrell, who also authored the book Ford Design Department: Concept & Showcars, they present convincing evidence to suggest that Orson Welles may have purchased this particular Paradise Green Lincoln Continental for Rita Hayworth. Although the circumstances of their initial meeting is debatable, as is the exact beginning of their relationship, the Farrell’s indicate that Welles and Hayworth were discretely involved before the fall of 1941. While Hayworth was in Georgia working on a film, records indicate that a green Continental with a green leather and whipcord interior was shipped to Atlanta. This car was assembled in late June 1941.
Thereafter, a photo was taken of Hayworth standing next to her new Continental in the December 1941 issue of Ford News. Notably, the car carries Georgia license plates in this photo, although it seems more likely that the house in the background is located in Brentwood, California and not the South. Jim and Cheryl Farrell go on to mention Jim Cubbison, an LCOC member, who spent summers in the 1940s at Lake Arrowhead and saw Welles and Hayworth at the Lake with such a car.
The next evidentiary item is a photo taken in 1942 of Hayworth sitting on the front fender of her car, promoting a wartime scrap drive. Carrying 1942 California plates, the car is of the correct 1941 model year. Some suggest that a 1947 issue of Ford Truck Times, wherein Hayworth is pictured next to a ’47 Continental Cabriolet, contains evidence of the legendary Hayworth car, although the Farrells believe it is rather unlikely that this was her personal car, as the car in the article was probably provided by the movie studio.
Regardless of the photography and all the mystery, Miss Hayworth supposedly drove her Continental for about thirty years. The car in the Astor Collection eventually found its way to Las Vegas and was then acquired in the late 1980s by Ed and Kit McCormick who, after analyzing the paperwork found in the car, were able to determine the chain of ownership for the previous four years. After commencing a thorough restoration shortly thereafter, the McCormicks eventually sold the car in 1990 to Mr. Astor, who used its engine (it had since been outfitted with Cadillac running gear) for his 1941 Continental Cabriolet. This particular Continental, however, was fitted with another V12 engine, acquired from Jack Cassan, and was then taken in 2000 to Bob Baldwin of Sunset Ford, where its restoration was completed.
As presented, the car generally remains in show quality condition, after its complete, professional body-on restoration. The brightwork and Paradise Green paint present outstandingly with only minor imperfections visible upon very close examination. The interior is also virtually flawless and like new – the woodgrain dash, beige upholstery, and brown carpeting are all excellent. While the undercarriage is perhaps not as superb as the balance of the car, it should be noted that the engine compartment is beautifully presented, period correct, and of a show quality caliber. In addition to being equipped with a radio and 1941 Georgia license plates, with the same number as the Continental in the famous Rita Hayworth photo, this car is also accompanied by copies of receipts, documenting the work conducted during the restoration process.
Although the story of Rita Hayworth’s Lincoln Continental continues to be riddled with mystery, the case for the Astor Collection’s car may be quite convincing. Ultimately, one of the best assessments was delivered by Jim and Cheryl Farrell, who wrote, “This may be one of those cases where the folklore passed down from each owner to the next turns out to also be fact. The delivery details, prior photos, location and the car itself all seem to say this really is Rita Hayworth’s ’41 Continental!”
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Originally Posted by Pedro_The_Swift
heres another,,
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