This 1948 Lincoln Continental is one of 452 cabriolets built for the model year and was previously owned by noted Ford V8 expert and author of the 1949-51 Mercury Book Gene Napoliello. Chassis 8H182116 underwent a refurbishment in 2006 that is said to have involved rebuilding the 292ci flathead V12 as well as repainting the body in blue, re-trimming the interior in blue leather, and installing a replacement power-operated tan convertible top. The car features push-button door handles, hydraulic power windows, rear fender skirts, a rear-mounted spare tire carrier, and chrome bumpers with overriders. Shifting is through a three-speed manual transmission with overdrive, and further equipment includes a single downdraft carburetor, hydraulic drum brakes, and 15″ steel wheels with chrome Lincoln-branded hubcaps. The selling dealer acquired the car in 2024 and has since added an Edelbrock fuel pump. This Continental is now offered in Saint Louis, Missouri, with a clean New Jersey title.
The car is said to have been stripped and repainted in its current blue finish as part of the aforementioned 2006 refurbishment. It features a replacement power-operated tan convertible top and top boot along with a hood ornament, push-button door handles, rear fender skirts, a rear-mounted spare tire carrier, and chrome bumpers with overriders.
The body-color 15″ steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps with Lincoln script and are mounted with Denman whitewall tires. The Continental rode on a 125″ wheelbase, and the suspension incorporates transverse leaf springs front and rear. Stopping power is provided by hydraulically assisted four-wheel drums. The selling dealer notes that the tires are over 10 years old.
The cabin features a split front and solid rear bench seat were re-trimmed in blue leather at the time of the refurbishment. Further appointments include an AM radio, an analog clock, front vent windows, and hydraulically operated power side windows.
The two-spoke steering wheel features a chrome horn ring and frames a 110-mph speedometer as well as gauges for water temperature, oil pressure, amperage, and fuel level. The five-digit odometer has rolled over and now shows 48k miles. Total mileage is unknown.
The 292ci flathead V12 was the last offered by an American manufacturer and was factory rated at 125 horsepower. Fed by a single downdraft carburetor, this example was reportedly rebuilt as part of the 2006 refurbishment. An Edelbrock fuel pump was added under current ownership, and additional work in preparation for the sale included changing the engine oil and coolant.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a column-shifted three-speed manual transmission with an overdrive function. The chassis was greased in anticipation of the sale.
A tag affixed to the firewall bears the sequence 8H182116, which corresponds with a 1948 Lincoln Continental. An image of the body tag is presented in the gallery.