The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr was not the company’s flagship. Lincoln positioned this car lower than the K-Series, but certainly higher than the eight-cylinder Ford Model 18. Despite not the highest price tag, the Zephyr, like the K-Series, was equipped with a twelve-cylinder engine, though with a smaller displacement. This car was impressive in its aerodynamic forms and was in good demand among buyers.
The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr was the first successful aerodynamic car in the world. It sold significantly better than its main competitor, the 1939 Chrysler Airflow. But just 3 years before the Zephyr was released, Pierce – Arrow showed its Silver – Arrow, which Americans did not want to buy. The idea of this car belongs to Edsel Ford, and the design of the car was done by Eugene Turen Gregory. The car was named after a diesel train – Burlington Zephyr, which in 1934 passed the way of 1600km from Denver to Chicago with an average speed of 124km per hour, which was faster than any steam-powered train. Also, the name Zephyrus belongs to the Greek god of the west wind. The car was assembled in Detroit, Michigan.
In the first year alone, 15,000 of these cars were sold. The Zephyr accounted for 80% of Lincoln’s sales. And it was on the basis of this model that the Continental was created. During the second year 30 000 Zephyr were sold, and it was not a cheap car, which cost 2-3 times more than Ford V8.
I have met the opinion that this is the most amazing Lincoln of all and I think I understand these people. Production of this car was discontinued in 1942 when the US entered the war.
Price and value of 1936 Lincoln Zephyr.
In 1936 you could buy a new Lincoln Zephyr for $1,300. This was a very low price for a car with a V12 engine. A Ford Model 18 with a V8 engine at the time cost about $600, half the price of a Lincoln. But the Lincoln was also twice as powerful as the Ford car.
Appearance and photos.
The Lincoln Zephyr was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible. The sedan is 5334mm long, the wheelbase of the four-door Zephyr is 3099mm and ground clearance is 216mm. This car received a load-bearing body, that is, there is no frame, which is already very remarkable for a car of the 30s. Curb weight of the Zephyr is only 1680kg. Pay attention to the slope of the windshield, as well as to the integrated fenders. These body parts contribute to aerodynamics, resulting in a drag coefficient of 0.45.
The later cars are most easily recognized by the grille (changed in ’38), the bumper with a hole in the center (’39) and the new taillights. Originally, the Zephyr’s taillights resembled the flames of a jet engine, and that was long before the era of huge fins and aero styling of the ’50s. In those years, the jet engine didn’t even exist yet. This is another example of Lincoln being ahead of its time. The ’39 also changed the shape of the front fenders. The fact that this is a ’30s car is indicated by the rather wide footrest.
Pay attention to the statuette on the hood. It performs not only decorative, but also functional role, as it serves as a lever to open the hood. To provide access to the engine compartment it is necessary to turn the statuette by 90 degrees.
Interior and equipment.
Despite the fact that the front panel does not have any trim and is made of metal, the interior of this Lincoln seems very cozy. The photo shows the interior of the coupe, in which the speedometer was installed in the middle of the front panel. In the sedan, the speedometer was installed on the usual place, – behind the steering wheel. In the 39th there were new devices.
Note that the ignition switch was mounted on the steering column, not in the front panel. In the coupe, the glove box was not only in front of the passenger, but also in front of the driver – behind the steering wheel. The very soft and tufted interior adds to the comfort and coziness. The round brake and clutch pedals had rubber pads. On the side windows were installed pivoting apertures – for better ventilation of the cabin.
Engine and specifications of 1936 Lincoln Zephyr.
The gasoline V12 engine has a displacement of 4.4 liters, is fed by two Edelbrock carburetors and produces 110 horsepower. Thanks to the V12 engine and a manual, three-speed gearbox, the Lincoln Zephyr has a top speed of 145km per hour.
The Lincoln’s engine power was considerable, given its not-so-large displacement, but according to reviews it was not the most reliable motor. In some cases, owners swapped this V12 for a Ford V8.
Both axles were fitted with drum brakes and the suspension was leaf spring.
This is a cult car, which was released in a fairly large circulation. It is characterized not only by its revolutionary design and V12 engine, but also by the success that cars with aerodynamic bodies could not achieve before.
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