Trio of Lincoln Zephyrs set for auction at Amelia Island

Streamlined '40s classics to sell with no reserve

Like buses, barn finds and proper snowfall in the UK, you wait years for a pristine Art Deco wagon to turn up, only for a garageful to arrive at auction together.

These three Lincoln Zephyrs of varying rarity are all scheduled to sell on Thursday (8 March) at Bonhams’ Amelia Island auction – and, with no reserve, it could be the perfect opportunity to pick up a slice of '40s automotive heritage. Or slices, if you’ve got the space.

Slippery critter

Launched in late 1935, the Lincoln Zephyr was a distinctive blend of style and performance, wrapping a rigid frame in an aerodynamic shell.

What’s in a name?

In fact, it was the effectiveness of the aerodynamics that influenced its naming – Zephyr coming from the Greek for ‘God of the west wind’, no less.

Style icon

Though less expensive than its more senior Lincoln siblings, the Zephyr was still every bit the luxury machine, designed internally to match the Art Deco body.

Blue Zephyr

The first of the three Zephyrs up for auction is a stock 1939 example finished in stunning blue.

There's no reserve price set for any of these three cars, but Bonhams does give it an estimated price tag of $150,000 - $200,000 (£110,000 - £140,000).

Muscle car power

It carries a 267 cubic inch V12 engine, capable of delivering some 110bhp through a 3-speed manual transmission.

Sold as shipped

Previously part of the renowned Harrah’s Automobile Collection, this first Zephyr on auction is notable for remaining in stock form, with pristine paintwork and an immaculate engine bay.

Nothing hot

The Zephyr is popularly tuned into hot rod form, so to find an unmodified example in such good condition is unusual.

Wonderful window

It’s further remarkable for possessing the split rear oval window that’s indicative of a 1939 coupé, together with the rare centre console gear lever.

Better than new

This Lincoln was treated to a comprehensive refurbishment in 2009, including a full engine rebuild and careful stripping and respraying of the body.

Logs included

Sold with a full bundle of historical documents – from registration cards to restoration logs – this is a truly fine example of a late-'30s Zephyr.

Younger sibling

The second Lincoln going under the hammer is an equally evocative 1940 model, with the same estimated price tag of $150,000 - $200,000 (£110,000 - £140,000).

Refined by years

On the surface similar to the 1939 model, this was in fact the second generation of the Zephyr, and so carried several refinements.

Bulkier and hulkier

Visually, the grille was bigger and the rear was broader to allow more room for seating and luggage.

Better binnacle

The instrument position was also changed, with dials now behind the wheel rather than centre-mounted.

A little more juice

There was still a V12 under the hood, albeit a 292 cubic inch one that offered a gain of 10bhp over the previous model.

Fingertip shifting

The famed Zephyr 3-speed transmission also remained in the 1940 model, though now managed with a lever mounted to the steering column.

A healthy investment

Subject to a nut-and-bolt restoration between 2007 and 2010, to the tune of $100,000, this Zephyr goes to auction in outstanding condition.

Good runner

Externally unmodified, performance has been upgraded using components appropriate for the period – with a dual exhaust the only giveaway.

Back to basics

Not a fan of the bolt-on parts? Remove the engine modifications – such as the aluminium heads – and you’ll find a stock Zephyr motor.

Best of both worlds

An ideal blend of period styling and modern performance, this restored example of a 1940 Zephyr would doubtless do well whether cruising or at Concours.

Rarest yet

A properly rare 1942 Zephyr coupé rounds out the trio – one of just five examples believed to remain in existence.

As you'd expect, it's also likely to be the priciest of the three, with an estimate of $175,000 - $225,000 (£130,000 - £160,000.

Growth spurt

More stylised than any other Zephyr before it, the 1942 model (which began shipping out in 1941) sat lower to the ground and was wider in the body.

New nose

A redesigned front end was stunningly Art Deco. Combined with broader wheel arches, it’s somewhere between a chrome jukebox and a 1940s picture house.

Reupholstered

Things changed inside the car, too, with a redesigned and rearranged instrument cluster finished in mahogany.

Rebored, not boring

Delivering the goods, that same V12 was further improved with a reboring, taking capacity to 305 cubic inches and horsepower up to 130.

Still stunning

The example up for auction is not only an ultra-rare model, but is also in astounding condition – thanks in part to a comprehensive restoration.

Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain

Completed in September 1941, it was shipped straight to its first home – in Oklahoma, USA.

Green tan-tastic

Its Andover Green colour scheme remains a fitting partner to the Bedford Tan interior, while this Zephyr also possesses a full catalogue of original fittings.

Award winning

Previously part of a large Lincoln collection, this Zephyr has been the recipient of several Concours awards – testament to its enduring style and aerodynamic allure.

Three’s worth your pounds

While the latter Zephyr is far and away the rarest, this trio of Art Deco aero wagons is something rarely seen at auction together – and, with the lack of reserves, could well make a careful bidder very happy indeed.