1939 Lincoln 4-door value

[Cool Hand Lurker]

A friend of mine died recently and left two Lincoln Zyphers in the garage that the widow wants to sell. They were his Grandfather's cars. I saw them about 50 years ago and they were solid and complete and are still parked in the same garage now. I suggested a well known auctioneer but they have not responded back to her. I have a good idea what Model A's and mid-forty coupes are worth, but I am in the dark on the Lincolns. Anybody know a lot about these cars and their values?

 

[ford38v8]

I’m thinking that the auctioneer’s failure to get back to her is a clue as to value. If they were Zephyr coupes, though, it would be a different story.

 

[Ken/Alabama]

39 Zephyr four door that’s in good condition but been sitting for a long time in none running condition I would say $15-20 K if complete and solid.

 

[pistonbroke]

I sold my running 38 fourdoor with a low mile completely rebuilt 12 and a factory columbia for 16k. Tim

 

[Kube]

39 Zephyr four door that’s in good condition but been sitting for a long time in none running condition I would say $15-20 K if complete and solid.

Tops.

 

[Tim Ayers]

These situations can be tough. Sitting for 50 years may or may not mean they can be easily rolled out of the garage.

What a lot of sellers don't want to hear is the amount of effort and time it will take the buyer to get the cars out of the garage if they don't roll.

Long story short, these cars are not all that desirable. If the seller really wants to part with these cars, they need to be mentally prepared to take an offer that may be lower than what they think they are worth in "running & driving" condition.

 

[Vic Piano]

Do you have any photos of the cars that can be posted here? That would help interested people and most likely prompt some offers.

 

[tubman]

Anyone who thinks these cars are worth more that 4 figures should reread post # 4.

Knowing the cost of rebuilding a V8 flathead, just think of what it would cost to do a V12. I would bet that one, and probably both will need a rebuild, and there are chances that the reason for putting them away 50 years ago may have been a piston through the block or other such mayhem.

 

[rotorwrench]

Big Lincoln cars and other top of the line motor cars are complicated and harder to get parts for. Condition is everything. If a prospective buyer is looking, they generally want a drivable car at very least. They know what it will cost to just get it that way with weather worn tires, mucked up fuel system, and clogged up brakes. A person can purchase cars like this pretty cheap even if they are complete and solid. Most folks don't have the funds to completely restore them and the high end collector wants the rare and popular models unless they are purchased for sentimental reasons.

 

[Tim Ayers]

Sadly, depending on condition, it may be worth more parted out. The funky side shift trans case and the shift lever are desirable (same gears as a Ford. Not LZ's yet) as are the brakes and drums and steering wheel

 

[V8COOPMAN]

The funky side shift trans case and the shift lever are desirable (same gears as a Ford. Not LZ's yet) as are the brakes and drums and steering wheel

Did you realize that that funky case with the goofy shifter is the same case used in a '40 and later RIGHT HAND drive with COLUMN shift. Ford sure was good at double-dipping with it's parts utilization. Compare the cover bolt locations in pictures #2 and #3.

Coop

 

[Tim Ayers]

I was not aware of that. I'd have to venture a guess that the chances of finding a lone '38/39 Lincoln side cover/fork set would be slim to none and Slim just left town....

 

[mercman from oz]

Floor Shift in RHD 1932 Ford using 1940-1948 Transmission with LZ Side Shifter

 

[larry butcher]

Go on the "Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club" website---- LZOC.org
This may help

 

[mercman from oz]

Floor Shift in RHD 1934 Ford using 1940-1948 Transmission with LZ Side Shifter

 

[Ken/Alabama]

Those 38-39 shift levers look like they were designed by a drunken pretzel maker!! I’ve had several of them.

 

[Tim Ayers]

Those 38-39 shift levers look like they were designed by a drunken pretzel maker!! I’ve had several of them.

Haha. So true

 

[SoCalCoupe]

I’m thinking that the auctioneer’s failure to get back to her is a clue as to value. If they were Zephyr coupes, though, it would be a different story.

39 Zephyr four door that’s in good condition but been sitting for a long time in none running condition I would say $15-20 K if complete and solid.

I sold my running 38 fourdoor with a low mile completely rebuilt 12 and a factory columbia for 16k. Tim

Sounds like the answer to the original question is right here in these three posts.

 

[pistonbroke]

I would sure like to see some photos. Tim

 

[Cool Hand Lurker]

I have not been able to get any photos yet. The cars are about 120 miles from me but I will get up there sometime around Christmas. Hopefully I can move around them well enough to get some good shots.