The year 1942 was interesting in terms of automotive manufacturing. You see, there was this conflict going on called World War II, and very quickly production at every automotive plant in the world was converted to wartime production of tanks, jeeps, and aircraft. Cars were not built in the U.S. from 1942 through 1946, and production of 1942 model-year vehicles was very low. In 1941 – the year America entered the war – about 3 million cars were manufactured, but in 1942, that number shrank to about 100,000. That year, Lincoln produced a total of only 336 Continentals, while in 1941, they built 850.
Today’s AutoHunter Spotlight vehicle is one of those cars, a 1942 Lincoln Continental Club Coupe.
The seller states this 1942 Lincoln Continental is powered by the reportedly original 4.8-liter V12 mated to a three-speed manual transmission. It is finished in stunning deep green paint over a beige cloth and light brown vinyl interior, and comes with a 1942 Lincoln reference book, Arizona Classic Roadrunner magazine, and clear title.
This specific 1942 Lincoln Club Coupe is said to have received a complete restoration and is considered to be what the Classic Car Club of America (CCCA) calls a “Full Classic,” putting it at the top of the heap of American collector cars. I know many people like the convertible version of the Lincoln Continental, but I honestly prefer the stately grandeur of the Club Coupe much more.
The exterior of this Lincoln appears to be in excellent condition. The paintwork looks amazing and is show-ready. The only flaw I can see is that the radio antenna looks like it could use some chromework and the tires appear a bit old and may need replacing (easily rectified with a call to Coker Tire). That’s really it – otherwise, this seems to be a truly show-worthy example.
From what I can see in the photos provided, the interior looks to be even better, with no wear and perfect trim. The gold plating on the instruments and dash trim appears to have been done flawlessly. The stunning dash makes these already special cars look even more exclusive.
Under the hood is the Lincoln flathead V12 engine in all its glory. Everything looks correct and is quite tidy, only needing some cleaning around the firewall to be ready to show.
These classic Lincoln Continentals were some of the finest cars in the world when new and could hold their own against just about any rival. The fact that this is a 1942 model only adds to its rareness and collectibility. This model continues to impress beyond expectations in the world of classic show cars. It’s also nice to drive, offering everything you would expect from a prewar luxury automobile.
If you have been looking for a true top-tier collector car that qualifies for just about any concours and absolutely any standard car show in the world, this could be just the ticket. Act fast and place your bid on AutoHunter right away because the auction for this 1942 Lincoln Continental Club Coupe ends on Friday, June 13, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. (PDT).
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery