Information AboutLincoln-zephyr |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT LINCOLN-ZEPHYR | |
| lincoln vehicles | |
| zephyr | |
| luxury vehicles | |
| mid-size cars | |
| rear wheel drive vehicles | |
Lincoln-Zephyr was a Brand Name for the lower priced line of luxury cars in the Lincoln line. Lincoln-Zephyr and Mercury bridged the wide gap between Ford's DeLuxe line and the exclusive Lincoln K-series cars. This served a purpose similar to Cadillac 's smaller LaSalle "companion car". OVERVIEW Introduced in November of 1935 as a 1936 model, the Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely modern with a low raked windscreen, integrated fenders, and aerodynamic design. It is noted for being one of the first successful streamlined cars after the Chrysler Airflow . The Lincoln-Zephyr was extremely successful in reigniting sales at Lincoln dealerships in the late 1930s, spawning the Continental line that would replace the aging K-series by the end of the decade. By 1941, Lincoln-Zephyr, Continental, and the Zephyr-based Custom line were the only models offered at Lincoln dealerships. Production of all American cars halted in 1942 as the country entered World War II , with Lincoln producing the last Lincoln-Zephyr on January 31. After the war, most makers restarted production of their pre-war lines, and Lincoln was no exception. The Zephyr name, however, was no longer used after 1942, with the cars simply called Lincolns. The idea of a smaller and more-modern luxury car to fill the gap in Lincoln's traditional lineup was revisited in the 1950 Lincoln Lido , 1977 Lincoln Versailles , 1982 Lincoln Continental , and 2000 Lincoln LS . The Zephyr name itself was resurrected for the car's spiritual successor in 2006, though This Modern Zephyr was quickly renamed MKZ for 2007. MODELS The Lincoln-Zephyr was first available as a two-door or four-door Sedan . A three-window coupe was added in 1937, followed by a convertible coupe and sedan in 1938, and a club coupe starting in 1940. Annual production for any year model was not large but accounted for a large portion of the Lincoln brand's sales. In its first year, 15,000 were sold, accounting for 80% of Lincoln's total sales. SPECIFICATIONS The Zephyr was powered by a small V12 Engine developed from Ford's Flathead V8 and unrelated to the previous Lincoln V12 Engine s. The side-valve engine was quite compact, especially compared to the tall L-head Lincoln 12, allowing a low hood. But its V8 roots would prove troubling, with bearing and crankshaft problems becoming common. The 1936 to 1939 models were 267 in³ (4.4 L) with hydraulic lifters added in 1938. 1940 and 1941 cars used an enlarged 292 in³ (4.8 L) engine, while 1942 and early 1946 models used a 306 in³ (5.0 L). Late 1946 to 1948 Lincolns based on the Zephyr used a 292 in³ (4.8 L). The original engine had 110 hp (82 kW) and gave the car a top speed of 90 miles per hour (145 km/h). The body was monocoque construction and very rigid, but surprisingly light for its size. The first model had a weight of 3,350 lb (1,520 kg). Suspension was transverse springs front and rear, already seen as outdated when the car was introduced. Brakes were cable-activated for 1936 to 1938; 1939 and onwards were hydraulic. The Zephyr was the first Ford product to have an all-steel roof. GALLERY |
|
|