The Lincoln Continental was the brainchild of Edsel Ford and executed by Ford's chief stylist, Bob Gregorie. It was introduced in 1940 as an exclusive, luxurious, handcrafted automobile for the status conscious consumer. The early Continental was recognized by the Museum of Modern Art as one of eight automotive 'works of art' and by Time magazine as one of the top ten best-designed commercial products.1942 was a tough year to introduce a new model, as the advent of WWII led to the cessation of all passenger automobile production. When Lincoln resumed production in 1946, what had been a bold restyling of the Zephyr model in 1942 was already starting to look dated. The front end retained the massive appearance it had established before the war, with the headlights still flanked by the parking and turn-signal lights. Pent-up consumer demand for new cars did not require immediate styling changes post-war. However, the previously-used 305-c.i. version of the V12 had proved to have cylinder walls that were often too thin, so early in 1946 the bore was reduced, returning the displacement to 292-c.i. and horsepower to 120, 125 in 1947. In 1948, Lincoln stylists were furiously working to bring out a new line of post-war models, so their offerings that year were merely warmed-over versions of the 1946-47 cars. The more contemporary-styled Cosmopolitan, with modern independent suspension and a V8 engine, appeared in 1949.This incredible find came out of the pampered collection where it resided for the last 26 years. This car was the previous owners baby and he treated it like his very own child. With very few '48 Lincolns produced, this very rare Convertible is a nicely restored classic that comes finished in a deep blue with a light tan cloth top. The body on the car is very solid and straight. The exterior is loaded with options that include fender skirts, dual spot lights, Lincoln hubcaps with trim rings and wide white wall tires. The chrome bumper and grill all look great with no pitting or damage. The same goes for the stainless trim surrounding the car. The power soft top looks good overall and may be original for the car. It does show some wear in a few places and minor staining but no holes. The rear window is glass. Inside, the leather interior has been replaced and looks great. The seats are new and have been recovered with burgundy leather and look great with no significant wear showing. The carpet is new and in equally nice condition. Steering wheel shows no cracking and is solid. The dash is in great condition and has been painted to match the rest of the car. Power top and power windows all work with no issues. Under the hood, the V12 engine runs incredibly smooth and quiet. The engine compartment is very clean and original with no damage or major modifications. The car is still on the original 6 volt system and generator. With a push of the button, the car starts up with ease and runs down the road very straight and smooth. The three speed manual transmission shifts with no problems. When the car is running at idle, you can't even hear it running. The trunk is solid and includes a full size spare. The steel wheels all look great and are dressed with trim rings and Lincoln hubcaps. They are wrapped with newer wide white wall bias ply tires. The current mileage shows 83,844 and is said to be original for the car. VIN number is 8H180708 and the car is being sold on a clean Missouri title showing the previous owner has had the car since February, 1987.