Franklin Mint 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet Custom- Independent Retailer- Ltd Ed of 500

"January in Michigan is amenable only to the coldest of souls. Edsel Ford was not one of them. In preparation for a winter trip to Florida, Edsel asked one of his chief designers, Bob Gregorie, to construct a special convertible coupe from a Zephyr for his personal use. Edsel added many of his own styling ideas. It was the fall of 1938. Longer and lower, with a squared-off roof and trunk and an externally mounted spare - it carried a sporty air. Though millions of cars had had spares located here this one hallmark would garner the name "Continental Spare". In 1941 only one Continental came in this eggshell white paint scheme." - Mainstreet Products USA

This is the FM’s fourth iteration of the highly popular 1941 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet image. In the tradition of rare and prized white Continentals this rendition follows the time honored edition limit of 500 that collectors find so alluring. As with the Sultana White Pebble Beach 1961 Lincoln Continental and the Starmist White 1956 Continental Mark II this little gem, in Eggshell White, is no less glorious. In fact, until seeing it in person, I would have thought white was a non-descript color for this particular Continental. Not so. To my eye it may be the nicest of the aforementioned white models. It defines the early forties period of stately, elegant, and sophisticated high-end motoring. With its deep navy blue interior and convertible boot, the model is an absolute stand-out due to its classically understated and simplistic manner.

Don’t look for updated technology; the model is based on the first iteration issued in 1992. What you will see, however, is a flawlessly shaped ’41 image of the quintessential Lincoln Continental, made highly collectible by the rare and low numbered production limit. The model sits as it should, and has perfect door, hood and trunk lid alignment and gap renderings plus faultless paint and workmanship. If you were fortunate enough to collect the white ’56 and ’61 Continentals, just display this one with them and tell me that your heart does not flutter as you look at the gathering. This model and that collection is what this hobby, ostensibly, is all about. I note the hood and trunk lid stay open without any props and you will find the limited edition number plate in the trunk.

Certainly not everyone’s cup of tea but should you desire a well done, classic forties-era piece, this one easily pushes those automotive buttons and stirs the juices of desire for a classic and opulent automobile.

-Tony Perrone