USA vs USA — 1936 vs 1939
| Zephyr V12 Continental | Zephyr Continental | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 120 hp |
| Torque | 180 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,382 cc | 4,785 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.0 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 90 mph | 93 mph |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,150 mm | 3,150 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 5,232 mm |
| Units Produced | 130,000 | 404 |
| Original MSRP | $1,320 | $2,840 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $175,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1936 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Continental brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Lincoln Zephyr. The 1936 and 1939 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1936 Lincoln Zephyr V12 Continental producing 110 hp and the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental delivering 120 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lincoln Zephyr uses a V12 L-head displacing 4,382 cc, while the Lincoln Zephyr relies on a V12 Flathead with 4,785 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental edges ahead at 16.0 seconds versus 16.0 seconds. The Lincoln Zephyr carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 404 units built, the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Continental is considerably scarcer than the Lincoln Zephyr's 130,000 examples.