English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Lincoln Custom: the pre-war luxury limousine and what the collector needs to know
The Lincoln Custom was a pre-war Lincoln series, produced in 1941–1942 as a long-wheelbase sedan and limousine. In this article, we look at its history, engine, and what collectors need to know.
The Lincoln Custom in brief
The Lincoln Custom was a long-wheelbase sedan and limousine produced in 1941 and 1942. It replaced the earlier Model K Lincoln cars. Unlike them, which had bodies made by separate coachbuilders, the Custom had a factory-built body.
Technically, the Custom was based on the smaller Lincoln-Zephyr, but with a 138-inch (approx. 3.5 m) wheelbase. Only seven- or eight-seater sedans and limousines were offered.
Differences between the 1941 and 1942 models
The 1941 Custom had a 292 cubic-inch (approx. 4.8 L) V12 engine with around 120 HP. It was a luxurious, quiet car with wide options for interior trim, including leather.
The 1942 Custom had a larger, 305 cubic-inch (approx. 5.0 L) engine with around 130 HP and a wider front grille. That year also saw the introduction of electric windows in the luxury class.
Engine and transmission
All Lincoln Customs had a V12 engine based on the Ford V8. The engine was known for its tendency to overheat, especially in 1942, so the condition of the cooling system is crucial.
The transmission was a three-speed manual with Borg-Warner overdrive and a two-speed rear axle.
What to check when buying a Lincoln Custom
First, look for provenance documents, as each example is rare. Check if the body is original, if there's no rust, and if the cooling system is in order.
The choice of parts is limited, so a classic pre-war car specialist's appraisal is essential. Often, you'll find restored or modified examples — check the level of originality.
Trim levels
Trim levels were not divided into tiers; a sedan and limousine were offered.
Custom sedanas ir limuzinas
1941–1942A luxurious passenger car with a long wheelbase.
- More space for passengers
- Often — leather interior
- Often — partition between the front and rear (limousine)
1941 and 1942 Custom comparison
| 1941 m. | 1942 m. | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For enthusiasts of pre-war classics | For collectors seeking a newer version |
| Engine | Approximately 4.8-litre V12, around 120 HP | Around 5.0-litre V12, around 130 hp |
| Styling | Zephyr-style grilles | Wide, full-width grille |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ |
Both years are collector's items. The 1942 version has more features, but the engine's tendency to overheat requires special attention to the cooling system.
Pros
- Rare pre-war American limousine
- Spacious and luxurious interior for its time
- Distinctive V12 engine
- High-quality finish for its time
Cons
- Very limited supply
- V12 engine prone to overheating
- Parts and maintenance are expensive and hard to find
Frequently asked questions
When was the Lincoln Custom produced?
Main era — 1941 and 1942
What engine does the Lincoln Custom have?
V12, around 4.8 litres in 1941, around 5.0 litres in 1942.
Is the Custom suitable for daily driving?
No, it's a pre-war collector's car, perfect for classic car enthusiasts.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
