The many fans of Paul Teutul Jr., the custom builder that is the star of the Discovery Channel’s American Chopper, might expect his garage to be packed with nothing more than wild, custom built motorcycles. Teutul, however is a car collector at heart and can truly appreciate a well designed classic automobile. One of his most cherished cars is the scarcity that is a 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr three-window coupe, which he claims to be “one of my favorites.”
But celebrity ownership is just one layer on the rich history of this specific Lincoln-Zephyr. The Lincoln itself was a crucial step in Lincoln’s history: it debuted in tough economic conditions-the 1930s-and broke out as the streamlined, technologically forward, V-12 producing, Art Deco interior of luxury and style that was something previously unknown in the American automotive industry.
Of particular interest is Teutul’s coupe, which has been restored to its actual original state. This car with its black finish, grey broadcloth interior, the period components and the very unusual three window design, is another of those tantalizing glimpses into what American auto industry thought it was all about prior to WWII. To fully understand this car, and its history to be sure, its engineering, style, rarity and continuing impact must all be considered together.
1. The Origins of the Lincoln-Zephyr
Introduced in November of 1935 as a1936 model, the Lincoln-Zephyr entered the marketplace in an age where Lincoln really needed more-affordable vehicle that was compelling to car-buyers in the post-depression economic realities. Ford was trying to add a more unique offering to their luxury lineup that could appeal to buyers that really couldn’t spring for the price for one of Lincoln’s larger, more expensive model options.
Key Factors Behind the Lincoln-Zephyr’s Introduction:
- Introduced as a 1936 model
- Offered a more affordable Lincoln
- Targeted post-Depression automobile buyers
- Featured distinctive streamlined styling
- Strengthened Lincoln during a difficult period
“The Zephyr,” was the reply, a dramatically unconventional looking car to the eye accustomed to contemporary automaking practices. The long, flowing nature of the Zephyr, was a stark contrast to the boxy, utilitarian appearance of most modern luxury automobiles. Lincoln did not take an already existing car and give it the latest trappings, they created a whole new look. The success of the Zephyr was a clear indication that the public was eager for change. In its first year (1936), Lincoln sold 18,994 cars, 17,715 of which were Zephyrs. The success of the Zephyr’s sales kept the Lincoln division afloat through some very lean financial years.
2. A Revolutionary Streamlined Design
Credits for the Zephyr’s futuristic styling include the work of John Tjaarda of the Briggs Body Company; Ford designer Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie; and Edsel Ford, head of the Lincoln Division. It featured the one of the era’s characteristic sleek “teardrop” profile. And in fact, the automobile’s styling definitely resonated with the streamline transport revolution occurring at that very moment, the1930s.
Key Elements of the Zephyr’s Styling:
- Created by influential automotive designers
- Featured a distinctive teardrop profile
- Reflected the 1930s streamlined design movement
- Compared with modern diesel locomotives
- Influenced later American automobile styling
Even, “The company directly paralleled it to a modemized, streamlined Burlington Railroad diesel locomotive; both represented ‘progress on wheels.’” The parallel was uncannily apt. The Zephyr didn’t need to be moving to appear fast, and its well-sculpted flanks clearly implied that car design had reached a new level of sophistication. The stylistic implications of this car soon filtered over into non-Lincoln American production for a new trend towards the clean lines late in the decade.
3. The Rare Three-Window Coupe
In 1939, a new benchmark was reached for Zephyr production at around 21,000 cars a year, though fewer than 2,500 of those were three-window coupes. Given those numbers, the design is already on the way to collectible status all the more so if it is maintained in close-to-original specification.
Key Characteristics of the Three-Window Coupe:
- Produced in relatively limited numbers
- Featured distinctive streamlined proportions
- Emphasised a long, low silhouette
- Developed strong appeal among collectors
- Many examples were later heavily modified
Another interpretation of the Zephyr’s sleek profile came with the three window coupe, where a sleek, long body underscored its aerodynamic form, with a tiny greenhouse giving this version a determined look that distinguishes it from standard sedans. The scarcity of survivors is closely linked to the history of American customization. Quite a few original three-window coupes have ended up getting a hot rod chop, being channelled, and otherwise customized Teutul’s stock survivor represents an early form that might well continue to disappear under the wrenches and cutting wheels of aftermarket builders.
4. Advanced Monocoque Construction
Hidden beneath the beautiful skin of the 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr lay some surprisingly advanced mechanical features for the era. A early type of unit-body (or monocoque) construction was used, where the body and the frame were united to save weight and enhance the structural integrity of the car.
Key Benefits of Monocoque Construction:
- Integrated the body and chassis
- Reduced overall vehicle weight
- Improved structural rigidity
- Supported streamlined vehicle proportions
- Reflected advanced automotive engineering
This was a significant engineering development at the time and was quite progressive at the Zephyr. Rather than a completely traditional frame that carries everything on the sides like most cars of the era. Instead this offered design and flexibility in what designers could do with The Zephyr while keeping it stout. It led to a car whose design was both elegant on the eye, and sensible in its engineering. Its shape wasn’t just decorative; it bolstered the proportions of the Zephyr as well and helped lend it the feeling that it was the vanguard of a fresh American-automotive experience.
5. The Flathead V-12 Powertrain
The Lincoln-Zephyr of 1939 featured a 267.3 L-head V-12 engine with a simple 2-bbl carburetor. Adapted from Ford’s flathead V-8 engine block, the twelve-cylinder was rated to produce about 110 horsepower at 3,900 rpm. A Zephyr three-speed manual transmission transmitted power to the drive wheels.
Key Powertrain Specifications:
- 267.3-cubic-inch flathead V-12 engine
- Produced approximately 110 horsepower
- Used a single two-barrel carburetor
- Paired with a three-speed manual transmission
- Delivered roughly 14-18 mpg
That gearbox would eventually achieve great notoriety with the hot rod set, thus placing another point of distinction on its history well after it ceased being a luxury-car focus. Fuel mileage was estimated at around 14-18mpg, not bad for a full size American car during its era. All the luxury of a twelve-cylinder smooth engine combined with a sleek, smooth body and a manual gearbox made for a car that was a pleasure to drive and that was as unique as it was futuristic.
6. Chassis, Brakes, and Highway Equipment
In addition to the car’s unusual power-train, the chassis equipment was also a departure. There was a solid front axle, and a 3/4-floating rear axle, as well as four-wheel-transverse leaf spring suspension which together contributed to the road holding characteristics expected of a motor vehicle such as the Zephyr with much body presence, within engineering practice of the late ’30s.
Key Chassis and Equipment Features:
- Solid front axle construction
- 3/4-floating rear axle design
- Four-wheel transverse leaf springs
- Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes
- Optional two-speed Columbia axle
Four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes provided the retardation and the car stopped as we might expect at the time. Certainly for the 2000 driver, the performance would be very far from what we demand today but hydraulic means of braking, by comparison to mechanical methods, was a step forward. Teutul’s specific coupe additionally benefited from the option of a two-speed Columbia axle. This added to provide improved cruising flexibility and enhanced highway perform-ance, the already modernly engineered Zephyr had a new feature that, while keeping, was more appropriate for long-distance travel and as original as mechanically feasible.
7. The 1938 Styling Transformation
The car did receive styling updates through its production run, and probably none were as significant as one seen in the 1938 facelift. On the prior 1936-1937 models it sported the longer, prow-shaped grille; by now the grille had become lower and horizontal for a simpler frontal expression. Under Bob Gregorie, the refreshed styling was created to emphasize the slung back proportions which had been established as intrinsic to the Zephyr identity.
Key Changes in the 1938 Redesign:
- Introduced a lower horizontal grille
- Replaced the earlier prow-like design
- Created a cleaner frontal appearance
- Reinforced the Zephyr’s low-slung proportions
- Influenced broader American automotive styling
The transformation clearly showed the rapid swing towards horizontal styling, sleek body surfaces and unitary forms during the end of the 1930s. This design had a huge impact, inspiring other American manufacturers to take the same themes and apply them to their own models, bringing sleek design in the mainstream for the industry. Perhaps one of the strongest examples is the 1939 three-window coupe.
8. Art Deco Interior and Period Details
But whatever strikes us at first glance on the exterior has been perfectly extended into the interior. Art Deco design rules with an insistent flair in this cabin; a powerful display climbs up from the floor in the center and sweeps to a vast, rotund gauge pod. Inside, the speedometer shares the instrument panel with indicators for engine temperature, fuel, battery voltage, and oil pressure.
Key Interior and Period Features:
- Strong Art Deco-inspired interior design
- Central instrument arrangement with rounded gauges
- Gauges monitor essential vehicle functions
- Factory radio and cigar lighter
- Dual mirrors and A-pillar spotlight
Below the primary instruments is a much smaller clock, and an arc of the unusual gearstick assembly is found to complete central dashboard quirkiness. This Teutul is finished in grey broadcloth and retains all the nice factory options that are sought after by period restorers; i.e. Factory radio, cigar lighter, both mirrors, and A-pillar driver’s spotlight. They create a colorful impression of what a high-end American driver would have to work with in ’39.
9. Paul Teutul Jr.’s Preserved Example
The Lincoln-Zephyr in Paul Teutul Jr.’s collection is notable because it remains in authentic stock trim. Finished in black over a grey broadcloth interior, the coupe was restored by a previous owner and has been carefully preserved rather than extensively customized. The car is recognised as a CCCA Full Classic® and has reportedly been maintained in a climate-controlled environment.
Key Details of Teutul’s Lincoln-Zephyr:
- Preserved in authentic stock configuration
- Finished in black exterior paint
- Retains its grey broadcloth interior
- Recognised as a CCCA Full Classic®
- Maintained in climate-controlled conditions
During Teutul’s ownership, it has remained a high-quality driver rather than becoming a frequent display vehicle at collector or club events. That relative privacy adds another dimension to the car’s story. Parked beside other automobiles from the late 1930s, its futuristic lines can still make contemporary classics appear surprisingly conventional. The coupe’s appearance remains a powerful reminder of just how ambitious Lincoln’s original design was.
10. A Lasting Automotive Legacy
The 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr three-window coupe represents much more than a rare collector automobile. It combines streamlined styling, early monocoque construction, a flathead V-12, Art Deco design, and a production history that makes surviving three-window examples particularly significant. Its historical importance is strengthened by the fact that so many similar coupes were transformed by customizers over the decades.
Key Elements of the Zephyr’s Legacy:
- Rare and historically significant three-window coupe
- Combined advanced styling with engineering
- Featured a distinctive flathead V-12
- Preserved original design influences and details
- Remains an important American automotive landmark
A preserved example allows enthusiasts to appreciate the original vision of Bob Gregorie, John Tjaarda, and Edsel Ford without extensive modifications obscuring the design. Paul Teutul Jr.’s Zephyr therefore occupies an interesting place at the intersection of celebrity provenance and genuine automotive history. Whether admired for its 110-horsepower V-12, innovative construction, rare body style, or timeless appearance, this 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr remains a remarkable piece of American automotive heritage with a legacy that continues to endure.
