The Lincoln Cosmopolitans were ground breaking.  It was the replacement for the Continental, as Lincoln’s top-of-the-line offering.  With only 1,230 convertibles built, most car enthusiasts had never seen one, even when they were new.

This example was owned until 2013 by David Johnson of Salem, OH with a recorded 43,020 actual miles.  It had been shown at the Glenmore Gathering Concours and much of the restoration had been done before 2013.  The Cosmo was then sold on March 17, 2013 to Richard Greenhouse of Imperial, PA.  Richard and his wife enjoyed the Cosmopolitan for the next eight years until his recent passing.

This Cosmopolitan looks terrific in its color combination.  The Calabash Yellow (Paint Code 8H) livery is in touring condition with beautiful shine and luster.  There are a variety of small touched up chips in the high use areas and one small crack on the passengers side front fender, as shown in the photo gallery.

The chrome and stainless is in very nice to excellent condition throughout.  And the Cosmopolitan is covered in chrome!  We especially love the enormous chrome brow above the front fenders, a unique application for the Cosmopolitans.  Also significant are the Frenched in headlights and taillights, making the Cosmopolitans look like a custom concept car, not a limited production car.

The black Haartz cloth canvas convertible top is in excellent condition and comes complete with a matching black top boot.  The power convertible top operations work very well.  We have receipts for the rebuild of the hydraulic systems over the years.  All of the power windows operate as well as the convertible top and the power front passengers seat.

The correct solid maroon leather is in the perfect color to compliment the Calabash Yellow paint.  The leather is very soft and supple and is in very nice condition overall, with only minor scratches from use over the years.  The novel power operated front seat is functioning.  The matching maroon painted dashboard is also in very nice original condition, supporting the low mileage and gentle care that its received over the decades.  The exclusive gold hued knobs and buttons are also in very nice condition.  The maroon carpeting is in overall good condition.

Attempting to find a suitable replacement for the Continentals V12, Ford engineers got creative for the 1949 Cosmopolitans.  The 336.7 CID flathead V8 was sourced out of the Ford motor company commercial truck line and delivered 152 hp.  It is loaded with torque and very robust and dependable.  On this example, the V8 is paired with a three-speed with overdrive, giving it excellent acceleration when compared to the Hydramatic.  This would easily outperform its contemporaries, such as the Packard Custom Eight.  The engine compartment is fairly well detailed for local shows.  Please review the 158-point inspection report covering the condition of the Cosmopolitan.  While this Cosmopolitan will benefit from small improvements, it is a very nice and attractive example.

This is an incredibly rare opportunity to acquire an iconic top-of-the-line late-1940’s convertible.  For more information and details, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Cosmopolitan is available for viewing at our Phoenix showroom.

The post 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This is a striking example of a fully restored and resto-modded 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Capri Coupe.  The restoration quality is excellent and was performed under the direction of the owner and our client, who is a long-time Lincoln collector and judge for the LCOC.  The result is a modern driving 1951 Cosmopolitan that has all the creature comforts we’ve come to expect from our daily driving cars, such as air conditioning, power steering and brakes as well as an automatic transmission and fuel injection.  The restoration was completed with a total investment in excess of $200,000.

The 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitans are the top-of-the-line models and were incredibly rare when new.  The coupes and convertibles were the most rare of the Cosmopolitan line, and most people have never seen one in person.  This is one of three Capri coupes known extant, with one in Europe and one other in the US.

The owner started with a two-owner rust-free west coast car that had very low miles.  He then commenced a nine-year restoration to create a completely stock looking Capri with modern practicality and performance.  The exterior is stunning and the only visual clue to its modifications are the dual exhausts.  Likewise, the interior looks very correct and original.

The Capri has Bonita Blue livery with gorgeous chrome and polished stainless throughout.  The body and paint quality are excellent with only a few small imperfections noted.  The body panels have some slight waves that are noticeable in the photo gallery and there is one small door ding on the passenger side near the rear fender skirt.  The blue vinyl top fit the sleek and sexy lines of the Cosmopolitan coupe.  With the signature Frenched in front headlights the Cosmopolitans appeared to be a stylized concept car when they were new and they still look great.  The correct gold and chrome trim has been performed during the restoration, which really sets off the trim.  The original wheel covers and wide white walled radials complete the stock appearance for the Capri.

The interior is equally well restored, with the chrome and stainless painstakingly polished and refinished and complimenting the stiped wool broadcloth accented with blue leather.  The interior is comfortable and  very accurately restored to original with the exception of the modern air conditioning system that has been installed and the automatic transmission selector.  The dashboard is in gorgeous condition and the Capri features power windows.

The drivetrain is where the modifications exist.  The original 337 CID V-8 for the Cosmopolitans were sourced from the Ford commercial truck line.  They were full of torque, but not perfect for this big and stately Lincoln.  The owner, being a knowledgeable Lincoln expert, set out to make this Capri an excellent driving car that could be used daily, or for a fantastic tour car.  The 158-point inspection report has the details of our inspection of the car.

The Capri features a new 351 CID Ford V-8 with all modern fuel injection, automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes and air conditioning.  During restoration, Ford parts were used for most all of the major components.  The result is a terrific driving Capri that looks completely stock and original.

For more details and information, please call, text or email Harry Clark at +1.623.404.9042 or sales@classicpromenade.com.  The Capri is located in our Phoenix showroom.

The post 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Capri Coupe appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible comes to us as a magnificent two-owner restored and rust-free Western icon.  This was bought new by the family that owned, amongst other things, the Tea Pot Service Station in Zillah, located in the dry and arid Yakima Valley in Eastern Washington State.  This was a low-mileage rust-free car that was originally a well love motorcar that was stored away by the late 1960’s or early 1970’s.  After a long period of storage the car was sold in September 1978 to its second and last registered owner, Carson Olafson in Yakima, WA.

The last owner of 32 years was delighted to add this motorcar to his collection.  After purchase in 1978, he stored the car knowing that he had just bought a very special and rare find.  The car may still be in its original “barn find” condition except Carson’s wife loved the looks of the car and wanted him to restore it!  Now, that’s a wife!!!  Think he said “no!”?  No way!

It wasn’t until the early 1990’s that Carson commenced an extensive ten-year restoration.  Being very experienced as a collector of cars, Carson knew how to get a project done.  The restoration was completed about eight years ago.

The car was stripped to bare metal and painted in the Cosmopolitan Maroon Metallic.  The paint and body craftsmen stated that they had not seen such a perfectly rust-free and straight car before.  There was only one small crease near the front driver’s side rocker panel that was put there by Carson and Mr. Richard Comstock when they pulled it out for the trailer ride home in 1978!

He had Pete Hamilton restore the leather upholstery in a light cream to compliment the Harrtz cloth convertible top.  The materials were all obtained from Bill Hirsh.  The convertible top frame has been repainted by us as well as a completely new and correct tan convertible top and top boot cover, including the two rear windows that are special for the Cosmopolitan.

The engine was thoroughly disassembled, cleaned and rebuilt by craftsmen at American Parts.  The four-speed hydromatic automatic  transmission was rebuilt by the experts at Fredrick’s Transmission.   It has accumulated less than 2,000 miles since this restoration and the car runs and drivel beautifully.

This car has never been shown at a concours event or AACA.  This is a natural car to participate in such events because of its rarity.  So few people can say they’ve seen a gorgeous 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertibles in person!

This car was owned for the past 32 years by a gentleman dedicated to making this one of the finest remaining Cosmopolitan convertibles.  He embarked on a total, no-expanse spared restoration on this gorgeous motorcar.

We are presently fully re-commissioning the motorcar and making it show ready.  We are fitting new correct wide white wall tires.  Of course the convertible top has the unique cosmopolitan dual rear window as installed when new.  We have also wet sanded the paint to make it absolutley deep and rich, ready for the concours field!!

Make no mistake, this was a total body off restoration of a nice original example.  It has a slight patina as an older restoration would, however we have freshened this motorcar up so that it can face the competition of concours events.  We believe this fine and very rare car will be welcome at concours events around the world.

Most car aficionados have never seen one of these gorgeous cars.  We believe they are highly under-rated, likely due to their scarcity when new- and even more so today.

There were about 1,200 of the Cosmopolitan Convertibles made in 1949.  Of the 1,200, approximately 12 are known extant.   This is about as rare as we get for a top-of-the-line late 40’s dream car.  A 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible was used by President Truman supplementing the famous Bubble Top exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a top-of-the-line Lincoln for 1949. This Lincoln has the powerful 337 cu in flathead V-8 engine with 152 BHP at 3,600 RPM and the ever smooth and dependable four speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It has a 125 inch wheelbase and a total length of 220.5 inches.

We assume that you have never had an opportunity to drive one of these rare gems.  They absolutely surpass their contemporaries.  We’re Packard nuts and a 1949 Packard Custom doesn’t even come close to this in terms of  design or performance.  This car is way ahead of it’s time.

As a recent value comp, a 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible from the Schudroff collection sold in Monterrey at the Gooding & Company auction in August of 2009 for $137,500.  More details to follow on this motorcar…

The post 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible, Restored Touring! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

This 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible comes to us as a magnificent four-owner icon.  This car was bought on April 2, 1949 at the Adams-Bailey Co Lincoln Dealership located in Battlecreek, Michigan.  Can you imagine the amazement for the dealership to receive a ’49 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible to sell?  We do not know if this was custom ordered by the original owners.  This was bought new by the family that owned, amongst other things, the American Stamping Company located at 310 E. Burnham in Battlecreek, Michigan.

This was evidently owned afterward by a Doctor in Battlecreek and perhaps one other owner.  It is in the 1950’s that the ownership chain is fuzzy.

By the early 1960’s a large collector of cars, Joe Evans also from Battlecreek, that owned Automotive Parts Stores and a wrecking yard, acquired the Cosmo Convertible.  He held onto the car for the next 40 years!  During his ownership the car was maintained totally original except some repair work and maintenance to prevent any damage from extensive storage.

This car never left Battlecreek until the Spring of 2005 when Mr. Evans sold the car to Stephan Paradine from Lake Station, Indiana.  Mr. Evans was by then very elderly, in a walker and nearly blind.  The car was still entirely in it’s original livery: original top, paint, interior, etc.  It had amassed a mere 47,960 miles in the previous 55 years.  The engine had never been rebuilt, repainted, etc.   The engine number is 9EH 035769.

Mr. Paradine started a very sympathetic restoration.  He was not out to restore the car.  But instead, he wanted to make cosmetic and mechanical improvements to make it a fun car to drive and take to shows.

He had Broadway Glass and Trim in Merriville, Indiana re-trim the leather from the original dried out dark brown to the present two tone brown leather.   The top was replaced using the original glass and frames for the unique rear windows in the correct tan Harrtz cloth convertible top.

The original black paint was chipped and had some door dents (but absolutely no signs of accidents or major rot issues).  We have since taken the Cosmo down to bare metal. The panel alignment and paint quality is absolutely fantastic. We used the same restoration shop as the many cars we’ve taken to Pebble Beach over the years. No corners were cut on the restoration.

The engine had never been rebuilt, nor had it ever been painted.  If you look carefully at the photos you will see that the original engine looked terrific for a 60+ year old car that had never been apart!  The car drove well, had good oil pressure but needed a top end ring replacement.  The four-speed hydromatic automatic  transmission shifted well. We have just completed a thorough rebuild of the engine, transmission and all major components.

We recarpeting the car in the same manner that Cosmo’s were produced. The carpet was all hand made out of two differing materials and placed together to provide the stripped look that is so unique. And it is just gorgeous!!

This car has never been shown at events or AACA shows.  This is a natural car to participate in such events because of its rarity.  So few people can say they’ve seen a gorgeous 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertibles in person!  Even in 1949 most people would never see one!

Most car aficionados have never seen one of these gorgeous cars.  We believe they are highly under-rated, likely due to their scarcity when new- and even more so today.

There were about 1,200 of the Cosmopolitan Convertibles made in 1949.  Of the 1,200, approximately 12 are known extant.   This is about as rare as we get for a top-of-the-line late 40’s dream car.  A 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible was used by President Truman supplementing the famous Bubble Top exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum.

This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a top-of-the-line Lincoln for 1949. This Lincoln has the powerful 337 cu in flathead V-8 engine with 152 BHP at 3,600 RPM and the ever smooth and dependable four speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It has a 125 inch wheelbase and a total length of 220.5 inches.

We assume that you have never had an opportunity to drive one of these rare gems.  They absolutely surpass their contemporaries.  We’re Packard nuts and a 1949 Packard Custom doesn’t even come close to this in terms of  design or performance.  This car is way ahead of it’s time.

The post 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible, Concours Restoration! appeared first on Classic Promenade.

BARN FIND!! This is an original black plate California car (sold new in California and never left the state!). The car was bought in about 1953 by an engineer from Lockheed. This was his baby!! He had several Lincolns but this was his favorite. It has always been garaged and well maintained. Always treasured and loved.(1 of 12 known extant)

There were about 1,200 of the Cosmopolitan Convertibles made in 1949.  Of the 1,200, approximately 12 are known extant and only one other is located in California.  This is about as rare as we get for a late 40’s dream car.  A 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible was used by President Truman supplementing the famous Bubble Top exhibited at the Henry Ford Museum.

After exhuming this from its garage for 30 years it now drives like a dream!!  We encourage you to watch the YouTube videos below of the de-mothballing process we used to get this beauty back on the roads.  The engine fired up smooth and strong with no noises.  Amazingly, the transmission smooths beautifully through the four forward gears and reverse.  We cleaned the fuel system, tuned it up, re-cored the five (5) row radiator, installed hoses and belts as necessary, bought all new gorgeous wide white wall tires and put it back on the road.  The car runs with the confidence and elegance of a top-of-the-line Lincoln.

This car is an ideal candidate for a very simple and straight-forward restoration.  Even the wipers work, on high and low speeds!  We are tempted to restore this ourselves but we need to sell this and move onto other cars that need saving!!  We love what we do!

Back to the story…  In about 1970 the family moved to dry and warm Hemet, CA. In about 1979 the owner died and the car was parked in the family estate garage. It was last registered in 1980, having traveled about 74,500 miles.  The drivers door has a couple of service station stickers documenting the mileage in the mid-1970’s.  When driving this beauty it quickly becomes apparent that this is the original mileage.

We recently exhumed this from the family garage after spending several weeks lubricating everything thoroughly with Marvel Mystery Oil. When we removed it the car clearly had 30 years worth of dust on the exterior but the engine compartment was very clean and in great shape! He had just installed a new fuel pump and completed some other mechanical improvements.  It is now believed by us that the engine was thoroughly rebuilt before storage as the engine appears freshly painted before being stored.

This motorcar was originally painted in turquoise blue with red leather interior. Before the family bought the car it received a “used car” quality paint job in a sand color. The interior is red and the seats, carpet, door panels, dash and instrumentation are all original. The seats are presently covered with seat covers that are likely from the 1950’s.  Under the covers the original leather interior is all present however the stitching is coming undone is many areas.  The original leather may potentially be restored, but most likely would be used as perfect templates for a new interior.  We have simply kept the covers in place.

It comes complete with fully powered top, windows and seats which we are not attempting to operate (but the hydraulic pump activates well).  The top has its original boot cover still snugly snapped into place.

The undercarriage is excellent and will require substantial cleaning and detailing. As you would expect for a loved California car, there is virtually no rot on this car.  After having the car on a lift, the only evidence of rot is about a one square inch on the passengers side front quarter panel.

The chrome and stainless are in very good condition. There are a variety of minor creases and dents here and there, but this is a very straightforward car to cosmetically and mechanically restore for tour or show.

As a recent value comp, a 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible from the Schudroff collection sold in Monterrey at the Gooding & Company auction in August of 2009 for $137,500.  There could be few cars as easy to restore as this one.  It is a solid, great running unmolested original California car.  This can easily be turned into the nicest Cosmopolitan in existence.  It deserves it!

This is an extremely rare opportunity to own a top-of-the-line Lincoln for 1949. This Lincoln has the powerful 337 cu in flathead V-8 engine with 152 BHP at 3,600 RPM and the ever smooth and dependable four speed Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. It has a 125 inch wheelbase and a total length of 220.5 inches.  The previous owner, being a fastidious engineer, professionally installed an overdrive that is nearly unnoticeable to a careful inspection.

We believe this motorcar has unbeatable provenance to be an award winning concours motorcar or a phenomenal tour car for club events and weekend getaways.  It is increasingly rare to find such great and rare cars in this condition.

The post 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible- Barn Find!! appeared first on Classic Promenade.