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A standard package of seat-mounted side air bags for chest protection and a full-length safety curtain for head protection provide an additional layer of side-impact safety, Martens says, and there's also a standard traction assist program.
For those of you who enjoy a little heritage with their luxury, the original 1936 Lincoln Zephyr was based on the aerodynamic ''streamliner'' trains that were popular at the time -- including the record-setting diesel-powered Burlington Zephyr that helped to end the age of steam.
Ford Motor Company Design Chief E.T. Gregorie, along with Edsel Ford, says Martens, and ''refined the design and brought into production one of the most beautiful cars of its day.''
The original Zephyr was also an entry-level model for the company, and was a huge hit for Lincoln, bringing luxury motoring to an entirely new group of customers. In its first year, Lincoln sold 14,994 Zephyrs, compared with only 1,500 Lincoln Model Ks.
In those days, Zephyrs also were noted for spirited performance, with an impressive 110 hp from their flathead V-12 engines. In 1939, Zephyr formed the basis of the Lincoln Continental, with a stretched hood, short rear deck and external spare tire.
Zephyr remained Lincoln's most popular model until production was halted during World War II.
When peacetime production resumed in 1946, the name Zephyr stayed on the shelf, and all models were simply called ''Lincoln.'' In total, Lincoln produced 131,428 Zephyrs between 1936 and 1942.
Zephyrs are still highly prized. In fact, a 1938 Lincoln Zephyr that had been converted into a street rod -- using the original V-12 engine and body panels on a lowered chassis -- recently sold at auction for more than US$400,000.
Going out on a limb a little bit, I would guess that that much money would probably buy you about a dozen units of the next Lincoln Zephyr, but don't quote me.
photo:Ford Motor Company
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