After the Second World War, Detroit was eager to re-tool so it could provide fine automobiles for the growing ranks of domestic car buyers. Ford targeted its upscale Lincoln Continental to car buyers starting to enjoy post-war prosperity—while Europe was still rebuilding after the war. So how do you explain the right-hand-drive 1948 Lincoln Continental that was recently sold on eBay?
The right-hand steering looks like it was meant to be there.
The original V-12 was replaced by a Ford 429.
Lincoln Continental convertibles are not common, but one with the steering wheel “on the wrong side” is rarer still. It might suggest that the vehicle saw use across the pond. Cesar Dias, the seller who had bought it in Florida, guesses that it was built as a right-hand-drive car based on the suspension and steering linkage.
Maybe Ford made a few for well-heeled buyers who couldn’t get luxury rides from European manufacturers focusing on basic wares? Perhaps a previous owner saw it there or in Australia, and brought it back to America? It’s a mystery.
Regrettably, Dias ran into a dead end trying to track down the Lincoln’s lineage. The custom dash, with the gauges on the right side, offers no clue. The Continental sports a power cloth top, an updated 429 Ford engine with an automatic transmission along with power brakes, steering, and windows. Dias bought the ’48 Continental because he likes unique cars. “It’s a little weird to drive from the right side,” he told us. “But you get used to it quickly.”
Take a Ride on the Wild Side
New Jeep Wranglers with right-hand-drive are still offered for sale in the United States—although they are primarily used by mail carriers and private freight companies. The driver positioned on the right side makes it easier to drive up to mailboxes or make other drop-offs.
This 2006 Jeep Wrangler Sport is one of many right-hand-drive 4x4s available on eBay.
There are always several dozen right-hand-drive cars offered on eBay. As Dias reported, it doesn’t take long to get used to driving on the wrong side, but drivers should exercise caution by giving themselves additional space before attempting to pass cars.
Desert Classic Mustangs converts the classic Ford muscle car, like this one, for use in right-hand-drive countries.
Australia and some other foreign countries don’t allow residents to import new left-hand-drive vehicles but can make exceptions for visitors or owners of classics. So the demand exists for converting American cars to right-hand drivers.
Meanwhile, the new owner of the right-hand-drive 1948 Lincoln Continental will get a lot of double-takes when taking the classic car for a spin. Perhaps one of the admirers of the black beauty will finally clear up the mystery of its origins.
See Lincoln Continental Cars for sale on eBay.
