Who designed the Lincoln Zephyr?
The Lincoln Zephyr, a sleek and stylish automobile that debuted in 1936, was the result of the creative vision of one man: Eugene Turenne Gregorie. As the chief designer for the Lincoln Motor Company, Gregorie played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic look of the Lincoln Zephyr, which went on to become a beloved classic.
The Life and Career of Eugene Turenne Gregorie
Eugene Turenne Gregorie was born in 1896 in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up with a passion for automobiles. After studying at the Pratt Institute in New York, he joined the Ford Motor Company in 1922 as a designer. Gregorie's talent and eye for design quickly caught the attention of Edsel Ford, the son of Henry Ford, who recruited him to work for the Lincoln Motor Company in 1931.
At Lincoln, Gregorie was tasked with revitalizing the brand's design language and creating a new, more modern lineup of vehicles. His first major project was the Lincoln Zephyr, which he designed from the ground up to be a sleek, aerodynamic, and visually striking car that would appeal to a younger, more style-conscious audience.
The Design of the Lincoln Zephyr
Gregorie's design for the Lincoln Zephyr was a departure from the more traditional, boxy styling of earlier Lincoln models. He drew inspiration from the streamlined designs of the era, incorporating a long, low-slung body, a sloping hood, and a distinctive "waterfall" grille that became a signature feature of the Zephyr.
The Zephyr's design was not just about aesthetics, however. Gregorie also focused on improving the car's aerodynamics, which helped to increase fuel efficiency and top speed. The result was a vehicle that was not only visually striking but also highly functional and enjoyable to drive.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Zephyr
The Lincoln Zephyr was an immediate success when it was introduced in 1936, and it went on to become one of the most iconic and influential American cars of the 1930s. Gregorie's design was widely praised for its elegance and innovation, and it helped to establish Lincoln as a leader in the luxury car market.
Today, the Lincoln Zephyr is remembered as a testament to the vision and talent of its designer, Eugene Turenne Gregorie. His contributions to the automotive industry continue to be celebrated, and his legacy lives on in the timeless design of the Lincoln Zephyr.
How much did a Lincoln Zephyr cost in 1939?
Priced at $1,275 to $1,320, it was less than a third the price of the least expensive Model K Lincoln. For Lincoln, which had sold barely 1,400 cars for 1935, the Zephyr was a fresh breeze in the Depression-weary automobile doldrums.
Is the Lincoln Zephyr the same as a Ford Fusion?
More specifically, the "new" Lincoln Zephyr is a Ford Fusion with a modified grill, wood trim, floatier ride, Lincoln logo and an inflated sticker price. So rather than badge engineer my Ford Fusion review, I'm going to tell you what Ford– sorry, Lincoln, should have done with this car.
Is Lincoln a Ford engine?
About Lincoln
Lincoln is the luxury automotive brand of Ford Motor Company, committed to creating compelling vehicles with an exceptional ownership experience to match. For more information about Lincoln, please visit media.lincoln.com or www.lincoln.com.
How fast was the Lincoln Zephyr?
The original engine had 110 hp (82 kW) and gave the car a top speed of 90 mph (145 km/h). Suspension was Henry Ford-era transverse springs front and rear, with dead axle front and torque tube rear, already quite outdated when the car was introduced.
Who designed the 1937 Lincoln-Zephyr?
The Zephyr was designed by John Tjaarda (1897–1962), who was fascinated with airplanes, resulting in unibody construction relatively light and rigid for its size and a drag coefficient of 0.45.
Who built the Zephyr car?
Ford of Britain
The Ford Zephyr is an executive car manufactured by Ford of Britain from 1950 until 1972. The Zephyr and its luxury variants, the Ford Zodiac and Ford Executive, were the largest passenger cars in the British Ford range from 1950 until their replacement by the Consul and Granada models in 1972.
Who designed the Lincoln car?
The Lincoln Motor Company was founded in August 1917 by Henry Leland and his son Wilfred. Among the founders of Cadillac, Leland had sold Cadillac to General Motors in 1909; staying on as an executive, he left in 1917 over a dispute with GM President William Durant regarding war production.
How many miles will a Lincoln-Zephyr last?
The Lincoln Zephyr has an average lifespan of 131,620 miles or about 10.7 years. The Zephyr's predicted lifespan is derived from over 300 million data points iSeeCars analyzed to determine this model's average lifespan.
When did Lincoln stop making Zephyr?
Overview. Production of all American cars was halted by the Government in 1942 as the country entered World War II, with Lincoln producing the last Lincoln Zephyr on February 10.
How many Lincoln Zephyrs were built?
Yet, of 18,994 Lincolns sold in 1936, 17,715 were Zephyrs, arguably keeping Lincoln alive. In 1939, 21,000 were built, including 2,500 three-window coupes, like this example, the first to include hydraulic brakes. Production of the Zephyr continued through 1948, though the Zephyr name was dropped in 1947.
