Bill Fobair's 1941 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe

The award winning Lincoln Zephyr was sitting under a parachute when Bill and his son, Ralph found it under an abandoned brick yard in Gering, Nebraska. Ralph had encouraged him for some time to find out what was under that parachute. It turned out to be a 1941, 3 window coupe with a custom interior, one of 77 manufactured. It had a sound body and a free motor, but in "To his knowledge, it is the only remaining Custom model known to be restored authentically."need of restoration, which was completed two years later. It brought out fond memories and tears to the former owners as we rode together down the 'open road' on its maiden voyage.

A standard version '41 Lincoln Zephyr 3 window coupe brings $35,000 to $45,000 once restored according to Bill. But his car is not standard. It was one of 77 of the 1150 standard models with the custom interior style as verified through the Ford Archives at Dearborn shortly after purchase. The president of the Lincoln Zephyr owners club had encouraged Bill to do this. What a fortunate find and because of that Bill and his wife Joyce determined to restore it authentically in every detail.

Wilson Motor Company in North Miami, Florida had ordered the custom interior style at the request of their customer. Model style 16 H 72 A, Body Number 701, with the custom interior was assembled and shipped on February 5, l941. The customer had selected this option thus acquiring the custom interior of wood grained mahogany dash and window garnish, gold plated hardware and color choice of shadow striped broadcloth wool upholstery. By joining the Lincoln Zephyr Owners Club, Bill became acquainted with members and vendors that resulted in acquirement of the knowledge and source of needed parts to make an authentic restoration.