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"A Symphony in Metal" and "Edsel Ford's Finest Achievement" are but two of the parables attached to the 1940-48 Continentals, bona fide classics in the eyes of authorities the world over. This aura is not diminished by the cars' middle-class Zephyr parentage, and relative affordability when new.
The 1941 Cabriolet is arguably the prettiest and most definitive of all Continentals, and FM has replicated its shape and grace to near-perfection. The dark blue model, with tan interior, is a limited edition of 4,500 produced for Ford dealers as a sales award. A few have found their way onto the secondary market--where the "price of their toys" adage is being given the true test!
Some pros and cons: The gold macoid trim on instrument bezels, radio grill and door handles is beautifully simulated, but the "Fingertip Gearshift" is missing from the steering column. The hood and trunk lid open wide, but have no desire to remain that way. The L-Head V12 engine and its surrounds are well detailed, though ignition wiring is absent. Other omissions are external door hinges, rear fender gravel guards, and Lincoln Continental script on the hood sides…and a "top up" option would have been a classy enhancement; but we are reviewing a model that originated in 1992. This limitd-run re-issue will no doubt remain a grail to most disciples of precision replicas.
(08/19/1999)
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