ART DECO REIMAGINED: Paul Teutul Jr.’s Stunning 1939 Lincoln Zephyr Blends Classic Elegance with Modern Craftsmanship

March 18, 2025
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

2025 PALM BEACH AUCTION – 1939 LINCOLN ZEPHYR 3-WINDOW CUSTOM COUPE – NO RESERVE

Few vehicles capture the elegance of prewar automotive design like the 1939 Lincoln Zephyr. Its streamlined Art Deco form was a triumph of American engineering and luxury, a rolling testament to its era. Now, through the vision of Paul Teutul Jr., best known for his custom motorcycle builds featured on the popular television series “American Chopper,” a Zephyr has been reimagined with painstaking attention to detail, resulting in a breathtaking blend of history, craftsmanship and modern refinement.

Teutul has built a career exclusively building commissioned custom motorcycles for large corporations. Many of those builds have been showcased on “American Chopper,” which aired for 12 seasons on the Discovery Channel. Some of his most renowned builds include “The Black Widow,” the first bike featured on the “American Chopper” series, and the Carroll Shelby Bike, inspired by the 1967 GT500 Super Snake.

As a designer, Teutul says he has always gravitated towards cars from the 1930s, and the Lincoln Zephyr has always been among his favorites. Teutul worked to ensure this custom Zephyr build pays homage to Lincoln’s legacy while introducing subtle enhancements that feel as though they were envisioned by coachbuilders of the 1930s.

At the heart of this Zephyr is its original Lincoln Flathead V12 engine, rebuilt and detailed to the highest standard, retaining its authentic Zephyr-scripted heads and finished with three Zephyr-branded carburetors. Airflow is managed through Art Deco-inspired air scoops, adding both function and visual drama under the hood. Power is transferred through a 3-speed manual transmission.

While the Zephyr’s styling remains rooted in the past, its ride quality has been significantly enhanced thanks to a concealed RideTech air-ride suspension system. This modern addition allows the car to be adjusted from an ultra-low show stance to a comfortable cruising height at the push of a button.

The bodywork stays true to the Zephyr’s iconic teardrop shape but introduces subtle enhancements. “I wanted to respect the original design but bring it to the next level with my own personal touches,” Teutul said. “My vision was what they should have done but maybe didn’t because it didn’t make sense. I wanted to make a beautiful car just a little bit prettier.”

As a result, Teutul added sweeping pull-back fenders for an element of grandeur, while the incorporation of suicide doors ensures seamless access to the cabin. Those two design elements, in fact, are Teutul’s favorite aspect of the build. One of the most striking exterior details is the speed fin, a subtle yet defining feature that enhances the car’s aerodynamic appeal.

“A lot of people will chop the roof of these cars,” Teutul said. “To me, they don’t need it, so we put an eyebrow on the windows that changes the profile in the doors around the top half of the window.” Teutul said this subtle modification gives the appearance of a chopped top without having to actually chop the roof.

As a bonus, every inch of the factory detailing has been preserved, right down to the chrome door handles. This dedication to authenticity ensures that the Zephyr maintains its vintage charm while feeling like an elevated version of its former self. The Mercedes-Benz Dunkelblau (Deep Blue) paint was carefully chosen to accentuate the car’s flowing lines, offering a rich, almost liquid-like near-black finish. The paintwork enhances the Zephyr’s presence without overwhelming its timeless form.

Step inside, and the attention to detail is immediately apparent. Crafted to elevate the driving experience and exude warmth and luxury, every interior surface has been wrapped in Cognac leather ‒ from the seats and door panels to the headliner and trunk. The leather is further complemented by a dark blue carpeting, both chosen by Teutul’s wife Rachael.

Despite the car’s vintage appeal, modern technology has been discreetly integrated to provide contemporary convenience without disrupting the period-correct aesthetic. The dashboard, for instance, retains its original layout and styling but conceals state-of-the-art features, including a Bluetooth-enabled sound system. A hidden flip-down screen allows for easy control of the programmable air-ride suspension.

This 1939 Lincoln Zephyr is selling with No Reserve at the 2025 Palm Beach Auction, April 24-26 at the South Florida Fairgrounds. Every modification has been executed with a level of respect and craftsmanship that enhances its timeless appeal, making this Zephyr a stunning example of how cars can be subtly enhanced while retaining their historical integrity.

This one-of-a-kind build showcases Teutul’s craftsmanship, vision and dedication to automotive artistry. Whether admired for its breathtaking aesthetics, period-correct enhancements or the seamless integration of modern technology, this Zephyr is part of Teutul’s vast body of work and a vehicle that transcends time. Register to bid today for a chance to make it yours.

Written by Nicole Ellan James