A Little Different Lincoln Style: 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Sport Sedan
- February 22, 2021
- Flathead V8 Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- High-Quality, Correctly Restored Interior
- Center Opening “Suicide” Doors
The Cosmopolitan was Lincoln's first truly post-WWII car, and the design featured rounded, somewhat bulbous, styling. The aerodynamic hood ornament and recessed 'Frenched' headlights were unique design features that later became popular with hotrodders.
Lincoln had dropped its aging V12 engine by '49 but had only gone so far as to replace it with a 337ci flathead V8 that had its roots in Ford truck motors. The 150hp engine delivers power through an optional Hydra-Matic 4-speed automatic or 3-speed manual transmission, while power windows and seats were standard fare. Center opening “suicide doors”, a feature that would later famously appear on ’61-‘69 Lincolns, were present here as well, but a center pillar provided some extra rigidity. Offered as a sedan, coupe or convertible, Cosmopolitans did everything from successful competition in the Carrera Panamericana, to chauffer the US President and other heads of state in custom limousine form.
The original owner of this Lincoln donated it to a museum, and it was subsequently purchased from there by the present owner. The seller states that a $15k restoration of the interior was just completed in the factory style and that the car has zero rust, plus it runs great with no smoke. The exterior looks to have an older, inexpensive paint job and good-looking, but not perfect, chrome. Overall, this appears to be a high-quality “driver” example, or in this case, ideally suited for club events and comfortable touring.
Although four-door sedans are not at the top of the list for collectability, this top-of-the-line Lincoln Sport Sedan, with its unusual styling and “suicide” rear doors, is really interesting. Value-wise, Hagerty price guide puts a #1 car at $42,300, and a #2 comes in at $30k even. Very few Cosmopolitans ever come up at auction, most of which are rare convertibles, but we did see one sedan sell at RM Amelia Island over a decade ago for a mere $22k. In any event, we think the price on this one is a little steep, but if you’re an expert negotiator, you might be able to get it for a number that’ll feel pretty fair.
