RM Sotheby’s has played host to the most exquisite automobiles of the world since its very existence, its auctions are impressive display of automobiles in equally compelling surrounding. Their upcoming auction to be held on June 24, 2017 in Santa Monica is no different, it will be held in the presence of one of the most iconic custom built Hot Rod.

The Lincoln Zephyr is possibly the best blend of retro looks and modern design. The instantly recognisable front end of the 1930’s Lincoln Zephyr is stretched out and widened, to build on the already beautiful design concept. The exquisitely shaped front nose is the perfect balance of being pointed and having a smooth curve. The design of the car swoops lower towards the rear starting out from a tall front section. All this design brilliance doesn’t come easily, it is the product of 4500 hours of painstaking labour, the car was initially a barn find. Terry Cook who is the designer of the Scrape custom is a huge disciple of the original designers of Lincoln Zephyr. The most interesting part of the build is the grafting of the 1941 Zephyr nose onto the 1939 Zephyr rear. The custom features 1939 Ford headlights, wider fenders, a custom rear window opening, and a heavily chopped swooping roof. The Lincoln Zephyr Scrape custom features modern internals making it future proof, it includes a Chevrolet frame, chevy 350 small block V8, automatic 3 speed transmission. The interiors is tastefully finished in tuck and roll black and white, Zephyr Banjo steering wheel, Cadillac split bench power seats, air conditioning, power windows, power steering, power brakes and even features airbags.

Its introduction in 1998 saw the Zephyr ‘Scrape’ custom become an instant international phenomenon. The Zephyr Scrape custom was the main attraction of more than 20 premier car shows since then, it even featured on the cover of the 1998 issue of Street Rodder magazine. The design of the car gathered such a huge fan following that Mattel created a 1/18 scale Hot Wheels version of the car. Also the Zephyr Scrape shouldn’t be mistaken for a show car, as a proof the car’s usability on the road, it was taken on a 3500 mile shakedown cruise after receiving a $60,000 mechanical work. All the practicality, future proofing and reliability of the Lincoln Zephyr Scrape custom has extended the brilliant design of the car to be enjoyed not just in a garage or an auto show but also on road trips.

Photos by Robin Adams for RM Sotheby’s