A disappointing online purchase is turned into a stunning custom – Pete Gulick’s 1938 Lincoln Zephyr
The old adage that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover also applies to buying a hot rod or custom. That nice-to-look-at car crossing the auction block or in a seller’s driveway might be hiding a slew of problems beneath the shine.
That was the case for Pete Gulick when he was the winning bidder a dozen years ago for his 1938 Lincoln Zephyr coupe. It looked good, he says, but it was not drivable. So, he turned to the team at Saltworks Fabrication in Sarasota, Florida to transform classic look of the Lincoln into an outstanding example of making an iconic design even better.
The Lincoln Zephyr coupe was a striking design nearly 90 years ago, particularly compared to the Cadillac and Packard offerings that were still using the boxier styles of the 1930s. The Saltworks team added to the swoopy silhouette with a chopped top, pancaked hood, stretched fenders, flush fender skirts, handmade running boards, suicide doors, and a Kaiser rear bumper. In addition, the headlights, taillights, grille, and other trim pieces were custom designed and machined. After all the body changes were complete, the car was coated in PPG Porsche Graphite Blue.
The stock chassis was modernized with front and rear suspensions from TCI, including Wilwood disc brakes and air springs. A Ford 6R80 automatic overdrive transmission is connected to a Ford 9-inch rearend housing 3.73 gears. Custom-machined 17-inch wheels from Curtis Speed are wrapped in Diamond Back whitewall tires.
The stock engine in a ’38 Zephyr was a 12-cylinder flathead V8, all 267 cubic inches and 110 horsepower of it. For this example, a Ford Performance 5.0-liter Coyote V8 with 550 horsepower provides the power, with a little extra help from a Borla stack induction EFI system. Custom headers by Saltworks and stainless steel pipes and Porter mufflers handle the exhaust waste. The one-off valley tray as well as other under-hood fittings and trim were machined by the Saltworks team. Cooling chores are handled by Spal pieces and there’s a Vintage Air accessory drive system.
The stunning interior is the work of Saltworks (custom console, custom handles, and pedals) and Hot Rod Interiors by Chuck Hanna. The original dash was smoothed and filled with restored gauges from Redline Gauge Works. Relicate leather was used throughout, including on the early 2000s Lincoln bucket seats. A Juliano’s banjo wheel sits on an Ididit tilt column. Coach Controls contributed the wiring and a Vintage Air system keeps the cabin cool.
The result is a clean, classy custom that runs and drives as smooth as it looks. Pete says he plans to put miles on the Zephyr, so keep an eye out for it at car shows and on the highway.
Congratulations to Pete Gulick for being named a Finalist for Goodguys 2026 Scott’s Hotrods ‘n Customs, Custom of the Year with his 1938 Lincoln Zephyr built by Saltworks Fabrication!
Photos: Damon Lee
