The Lincoln Zephyr Model Car – 2 – Le Décapotable De Haddock

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £125.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2019
Format: Original pictorial wrappers with car on plinth
Condition: In very good condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial wrappers. Text in French. Includes the accompanying car. One from the collection of 71 books and models. Very slight wear to the acrylic case. In very good indeed, clean condition overall.

Tintin And The Lincoln Zephyr: A Brief Account

The Lincoln Zephyr holds a distinct place in the visual language of The Adventures of Tintin, particularly in The Seven Crystal Balls (Les Sept Boules de Cristal), published during the 1940s. This period saw Hergé deepen his commitment to realistic detail, including accurate depictions of architecture, fashion and, notably, motor vehicles. The Lincoln Zephyr stands as one of the most striking examples of this meticulous approach.

A Symbol of American Modernity

Introduced in 1936, the Lincoln Zephyr was one of the early American streamlined saloons, bridging the gap between mass-produced American motoring and the luxury segment. It was designed with aerodynamic principles in mind, featuring a sloping bonnet, integrated headlights and a flowing silhouette. Its V12 engine, smooth lines and aspirational marketing positioned it firmly as a car for the modern professional and emergent American elite.

For European audiences of the mid-twentieth century, such a vehicle represented the confidence and modernity associated with the United States. Hergé’s inclusion of the Zephyr in Tintin therefore goes beyond mere aesthetic appeal; it evokes a cultural impression of American innovation and economic power.

Appearance in The Seven Crystal Balls

In The Seven Crystal Balls, the Lincoln Zephyr appears as part of the urban Belgian landscape into which the mysterious curse subplot unfolds. Although not a central narrative element, its placement is deliberate. Vehicles in Tintin are never random; they anchor scenes in a particular time and social milieu.

Hergé drew the Zephyr with remarkable fidelity, capturing the tapering grille, curved boot line and graceful stance. Its presence suggests a well-off civilian context, aligning with the album’s themes of wealth, celebrity and colonial exploration. The car becomes a subtle visual shorthand for post-war aspiration and continental fascination with American style.

Why Hergé Chose the Zephyr

Hergé was fascinated by the modern world and used real products to lend authenticity to his stories. The Lincoln Zephyr, as a hallmark of advanced design in the late 1930s and early 1940s, would have appealed to his sense of contemporary realism. Its selection reflects several factors:

• Modern styling that echoed the sleek futurism admired across Europe.
• Cultural aspiration, as American products held symbolic prestige.
• Visual clarity, with clean lines and distinctive features that translated well to ligne claire illustration.

The Tintin universe, whilst adventurous and often exotic, is grounded in everyday observation. The Zephyr exemplifies this principle.

Narrative and Cultural Resonance

Although the Zephyr does not take part in a chase scene nor serve as a major plot device, it enriches the visual storytelling. Just as the Citroën Traction Avant embodies European practicality and the Jeep suggests rugged adventure, the Lincoln Zephyr quietly communicates a polished American confidence.

Its inclusion contributes to The Seven Crystal Balls’ broader atmosphere: a Belgium that is outward-looking, culturally curious and increasingly exposed to global influences. Against the backdrop of an eerie supernatural tale, the Zephyr’s modernity offers striking contrast, underscoring the tension between rational progress and arcane mystery.

A Vehicle of its Time

Seen today, the Lincoln Zephyr in Tintin stands as:

• A tribute to inter-war American automotive ambition
• An emblem of Hergé’s rigorous visual research
• An elegant artefact of mid-century transatlantic fascination

Collectors and Tintin scholars alike appreciate its appearance as part of the careful world-building that makes the series endure. In this way, the Lincoln Zephyr occupies a quiet yet distinguished place in Tintin’s motoring canon.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and rare books are carefully curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each item is meticulously researched and verified for authenticity and collation.
• Expert Curation: Our selection process focuses on significance, condition, and rarity, resulting in a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We aim to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
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Cataloguer: Daniel Hornsey

Daniel Hornsey has specialised in fine and rare books, ephemera, and collectors’ editions for over thirty years. As a long-standing member of the antiquarian book trade, he has advised private collectors, curated catalogues, and sourced works for leading dealers, libraries and institutions across the world.

Hornseys’ exhibit regularly at book and map fairs in London and throughout the UK and are members of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association, the PBFA.

His fascination with Hergé’s work — especially ‘The Adventures of Tintin’ — began in childhood. Daniel recalls reading Tintin in original European editions and quickly recognising that these were not merely children’s books, but finely illustrated narratives crafted with artistic depth and wit.

As noted by the Musée Hergé in Louvain-la-Neuve, Hergé’s ‘ligne claire’ style has influenced generations of European comic artists and his original drawings and paintings command very high prices with his painting of ‘The Blue Lotus’ jar fetching £2.8m at auction in 2021.

By presenting these works through Hornseys’, he hopes to contribute to the continued appreciation of one of the 20th century’s most influential illustrators, helping new generations discover the artistry and legacy of Hergé.