Vehicle Description
Limousines have been a staple of automobile production since the
early 1900's, although making up a very small percentage of total
production. Nearly all early cars were custom coach built is small
numbers all usually special ordered for well-heeled clientele. As
decades passed, and manufacturing processes improved, limousines
started to be honed by premier suppliers, mainly Cadillac in the
post war era. Ford Motor Company had exited the luxury limousine
market altogether as executives in Dearborn found themselves plenty
busy with other automobile segments.
This absence of Ford-Lincoln in the niche limousine market hadn't
gone unnoticed by two savvy, young Chicago entrepreneurs by the
name of George Lehmann and Robert Peterson. In a chance meeting in
1962, both being race car enthusiasts, Lehmann met chief mechanic
Peterson to help him repair a damaged race car he had owned, and
the two instantly connected. During their early friendship, the
idea of converting the luxurious Lincoln Continental into a proper
limousine was born, with their first prototype was created using a
brand new 1963 model year sedan. It would be cut and extended 34"
at the center creating a 160" wheelbase, with a plush rear
passenger compartment with seats facing one another for easy
conversation, a proper refreshment bar with hidden ice bin, center
divider window, and rear controlled air conditioning.
Lehmann had arranged for the finished prototype car to be delivered
directly to Dearborn for Ford executives to review and test for
consideration of going into full production. The executives were
initially concerned about the overall integrity and safety of the
new frame section, so testing was thorough. And after extensive use
and over 40,000 test miles, all concerns were put to rest. Ford was
very impressed with the conversion and a contract was signed with
Lehmann-Peterson for immediate production, and the prototype sent
for showcase at the 1964 International Auto Show in New York. Sales
orders would be taken directly through Lincoln dealerships.
It nevertheless remained a very exclusive product, with production
over the next 7 years totaling approximately 600 units. Owners
included celebrities Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Spencer Tracy,
Robert Vaughn, Victor Borge, business magnate Aristotle Onasis, and
even Senator Robert Kennedy. When the Pope toured the United States
in 1964, he rode in a specially configured Lehmann-Peterson Lincoln
Popemobile! Rock stars included the Rolling Stones, The Supremes,
and Elvis Presley, all private owners as well! Even the movie
screen showcased one in the James Bond movie, Thunderball, in 1965.
They were not inexpensive, as the traditional price tag of a
Lincoln Continental was approximately $6,000, and the limousine
conversion by Lehmann-Peterson increased that investment amount
nearly three times! They were produced into early 1970 before the
contract with Ford-Lincoln came to an end. Known survivors total
less than 150 examples today, so finding one can be quite
challenging.
Offered here is a near final year Lehmann-Peterson 1969 Lincoln
Continental Executive Limousine finished in a traditional Raven
Black over Black Leather upholstery. Powered by its original 460ci
V8 producing 325 horsepower, with a 3-speed automatic transmission.
Amenities include front and rear air conditioning, heater, 8-way
power front seat, power windows & vent windows, power locks, remote
outside mirrors, AM radio with power antenna (inoperable),
partition divider window, center console bar cabinet with
provisions for bottles and 6 pieces of glassware, armrest ice bin,
and "Secret Audio" FM radio receiver. On the ground rest brand new
Coker American Classic 235/75R15 1.6" whitewall radial tires with
full wheel covers.
This wonderful piece of automotive history has been part of our
collection since March 2022 after its acquisition directly from
Lehmann-Peterson in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It has been
meticulously serviced since its arrival to ensure confident use at
a variety of local events and weekend shows. This included a
complete, professional rebuild of the heads with new valves,
springs, & seats, machined mating surfaces, new lifters & pushrods,
timing set & cover gasket, front crank seal with water pump gasket.
The intake and exhaust manifold gaskets have been replaced; oil pan
gasket & oil pump; carburetor rebuilt with flushed & sealed fuel
tank & new fuel pump and fuel sending unit, all new fluids with
annual oil changes; transmission seals with new fluid & filter;
radiator flush with new cap & coolant hoses; reconditioned air
conditioning system with retrofit to R134a; rebuilt power steering
pump, front coil springs, sway bar bushings, front & rear shocks,
and a 4-wheel alignment; brake master cylinder, rear wheel
cylinders, all brake hoses, new front brake pads/turned rotors,
wheel bearings, fresh brake fluid; complete ignition system with
new spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor, condenser, & coil; drive
belts, complete exhaust system, starter, alternator, air filter, &
battery. Even the wiper blades are new!
It is a terrific road-going example once again and shows just
89,629 miles on the odometer. Only 6 units were produced in 1970,
before Lehmann-Peterson sold their assets to Moloney Coachbuilders
(still in business today), so these 1969 executive limousines are
the last full year production vehicles ever built. It is
exceptionally rare and not easily found again! We hope the next
owner enjoys it as much as we have. Serious inquiries only please.
We look forward to working with you!
