For Sale: 1961 Lincoln Continental in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible

"While the 1961 Lincoln Continental features no startling new design innovations, it does incorporate a host of new refinements, both in the product itself and in its manufacturing techniques. Even a glance over the list of seven items will show that this car is designed and built with almost complete disregard for cost." From the 1961 Press packet which included Car Life magazine's expose of their Luxury Car of the Year.

For consignment, a 1961 Lincoln Continental convertible showing 44,622 miles on the odometer, but the true miles are unknown. Stored for 40 years, this car presents in restorable condition. 1961 was the first year of the fourth generation Lincoln and included the coach, (suicide), rear doors that would become iconic. This car runs on an auxiliary source of gas and drives, but the brakes do not work.

Exterior
Our slab sided behemoth is covered in Presidential Black and includes a white canvas top with missing rear window. While the panels are mostly straight, there is a peppering of surface rust spots throughout, some of it a bit deeper, as well as dings and small dents, and a drilled hole in the hood. The grille is weathered but intact and is flanked by round headlights in an oval bezel, a one year only design. Big chrome bumpers and generously used stainless trim on the shoulder line and rocker panel accentuate the boxy and elegant design. Other metals including the surviving hood ornament, are pitted and the rear window track shows some corrosion.

Interior
What had to be spectacular when new, red leather covers the split bench and rear bench, now weathered and cracked but we're not seeing any major tears. The simple steering wheel is replete with patina and leads to a cleanly designed dashboard with the rounded rectangles Lincolns would be known for and the same utilized in the cross star emblem. A simulated woodgrain mid panel underscores the silver gauges and knobs are thin to maintain elegance. An AM radio tops the center stack over an open floor covered in weathered red carpet.

Drivetrain
Under the hood is a dusty 430ci V8, rated at 300 horsepower and fueled with a 2-barrel carburetor and mated to a Turbo-Drive 3-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear axle and 2.89 gears.

Undercarriage
Surface rust heavily coats the underside which is otherwise solid. Power drum brakes were supplied on all four wheels and the dual exhaust, what's left of it, would have stock style mufflers and resonators, however there are missing lengths in the middle. Suspension consists of coil springs in front and leaf springs in the back.

Drive-Ability
While the car runs on an auxiliary source of fuel and goes into gears, the brakes are not working.

This generation of Lincolns, with the infamous suicide style rear doors, continue to be highly collectible and desirable in the marketplace. Just 2,857 convertibles were produced in 1961 making this a fairly rare opportunity.

1Y86H419781

1-1961
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
86-Continental 4 Door Convertible
H-430ci 2bbl V8
419781-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 74A-Continental 4 Door Convertible
COLOR A-Presidential Black
TRIM 85-Red Leather
DATE 18E-May 18th
TRANS 4-Dual Range Turbo Drive Automatic
AXLE 7-2.89 Conventional

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

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