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 with a title verified 90,757 actual miles. We've had our share of barn find Continentals over the years, and this one presents in much better shape, but we'll still classify it as one of the most desirable diamonds in the rough in the classic car world today.

Exterior
If there's a straighter shoulder line in the automotive world, we haven't seen it, and it leads to a satisfying boxy design, now iconic, and displayed here in Dark Blue paint. Stately doesn't begin to describe this long chariot with a wide grille that contours over quad headlights and a rear grille that not only mimics the front, but was a common design feature in this era. Handsome tail lights cap columns that flank the endless decklid and reverse lights are embedded in the chrome bumper. The hood ornament and Lincoln emblem evolved from earlier Lincoln emblems with a coat of arms and a cross indicating nobility and prestige, and it still rings true on this car. 14-inch wheels wear proper wheel covers and the rear opening covers the top third of the tire while the front is wide open. Imperfections here include overall patina and fading, scratches, chips, inclusions, surface rust and peeling paint, dents in the chrome bumper, rust at door bottoms and wheel opening trim.

Interior
The red interior begins on the elegant door panels which combine leather, aluminum, and carpet with three out of four presenting in good condition and the driver's door suffering some tears, wear, and pitting. The red leather seats are in rough shape with cracking, discoloration, and dryness. All button ornamentation is still in place hinting at the elegance they once held. Plenty of patina up front where a red steering wheel fronts an instrument cluster with Lincoln's distinctively shaped framing, metal surrounds and brushed aluminum over red. There's an AM radio with an appropriately boxy housing in the center and a heavily cracked dash pad above. The plush red carpet below is actually in decent shape.

Drivetrain
Under the long hood is an aged 430ci V8, rated at 300 horsepower and fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor. Behind it is a Cruise-O-Matic 3-speed automatic transmission that routes power to the Dana 53 in back with 3.00 gears. The car has power brakes and power steering.

Undercarriage
Surface rust mixes with broad oxidation and some residual oil on the pan and rear differential on this driver quality underside. While on the lift, we note rust on door bottom pinch welds. Power drum brakes are at all four wheels and true dual exhaust runs through stock style mufflers and resonators. Suspension is the standard set up as coil springs in front and leaf springs in back.

Drive-Ability
This old girl gets up and goes and like its esthetic condition, has some issues that will need attention. We note it pulls to the left and when braking and pulls to the right when driving. The radio, power locks, power top, passenger front window, and clock are not working. In addition, we're hearing exhaust leaks. Beyond this list, all remaining functional items work as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

If you're ready to roll up your sleeves, this presents a restorable classic with plenty of meat on the bone. Regardless of condition, it's still an opulent representative of America's best in 1961. It just needs to be revitalized from its patina profile.

1Y86H406156

1-1961
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
86-Continental Convertible
H-430ci 4bbl 300hp V8
406156-Sequential Unit Number

WARRANTY PLATE

BODY 74A-Continental Convertible
COLOR M-Sultan White
TRIM 85-Red Leather
DATE-23M
TRANS 4-Dual Range 3 Speed Automatic
AXLE 6-Dana 53 3.00 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. All prices are before state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer. Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV office to ensure compliance with your states titling and registration process.

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