Vehicle Description
Vehicle to be offered for Auction sale WITHOUT RESERVE and SOLD to the highest bidder January 19th - 22nd, 2017 at Russo and Steele's 17th Annual Scottsdale Arizona Auction at the Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Please contact us for more information.
For 1961, Lincoln made a complete and startling break from the past with the all-new Continental. Gone were multiple Lincoln models; Lincoln's success would now stand upon the quality, luxury, and style of the all-new Continental alone. With a shorter wheelbase and overall length than that of the 1960 model yet a commanding presence, the all-new Continental was an immediate benchmark of style and refinement that goes on today.
The Continental's distinctive suicide-style rear-hinged rear doors were dictated not by stylistic concerns, but rather the constraints imposed by its overall dimensions and relatively short wheelbase. Simply, there was just not enough room between the Continental's front and rear wheel wells to accommodate four doors and a generous amount of rear passenger access, without this famous door-mounting arrangement. As one of the lowest luxury automobiles ever built, the Continental hid an innovative driveshaft that was lowered as far as possible to reduce the height of the driveline tunnel inside the car. In addition, the engine and transmission were installed at a seven-degree angle to drop the back of the transmission and Ford's designers worked with drivetrain supplier Dana to develop a special universal joint at the transmission mounting to accommodate this special arrangement.
To ensure the Continental's build quality before delivery, each engine was dynamometer-tested for three hours at speeds replicating travel at 100 mph. Each finished car was then road-tested and returned to the factory for correction of any noted defects. Next, a high-pressure water test, inspection, and chassis realignment assured that each car was ready to be released for dealer deliveries. The celebrated basis styling of the Continental, established since 1961, would continue with detail refinements through 1969.
This top-of-the-line 1967 Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible is a particularly desirable example, factory-finished in exceptional Triple Black livery. It has spent its entire lifetime in the favorable climatic conditions of California and Arizona. It was specially ordered from the factory when new and it was formerly used as part of President Richard M. Nixon's motor pool. This car has been very well maintained and it remains highly original throughout, presenting in simply exceptional condition.
