Beautiful black-on-black car with working A/C. New paint, interior, rebuilt engine, suspension, brakes, and new tires. Rust-free southern car that’s ready to drive and enjoy!
Formal and imposing, this Continental is admired everywhere it goes. Code A Black Satin is the car’s original color, although it clearly wasn’t satin black—it’s incredibly shiny! It benefits from a bare-metal repaint that was done about five years ago, complete with photo documentation of the entire process. The car hails from Miami, so rust is obviously a non-issue and the sheetmetal is in superb condition throughout—note how well the doors fit and the ripple-free expanses of the slab-sided body. All four doors open and close with a pleasing and reassuring solidity and there’s simply no evidence that it has ever been wrecked or significantly damaged. The paint is two-stage urethane, so it will look brilliant for years to come with only a modicum of effort, and while there are a few signs of age on the trunk lid, the car remains one of the best of its type we’ve seen in a very long time. While the use of chrome was toned down, there’s still plenty of brightwork on this black Lincoln, including the massive bumpers and elegant stainless strips that highlight the tops of the fenders. Lenses, the anodized aluminum trim pieces on the tail, and the delicate Lincoln cross hood ornament are all in excellent condition.
This car carries the optional code 66 “Black and Black Biscuit Design” upholstery, which combines a Versailles Damask cloth with leather bolsters. The interior was comprehensively restored when the body was painted, and it uses correct materials and patterns throughout for a very elegant look. There are minor signs of use, but nothing significant and the cloth inserts still look fresh. New black carpets were installed throughout and you’ll note that there are custom speakers in the kick panels for the AM/FM/CD stereo hanging under the dashboard. The beautifully trimmed instrument panel features a full array of gauges, all of which are fully functional, and this car includes Lincoln’s unique tilt steering column that’s actuated by the turn signal stalk. Other options include cruise control, ice cold A/C (the car comes from Miami, after all), power windows (including power vent windows), and a power antenna that still rises out of the fender when you turn on the replacement radio. The trunk is also correctly finished with what appears to be a fresh mat set, including the side flaps that conceal the jack assembly and a spare tire cover. Underneath, you’ll also be happy to find a brand new matching radial tire.
Horsepower is not a problem with the massive 430 cubic inch V8 living under the reverse-opening hood. Making 320 horsepower and a towering 465 pounds of torque, this slinky Lincoln is a superlative highway cruiser that always has plenty left in reserve. The rebuild was done when the rest of the car was apart about 6000 miles ago. We’re very impressed by how easily this big car starts with just a quick turn of the key—no fussing, no cranking, no rough idle—it’s almost as if it’s fuel injected. The big chrome air cleaner adds a little flash to the otherwise all-business engine bay, and you’ll note that many of the original markings, decals, and other details were duplicated as the engine bay was coming back together. It makes reassuring mechanical noises but there are no signs of trouble and with the hood closed, it’s almost silent from the driver’s seat.
It’s backed by the original Twin-Range Turbo-Drive 3-speed automatic transmission, which shifts cleanly and always seems to be in the right gear at the right time. Out back there are tall 2.89 gears, making this Lincoln an outstanding highway cruiser that whispers along at modern highway speeds without an issue. The underside was not restored, but you can still see the original red oxide primer on the transmission tunnel and a light dusting of undercoating everywhere else, but it hides nothing. The structural members are unmarked, the floors are not and have never been rusty, and the outer rocker panels, which carry much of the load, are completely solid. The suspension was also rebuilt with new bushings, tie rods, and sway bar links, as well as fresh springs to keep it at the proper ride height and brand new 235/75/15 whitewall radials.
Yes, there are less expensive Continentals on the market, we know that. However, the important thing to realize is that these are insanely expensive cars to restore, so a lesser car may not be the bargain it appears to be. It isn’t hyperbole when we say we’ve never driven one that handles and rides better than this and the paint, chrome, and interior are simply spectacular. Add in a host of functional luxury accessories and an awesome color combination and you get a car that makes a compelling case for simply buying one already finished and ready to enjoy. This beautiful Lincoln delivers in all the ways that matter when buying a vintage luxury car. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
