Vehicle Description
To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sotheby's Santa Monica event, June
24, 2017.
Estimate:
$100,000 - $150,000 US
Previously owned by Steve McQueen; includes copy of the title
Divider window, bar cabinet with original crystal, and many power
features
One of 567 LP Executive Limousines built from 1964-1970
Mileage believed to be original
Lehmann-Peterson of Chicago was a highly-respected builder of
Lincoln limousines from 1964 to 1970 and has a very interesting
history that makes the brand of special note. On February 24, 1964,
Ford and Lehmann-Peterson reached an agreement to do business
together, and Ford was so impressed with the quality of the
conversions that it agreed to allow the normal two year or 24,000
mile warranty to apply to the limousines produced by
Lehmann-Peterson.
A Lincoln Continental Executive Limousine by Lehmann-Peterson
debuted at the New York International Auto Show in April, 1964, and
a total of 15 were built for the model year. Lehmann-Peterson
incorporated in 1964, becoming Lehmann-Peterson, Inc.
Executive Limousine owners read like a �Who's Who' of society and
business, with the new Lincoln becoming the motor car of choice for
government officials and business executives. Celebrities also
bought them, including Jerry Lewis (1963), Jackie Gleason (1968),
Sophia Loren (1966), Spencer Tracy, Ronald Reagan (1965), Robert
Vaughn (1965), Victor Borge, Senator Robert Kennedy, President
Lyndon B. Johnson (1965), Governor Nelson Rockefeller, Hugh Hefner,
and Aristotle Onassis. Musical groups such as The Rolling Stones
and The Supremes also purchased them, as did Elvis Presley (1967).
Even the Soviet Union purchased one for foreign minister Andrei A.
Gromyko (1965). During the seven years they were in production,
Lehmann-Peterson is reported to have built a total of 567 Executive
Limousines.
This well-preserved 1965 example is coming out of a personal
California collection and this particular limousine belonged to
legendary actor and sportsman Steve McQueen during the 1970s. The
Lincoln is reported in original condition and the 27,000-plus miles
are thought to be original as well, though the title is exempt.
The Lehman-Peterson Executive Limousine is powered by a 430 cubic
inch V-8 engine with automatic transmission. Of course, the car is
laden with the majority of conveniences and accessories that were
available in period to allow for motoring in a grand style. Among
these luxuries is rear seating for five with two seats facing
rearward divided by a fully functional bar that mechanically opens
with the push of a button and is still stocked with the original
crystal drinking set.
Additional features include a divider window, padded vinyl top, air
conditioning, period AM radio with power antenna; power steering,
brakes, door locks and windows, Lehman-Peterson badging, plus the
stately styling that made this era of Continental an immediate, and
continuing, favorite. Very well-cared-for, this 1965 Lincoln has
been used for special occasions and is noted to be a very reliable
driver.
To arrive for an affair in a high-end limousine in the mid-1960s
displayed the zenith of success. This Lincoln will remind one of
the time when elegance and panache dominated the nightlife and the
vehicles the beautiful people arrived in.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction,
please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/.
