Vehicle Description
As enthusiasts, we all know the true appeal of owning classic cars
is expressing our own individuality through timeless machines that
are rolling extensions of everything which defines us. And whether
that means constructing a canvas from the ground up, or taking a
solid foundation and adding just enough detail for perfection, the
hobby certainly has no shortage of ideas, inspiration or talent.
However, if you've been a long-term car junkie, chances are you
find yourself a bit jaded. And no matter how spectacular everyday
classics are, you probably have a hard time rekindling the
wide-eyed excitement that sparked your decades old addiction. So,
what does a seasoned gearhead do when he loses his appetite for
striped Camaros and fiberglass Ford 3-Windows? He snatches up a
classy rarity like this 1961 Lincoln Continental! A former member
of Lincoln connoisseur Gordy Jenson's personal collection, this
concours-restored cruiser wraps a correct, 430 cubic inch V8 and
stalwart Ford 3-speed in a mostly-original body and a plush,
4-place interior!
BODYWORK/TRIM
Lovingly nicknamed Lincoln's Engel-penned masterpiece, the fourth
generation Continental makes a BIG first impression. The car was
originally designed as a replacement for Ford's maturing
Thunderbird and, after a bit of upsizing, was introduced as
undoubtedly the most iconic model in Lincoln Motor Company history.
Massive and elegant, this Regency Turquoise drop-top has a presence
that stretches far beyond its large proportions. That presence was
very successfully reinstated by Liana Restorations of Troutville
Virginia - a shop that specializes in vintage Ford luxury cars. The
car's long, laser-straight panels wear a smooth coat of glossy
2-stage that's been meticulously maintained since the day it was
shot. And that mirror-like sheen highlights a level of fit and
finish that's well above average.
Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Dearborn
creation is exceptionally well-planned. And overall, the car has
just the right amount of 'Don Draper masculinity' to inspire lust
and exude luxury. At the front of its 'blade side' body, a
modernist grille frames traditional driving lights above an
intricate chrome bumper. At the sides of that grille, a
characteristically clean and simple profile features chrome-trimmed
suicide doors, stainless rocker guards and classy "Continental"
scripts. At the top of that profile, a flat hood centers a sharp
'rifle sight' in front of stainless-trimmed glass, a correct chrome
mirror and fresh white vinyl. And opposite that hood, a vast trunk
hangs a modernist, Lincoln-branded valance between angled tail
lights and a second chrome bumper. There's certainly no mistaking
this drop-top's iconic, tailored profile. And, like the finest '60s
tokens, it's an enduring aesthetic that'll continue to gain
popularity.
ENGINE
Pop the car's long hood and you'll find a beefy, 430 cubic inch
'bulldozer' V8 that's branded with a correct 41E11K assembly stamp.
A refined member of Ford's MEL engine family, the smooth big block
spins stout 10 to 1 compression into 300 horsepower and 465 lb./ft.
of all-American torque. At the top of the all-business mill, a
black, single-snorkel air cleaner funnels wind through a correct
Carter 2-barrel. That carb rides on a cast iron intake, which hangs
between correct, cast iron heads and glossy black valve covers. At
the front of that intake, a familiar points distributor shoots
spark through pliable Radio Resistance cables. Below those cables,
restored exhaust manifolds jettison baked Sinclair into
conservative, true-dual pipes. And, at the front of the engine, a
big radiator cycles water through fresh hoses, small squeeze clamps
and old school tower clamps. Aesthetically, Jet Black block paint
looks great against a fully finished hood and Regency Turquoise
fenders. Correct decals are present and accounted for. And niceties
such as stainless fuel lines and a high quality Autolite Sta-Ful
battery ensure the car looks just as good as it runs.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Park this Lincoln on a lift and you'll find a solid undercarriage
that's no stranger to sunny weekend road trips. A sturdy frame and
straight floorpans wear a nice combination of Red Oxide primer and
Satin Black undercoating. An era-correct Turbo-Drive 3-speed spins
a familiar Ford rear end. Under that capable drivetrain, a
completely rebuilt double a-arm and leaf spring suspension is
equipped with factory power steering and 4-wheel power drum brakes.
At the center of the floors, true-dual exhaust pipes employ throaty
mufflers and rear-mounted resonators. At the corners of the
suspension, 235/75R14 American Classic whitewalls frame painted
steelies and satin-detailed hub caps. And everything, from the
car's clean shocks to its leak-free fuel tank, is fully restored
and ready to pound the pavement.
INTERIOR
Look inside this Continental and you'll find a fully restored
interior that's the perfect place to view the sights and sounds of
Main Street America. Front and rear bench seats, which still feel
firm to the touch, hang optional Metallic Turquoise covers under
stainless trim and color-keyed belts. Premium carpet, which is
protected by color-keyed floor mats, does an excellent job of
highlighting rich, luxurious ambiance. Above that carpet, a
two-tone dash incorporates fully rebuilt gauges, stainless trim and
a pushbutton radio into svelte modernist design. At the sides of
that dash, fantastic door panels display prominent, textured coves
behind big, comfortable arm rests. In front of the driver, a
Turquoise steering wheel spins a chrome horn ring around a satin
centerpiece. And behind the passengers, a classy, Lincoln-branded
waterfall leads a fully restored trunk that features echo-inducing
storage space for the car's massive top.
Celebrated on the highest levels, this investment grade Lincoln is
the perfect addition to your collection. From its polished grille
to its massive rear bumper, the car is a fully sorted show stopper
that keeps Elwood Engel's original vision alive and well. And when
one considers the time and labor put into its build, its
significance becomes crystal clear.
