Investment Grade Continental Convertible 430/300 HP V8 Automatic PS PB Leather

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.