1966 Lincoln Continental

Description

The last of the 4-door Lincoln Continental convertibles are red-hot properties these days, showing up in music videos, movies, and TV shows, and prices are definitely on the march. All that makes this largely original 1966 Continental ragtop very appealing at this price. No, it's not perfect, but if you've always wanted one, this is pretty much the price of entry today.

This bright blue convertible has a more playful look than most of its formal siblings and it works rather well on the giant 4-door convertible. Aside from a single repaint years ago, this car is almost entirely original. Given all that, it's in remarkably good condition with straight bodywork, four doors that open and close solidly, and impeccable styling that remains iconic. The finish was done some years ago, so it's not a show car, but you already knew that by looking at the price tag. On the other hand, the blemishes that you do see aren't all that major, so the car doesn't need any major cosmetic surgery to be enjoyed and shown at local cruise nights. Original chrome and stainless trim shows well, particularly the stainless strips that run along the tops of the fenders and doors, a defining styling detail that Lincoln is still using today. Nice bumpers, a straight grille, and nicely preserved taillights all add up to a car that is ready to have some fun without worries.

The parchment interior is shockingly nice and the contrasting blue carpets give it a wonderful contrast. Seating surfaces are in great shape with only some modest wear on the driver's seat, but nothing that warrants repair or replacement. The door panels are made from the same materials to tie everything together and the carpets may very well be original as well. The instrument panel is wonderfully sleek and simple, with clean horizontal lines and brushed stainless trim on the gauge panel itself. A cool ribbon-type speedometer runs from end to end, with climate controls and the AM/8-track radio flanking the steering column for a very symmetrical look. The A/C isn't functional but it's complete and probably won't take much to get it working again.

In 1966, Lincoln dropped the 460 cubic inch V8 under the Continental's hood, adding horsepower and torque to an already impressive package. It's actually packed in there given the narrow engine compartment, but it's quite correct, from the air cleaner and blue valve covers to the separate expansion tank for the cooling system. It's been maintained but not detailed over the years, but these big engines don't see a lot of stress so it runs well and doesn't seem to mind hauling around 5200 pounds of ragtop. The 3-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly you almost miss it and with 3.00 gears out back, it's a comfortable, relaxed highway cruiser. The undercarriage is quite original, but this car has lived an easy life someplace warm and there are even areas where the original red oxide primer is still visible. 235/75/15 whitewall radials are fitted to the original wheels and finished off with shiny Continental hubcaps.

This car gets a lot of things right, the most critical is that the top works properly. If you've been wishing for one of these, you could do a lot worse than this bright blue survivor. Call today!