Description

Go ahead and get all your "Animal House" jokes out of the way first, then we'll talk about this amazing 1963 Lincoln Continental. A one-family Texas car since new, it shows just 41,127 original miles, making it one of the more impressive survivors we've featured. And as you'll surely discover, nothing amazes folks more than pulling up in this big, black sedan, and popping those suicide-style rear doors. Talk about a grand entrance!

Quite honestly, there was simply nothing on the road in the early '60s like these Continentals. They immediately redefined Lincoln and they were probably the last hand-crafted luxury car in America. Even today, the look is instantly recognizable and still imposing - anyone who looks at this car, regardless of whether they know what it is, realizes that it's something special. Looking closely, it appears that it has had a single repaint in the past 50 years, but that was clearly some time ago, and today the finish has the right patina to almost pass for original. There are a few signs of use here and there, some bumps and nicks in the usual spots, but overall, this car looks fantastic. And as an all-original car that has never been apart or wrecked, all four doors fit well and close with a solidity that seems unlikely from a car with suicide doors. There's a bit of trim, far less than its contemporaries, and all of it still shines up well, including the "electric shaver" grille up front which is comprised of a fine mesh that's all but impossible to replace today.

Pull all four doors open wide and you'll find Lincoln's most luxuriously appointed interior in decades. The funk black fabric framed by black leather has a definite '60s vibe that's more Sinatra than flower power, and you can tell that Lincoln interior designers were on the cutting edge when this car was built. Just a dash of fake wood and lots of brushed stainless, gothic-looking instruments that echo the Continental star's rectangular outline, and a center stack clearly designed to mimic contemporary hi-fi systems. The upholstery is in remarkable shape, the leather is supple, and even the carpets, which usually take a beating, are in good condition. New window switches were recently installed, so all four windows power up and down as they should, the A/C system was recently recharged and delivers cold air like it should, and even the clock works! Rear seat space is almost mind-boggling today, and with a trunk big enough to swallow a months' worth of luggage, this is the ultimate road trip machine.

Lincoln's exclusive 430 cubic inch V8 was the only engine choice in the Continental, and while it's not a muscle car, it does have a feeling of inevitability to it. Get it up to speed, and it effortlessly and quietly cruises at supra-legal speeds with nary a whisper from the wind rushing by outside. The big air cleaner sits atop the densely-packed engine bay, which shows signs of regular maintenance and no evidence of neglect or prior issues. The 3-speed automatic transmission feeds a massive rear end that looks like it belongs under a locomotive and there's no denying that this is a clean, southern car when you see those naked floor panels in such great shape. 15-inch steel wheels with simple hubcaps now wear 215/75/15 whitewall radials.

Still striking, this big Continental deserves a spot of prominence in your collection. It's too remarkable to stay hidden in a garage. Call today!