“Classic, Conservative, Distinctive.” That’s what the 1959 Lincoln brochure called the new Continental. One look at this example, and you’ll see not only those qualities but also the breeze-in-your-hair appeal of a beautiful drop-top. This classic Mark IV convertible is now available here on Facebook Marketplace for $22,900. The listing shows the location as Douglas, Michigan. Thanks once again to Zappenduster for the great tip.
I can imagine a 19-foot-long convertible would be a formidable presence on the road. In the late 1950s, a few American car manufacturers offered this kind of luxury. Cadillac and Imperial were two other luxury brands. However, only Lincoln and Continental had styling that wasn’t shared with any other vehicle in the Ford family. Both Cadillac and Imperial shared parts and styling cues with lesser brands in the GM and Chrysler families.
The engine was a big-block 430-cubic-inch, overhead-valve, four-barrel behemoth. It rated 350 horsepower and delivered 485 lb.-ft of stump-pulling torque. It is said to run smoothly and quietly, pulling hard under acceleration and staying cool at a reliable operating temperature. Power goes to the rear differential through a 3-speed Twin-Range Turbo-Drive automatic, which shifts smoothly through all gears. The original power-assisted drum brake system handles braking, and as a survivor, it should receive a thorough maintenance check before regular road use.
This survivor features a complete interior with original upholstery, a woodgrain two-spoke steering wheel, an aircraft-style instrument pod, a dash-mounted compass, a clock, and factory gauges. The convertible top is in good condition, but the hydraulics will need some work, as it appears that there may be air in the lines. One interesting feature is the full glass rear power window that retracts. The air conditioning system is present but currently ailing and will need reconditioning.
Spacious and luxurious in 1959 may have meant something different than it does today. But this certified survivor is certainly both, no matter what the era. Imagine riding down Woodward Avenue in the late Michigan summer with the top down in this beauty. Sure, some things need correcting. The paint has imperfections and needs attention, as do the brakes, air conditioning, and convertible top. But for the price, this could be the ultimate luxury cruiser or a museum piece. You will have to decide. To me, it looks like it should be driven and enjoyed.
More than a mid-century masterpiece; more than a space-age spellbinder; it’s a national treasure of the highest order! Behold the glory!
I couldn’t agree more Rex, I was thrilled to find this one to write about. Absolute pleasure to bring it here.
Rex, busyed, lol
you’re Charles Phoenix!!!!
OK Charles! lol
even in 1959 this car could only be described as “too much”!
Agree, “too much”, dimensionally, stylistically and on the weigh-bridge but remarkably, the 1959 model was “toned down” from what it had been the season before.
Saying that the Lincoln was too much in design and size is questionable. When this vehicle was designed, the economy was strong. When it finally came out, economy wasn’t doing as well. So, people decided they wanted to buy a smaller lark. that certainly saved Studebaker for a few more years. But this Lincoln was a styling masterpiece. It screamed America. I like the 1958 model better than the 59. And does anyone remember in North by Northwest? There’s a beautiful 58 Lincoln Continental Mark three convertible driven in the motion picture? So many. many people came from Packard that it is not a question that this link is full of Packard styling cues that the Predictor forecast. I think this link is very much and keeping with the styling of the times and whoever bought one must’ve been very proud. I would’ve been.
Will anyone finance a car like that? Maybe an explanation of how that can happen?
In my neck of the woods it would have to be on a line of credit or a mortgage which would depend highly on your credit rating. Purchase price is just the beginning though.
There are places that finance vintage and collectable cars but doing a web search might be necessary depending on where you live There’s a credit union here in Tucson that does, and Hagerty also has a loan program for them now.
The interior and exterior of this car has been done beautifully. It is a magnificant example of great design and enough love to bring it back to its glory. Tha being said, it is hard pass for me because of one thing. Why would you not clean the engine bay? Look up “Chris Fix” on YouTube and finish the car completely.
C’est magnifique! Not a big fan of the canted headlights but I could overlook them the rest is so fine. You could not be anonymous driving this beast though, only problem. I would at least put disc brakes on the front. Hauling this car down from highway speeds would be terrifying.
It is. Believe me.
Yes, terrifying for the car in front, especially if they cut you off.
If he cuts me off he deserves what the Lincoln gives him. Brake fade is dangerous with these cars, especially if your not familiar with the problem.They also tend to float at higher speeds and that can cause you to lose control too.
I have a 72 LTD coupe and even though it has discs up front, it’s still frightening so I follow everyone like I’m driving a tractor trailer.
Conservative?
interesting survivor. limited market on these. either you like them or you don’t. i know we will never see anything made like this ever again. you won’t see today’s Lincoln’s last 70yrs.
The trunk sleeps Six.
Amazing how cramped the engine bay looks, as from the outside it’s a mile longYou can see a hiy of the T Bird in the design.
Epic!
But would hate to have to wax it.
I’d drive it!
These are huge unibody cars, probably the largest ever made. I remember reading in “Collectible Automobile” magazine an article about these which said that Ford had a lot of trouble getting the unit structure strong enough, so they bought a Nash Ambassador for dissection to see how AMC did it.
I can see you in a parade. Riding in back with your princess by your side, wearing your crown and waving to your subjects.
Does it have a normal spare tire or did they just put an English Ford in the trunk as a spare car?
But seriously, it may share no design cues with any other ’59 Fomoco offering and most of its detailing was a styling dead end, but the basic shape and proportion previews the “fill the box” outline of just about every full size car through the end of the ’80s.
Head lights remind me of the I Dream of Genie cartoon eyes on her bottle during the shows opening. Don’t know why?
Awesome but it wouldn’t fit in my garage! Those bumpers weigh more than my MX5. If ever there was a parade car…
I have a 72 LTD coupe and even though it has discs up front, it’s still frightening so I follow everyone like I’m driving a tractor trailer.
I remember actor Raymond Burr in the series Perry Mason driving one! Beautiful Lincoln styling!
These guys seem to like the car. Left is John Najjar, chief Ford stylist, middle is Geo. Walker, VP of Design, and right is Ben Mills, General Manager.
Are these the cars that McNamara order fitted with 2-barrels?
The 58-60 Lincolns were big and heavy with aerodynamics not much better than a small bungalow so, with a 430 cid V8, fuel consumption was heavy; in the brief (but sharp) recession of 1957-1959 even owners in this market segment were complaining. There wasn’t much that could be done other than put a bottleneck in the fuel supply so the 1960 Continentals got a Carter ABD-2965 S two-barrel carburetor. The reduction in consumption was reckoned to be up to 20% in a typical driving cycle and in urban use the performance wasn’t greatly affected although the difference was noticeable much above 60 mph.
Not sure it’s the case here, but 2bbl engines generally have smaller valves to match the smaller throttle body. That keeps flow velocity up and fills the cylinders better at low rpm, thereby giving them better torque down low where it’s needed for these massive cars.