If your classic leanings are more towards luxury than outright performance, you may find this 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible rather interesting. It would undoubtedly benefit from a cosmetic restoration, but it is a rock-solid project candidate that runs and drives extremely well. It has generated reasonable interest, but the bidding remains within what most people would consider affordable territory. The seller has listed the Continental here on eBay in Indianapolis, Indiana. Bidding sits at $6,100, though that figure is below the reserve.
Lincoln vehicles from the 1950s were renowned for their complicated styling, which some motoring journalists described as “busy.” However, the release of the Fourth Generation Continental in 1961 marked a dramatic shift in design philosophy. Penned by Elwood Engel, the lines were more conservative and crisp, and the bright trim was quite restrained. The Continental received annual updates until this Generation’s production ended in 1969. Our featured Convertible rolled off the line in 1966, and would have looked stunning when its Silver Blue paint was at its best. Time has taken a toll, with the exterior now having a matte appearance. The power top, in contrasting White, also looks tired, suggesting that a cosmetic restoration forms part of this classic’s future story. However, the best news hides below the surface, with the underside shots showing no evidence of anything worse than dry surface corrosion. In fact, the only penetrating rust is this area in the passenger-side rear quarter panel. It is patchable, and once the new owner effects repairs, they can pack away the grinder and welder. The trim looks comfortably acceptable for a driver-grade restoration, and the tinted glass is clear.
I was pleasantly surprised by this Lincoln’s interior. It is by no means pristine, but it looks far better than I expected. Trimmed in Gold leather, the seats look clean and free from major problems. There is a developing seam separation on the driver’s side, but catching it now would prevent further deterioration. The dash and pad look very nice, and the most pressing needs may be replacing the carpet, the front kick panels, and the cracked wheel. It features the usual array of luxury touches, including power windows, power locks, a six-way power front seat, and a tilt wheel. The seller confirms that some power accessories, including the top, are inoperative.
Aauugh! Someone grab the rattle can out of the seller’s hand. Their willingness to paint almost anything in sight has done their cause no favors. This is especially true because it appears they performed no surface preparation before going to town on the 462ci V8. The Continental is a heavy car, but that 462 delivers a fairly impressive 340hp and 485 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power steering and power front disc brakes were standard equipment in 1966. The engine bay proves that we should never judge a book by its cover. The seller includes an embedded video in their listing, showing the Continental rolling along the open road. They pegged the speedometer at 65, and it was cruising effortlessly. It supports their claim that this classic is a turnkey proposition. They don’t mention evidence verifying the claim that it has a genuine 70,000 miles on the clock, meaning we must take the figure at face value.
If you had to choose which of the three available body styles that Lincoln offered 1966 Continental buyers in 1966 to park in your garage, the Convertible is the one to have. They consistently command a heavy premium over the others, and their values climb faster. Our featured car needs work to achieve a pristine presentation, but it runs and drives so well that the winning bidder can enjoy immediate motoring pleasure while assembling the budget and parts required for restoration. That process would also be an excellent way to occupy the upcoming winter months, allowing it to emerge in its former glory when the warm weather returns. Is that a prospect that you find irresistible?
The words Adam used to describe the styling of this generation of Lincoln— “conservative”, “crisp”, “restrained”, are spot-on. These cars looked great when new, and still are attractive today. This example needs plenty of work, that rust is nasty. But it would look terrific restored.
Rrrrrraming speeeeed!!!!