- Seller: Ralph F (Contact)
- Location: San Angelo, Texas
- Mileage: 70,000 Shown
- Chassis #: H8YG429180
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 430 MEL V8
- Transmission: Automatic
Sitting in this shed is a relatively rare classic that could be the ideal project for enthusiasts with luxury leanings. This 1958 Continental Mark III Convertible has spent its life in a dry location, allowing it to avoid the worst of the rust issues that can plague these vehicles. It will require a frame-off approach, but the current owner has already invested money in the Continental to give the buyer a running start. Advancing age has led him to decide it needs the attention of a younger person. Therefore, he has listed the Mark III exclusively with us at Barn Finds.
Once it was pulled from the location it had occupied for years, this Continental revealed some pretty positive news. Its Starmist White paint is well past its prime, but it is a two-owner classic that has spent its life in Texas. That means that while it looks baked, the worst of its rust is confined to a section in the passenger-side front floor. The remaining steel is solid, with only surface corrosion and a few minor, patchable holes. The buyer will need to attack the trim with a high-quality polish to determine what will require replacement or a trip to the platers. The glass might be fine once cleaned, but the White power top is begging for love. The mechanism and cabin wiring are intact, but with the engine bay wiring succumbing to rodent infestation, it is unclear whether it functions as it should. This project might look daunting at first glance, but the reality is that most enthusiasts with reasonable welding skills could return it to a rust-free state reasonably easily.
The Continental Mark III followed a “one size fits all” approach to its mechanical specifications. Buyers received a 430ci “MEL” V8, teamed with a three-speed “Turbo Drive” automatic transmission. The 430 was a mighty motor in its prime, generating 375hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. The car’s performance was surprisingly energetic, considering its curb weight of 5,160 lbs. Acceleration off the line allowed it to keep pace with heavy traffic while it could wind its way to 126mph before the engine ran out of breath. The owner pulled the V8, and it has been disassembled since this photo was taken. It is ready to head to the machine shop for a spruce-up before the buyer utilizes the included deluxe rebuild kit to bolt it back together. Once complete, there is no reason why this classic wouldn’t perform as impressively as it did on Day One.
The lack of soft-top protection makes itself known when we examine this Continental’s interior. It would have looked stunning trimmed in its original White leather, guaranteeing it drew admiring looks in its heyday. The march of time has taken its toll, and complete retrim is required to return the inside of this classic to its former glory. However, with no missing parts or aftermarket additions, the foundations are there for someone to create something pretty special. The Mark III is a luxury car, and its equipment levels confirm this. Apart from the power top, this classic features air conditioning, power windows, a power front seat, an AM radio, and a gauge cluster that is an elegant work of art.
Some people find the prospect of restoring a luxury car daunting, but they shouldn’t. The engineering and construction techniques utilized in this 1958 Continental Mark III Convertible are no more complicated than those found in any other Ford product from this era. The current owner has already invested $9,845 into this gentle giant, while its lack of major rust problems could make it ideal for someone wishing to secure a hands-on project candidate. Only 3,048 of these cars left the factory in 1958, and this is your chance to contribute to American motoring history by returning this gem to its rightful place on our roads. That makes the Convertible worth more than a passing glance.
It’s. Unibody. No frame
Quote:
“The engineering and construction techniques utilized in this 1958 Continental Mark III Convertible are no more complicated than those found in any other Ford product from this era”
Uh, no…
Suzanne Pleshette drove one of these
in the movie Wings Of Fire with James Farentino and Lloyd Nolan. I
understand that she was a very petite
woman and it makes me wonder how
she handled that big behemoth. As for this car, you’ll need the wallet of
Elon Musk, the patience of Jobe, and
the knowledge that goes beyond that
of what the average car guy/gal posseses today. And don’t forget a bag of clothespins. You’re gonna need ’em to keep the engine from vapor locking. Oh wait don’t park left
The feisty Suzanne Pleshette would have no problem wheeling this Lincoln around with its one-finger power steering and its somewhat sensitive power brakes. Parallel parking might’ve been a challenge for her (and most of us) however.
Raymond Burr as Perry Mason drove one of these for a season or so but I’m not sure of the year. Looked so large and impressive on that TV show.
I believe Raymond Burrs was a 1960.
@RG Lewis
I just saw an episode of Perry Mason. Don’t know what season it was but he was driving a 1957 Cadillac Series 62 convertible with the top down.
Ah-so, these “canted” headlights always gave me an Asian impression. The car on the hoist is not the convertible, and while these truly were the utmost in American automobiles, they are incredibly difficult( and expensive) to restore. They have miles of wiring that needs to be replaced. It can be done, but not for the weekend oil changer type. I read this car sold for $6283, and traditionally, the most expensive US car made, in part, why so few were sold. 3048. I believe Ford still lost money on everyone made.
I believe the seller would have better luck with that damaged Bronco next to it.
She was something in her day. Those 430 MELs were beautiful beasts too. I keep trying to remember a company in the NE that specialized in rebuilding these. All you had to do was send them the engine in a crate. Imagine what shipping would be. So from pics I’m guessing the engine and trans are out of the car. That job alone plus rewiring engine bay and probably the entire car is indeed a daunting task, not to mention an interior leather redo. Hard pass for me. I hope someone with deep pockets, and lots of space and time will bring her back again.
These were truly magnificent automobiles. Many Packard Predictor styling cues are present. North by Northwest has one featured in it. This one is most definitely a convertible. It needs a complete restoration. I can only imagine the cost, but $100,000 wouldn’t surprise me. It would be amazing to ride in one with the top down. Furthermore, the convertible canvas top was completely hidden by a metal cover. Now, let’s look at today. NO CURRENT SUV CAN COMPARE TO THIS 67 YEAR OLD LINCOLN! NOTHING THEY BUILD HAS THIS STYLE, PRESENCE OR PANACHE! It’s time to start building cars again. I’m so sick of what Detroit sells us.
As a kid in the early 60’s I saw wrestler Yukon Eric (Holmbach) driving his, shirtless, with the top down, in Western New York. Baby blue in color if I remember…
These cars look like customs from someone like Barris. What Lincoln was the first TV Batmobile based?
1956 or 1957
The Batmobile from 1966 was the 1955 Lincoln Futura concept car. George Barris customized it into the Batmobile.
As one of the longest production cars ever made that is not a limousine, I LOVE these. 😍😍😍
The ’58 is my favorite year of the trio, ’58 ’59 & ’60. The front fenders are scooped out like the Corvette. The headlights are separate from the grill. Although I like the rectangle taillights of the ’59.
The one thing I never cared for was the roofline of the “breezeway” rear window. It’s a great idea but I’d prefer it slant the usual way. Hated it in the hardtop & especially the convertible. I hope the mechanics work for this top. Although it’s not as complex as the ’61 through ’67 Lincoln convertible, it’s still pretty complicated with servos & relays & yards of wires.
The dashboard has never been a favorite but better than the ’56 & ’57 Mark ll.
Lincolns of this era were huge, heavy, luxury laden & powerful. As were Cadillacs and Imperials.
It was a good time…… no a great time for luxobarges.
It’s just a shame so few were made.
Compare them to the huge SUVs of today, Ford Expedition, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, GMC Denali or Chevrolet Tahoe, there is just no comparison.
Angel, I forsee a staff position @Barnfinds opening up for you. Can I get a second opinion.
Angel; If they slanted the rear window in the usual way, they wouldn’t have been able to engineer it to electrically lower it with top staying up. I think an individually retracting rear window is an awesome feature! Great to keep top up during day, so no sunburning, but get the breezy air flow!
Thank Frog,
But my second opinion counts more than anyone. I actually considered applying when they were looking for new writers, but the truth of the matter is I’m just too lazy to research statistics. Maybe because I don’t have a computer & do everything (including misspelling words) on my phone.
Job,
I understand why it’s slanted the way it us. It basically follows the back of the rear seat, but, with a little finessing it could be done. Granted it would take up more trunk space and the windows would probably get broken in the down position if you forget it’s down and throw something in the trunk but, hey, esthetically it would look better in my opinion.
These rear windows only went halfway down anyway didn’t they? Safety feature so some stupid kid doesn’t crawl out the back onto the trunk.
Hi Angel! Your ’58 Lincoln is coming
along just fine. Haven’t worked on it
for awhile as I’ve had folks living in my complex ordering prints from me.
Just got done with 2 ’56 Chevys for a
young man upstairs and I’m now working on a ’50 Chevy Bel Air hardtop which I should have finished
by next week sometime. After that, I
have a 30 Model A roadster to do for
The same lady that ordered the
Bel Air. After work tomorrow, I’ll putt
putt around with the Bel Air and get it
on the path to being done. Well, that’s
about it for now. It’s off to bed for me
as I have an early shift in the morning.
Good night Angel💋. Night all!
Hey Kenneth
I’m so glad ppl are ordering from you. You get to do what you love, you make ppl happy & make a few bucks. It’s a win/win.
I’m almost ready to get the Cadillac you made for me. Just a little longer.
Hope you’re well.
Thanks Angel! It’s called living life on
your own terms. It’s almost a must if you’re disabled. That way, you can adapt it to fit your needs. It’s worked
for me some 70 years now and shows no sign of change. As for your
Caddy, shoot me an email with an address so that I can ship it when you’re ready. Too many times, so called “normal” folks get bogged down with convention that they forget
how to think outside the box and adapt to whatever life throws your way. If things don’t go their way, they’re completely lost. My advice to
anyone today would be to live life by
the seat of your pants and enjoy the
ride!
I can only imagine the miles of wiring that will need to be redone in this car with it’s many power features. That alone will be a daunting undertaking and then the upholstery. That doesn’t even begin to address all the mechanical issues they’ll face. Someone will need deep pockets to get this restored. It can certainly be done, though.
I finally found the name of the company specializing in 430 MEL engine rebuilding service in Michigan. It’s Barnetts High Performance. Seems like they do other engine rebuilds as well, with different prices. Many other upgrade services offered for engine rebuilding, and prices are detailed and listed.