- Seller: Charlie E
- Location: Warrenton, Va 20187
- Mileage: 57,900 Shown
- Chassis #: H8YM420950
- Title Status: Clean
UPDATE – The seller has relisted this Lincoln with a lower reserve!
Life in the fast lane isn’t always what an enthusiast seeks when searching for a classic car to park in their garage. Isolating themselves in a vehicle offering a luxurious motoring experience can prove irresistible, which is the opportunity this 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III provides. It is an original and unmolested survivor that offers a new owner the choice between restoration and preservation. However, that is a decision they can make once acquainted with their new purchase because it has no urgent needs. The owner feels it deserves a new home and has listed the Lincoln with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The 1958 model year marked a significant change for the Lincoln Continental. The company turned its back on traditional body-on-frame construction, pursuing the unibody path with its latest model. The first owner ordered this classic in Presidential Black, one of the more popular shades available to buyers in 1958. It helps accentuate the car’s long and low styling and is nicely contrasted by the chrome trim, which is relatively restrained for the era. Lincoln was serious about the new Continental Mark III’s presentation, applying two coats of baked enamel color over three primer coats for an exceptional appearance. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this car retains a warm and pleasant shine and looks very presentable in its current form. The winning bidder could preserve the car as an original survivor, which would undoubtedly command respect if they pursued that path. The hood has an area with no paint that requires attention, which might serve as the motivation for performing a straightforward cosmetic refresh on a garage-kept car that is rock solid and as straight as an arrow. The driver’s window is cracked, but the remaining glass looks excellent for its age.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” philosophy with the Continental Mark III. Every buyer received a 430ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. “Power” seems to be the operative word because that V8 wasn’t found wanting on that front. It produces an impressive 375hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque. This means that while it tips the scales at a relatively heavy 4,888 lbs, performance is far more sprightly than might be expected from a vehicle of this type. Of course, most owners were more concerned about the car’s ability to cruise comfortably at freeway speed rather than storming the ¼-mile, and the Mark III does that effortlessly. The car’s odometer shows 57,745 miles, which is believed to be original. This gentle giant runs and drives, allowing the new owner to experience immediate classic motoring pleasure.
The Lincoln’s interior is a surprise packet because it would look striking following a deep clean. There is wear on the driver’s side of the front seat and carpet wear on the same side, but no other upholstered items are begging for replacement. The dash looks nice, the “floating” gauge cluster shows no signs of problems, and the bright trim condition is impressive. This classic features air conditioning, although with the power-operated “Breezeway” window offering exceptional flow-through ventilation, you’ll only need it on the hottest of days. The new owner can sink back into an exterior with power windows, a six-way power front seat, and a “Travel-Tuner” radio with dual power antennas.
The 1958 Continental Mark III was a ground-breaking car for Lincoln as it set its sights on outselling Cadillac. It was the longest passenger car produced by a Ford marque until the advent of the 5mph bumpers that appeared in the 1970s and was the first Lincoln to utilize unibody construction. This one is rarer than most. The company sold 12,550 examples of the Mark III across all derivatives, but only 1,283 were the 4-Door Sedan version. That makes this a rare classic, and the fact it is an unmolested and original survivor adds to its appeal. It has spent the last ten years safely parked in the owner’s warm and dry garage, and it would be wonderful if that trend continued at its new home. If owning a rare and luxurious classic has always been a dream, this Lincoln could make that dream a reality at an affordable price. That makes submitting a bid worthwhile. What do you say?
Arranging and paying for shipping is the buyer’s responsibility
Bid On This Auction
Kevin Schieferstein bid $4,500.00 2024-02-29 19:00:25
Pikll bid $3,500.00 2024-02-29 17:59:17- Kevin Schieferstein bid $3,000.00 2024-02-29 12:37:23
- Pikll bid $2,500.00 2024-02-29 08:39:00
- Kevin Schieferstein bid $2,000.00 2024-02-28 11:14:25
Louie bid $1,200.00 2024-02-27 08:07:19
chieftbird bid $500.00 2024-02-27 06:43:37
The description says that this car does not have AC but it does. In the picture of the engine I clearly see the AC hoses going from the compressor to the cabin. They don’t always work but at least if all the parts are there you can rehab the system. You’ll find that there are two AC systems onboard, one on each side of the car by the firewall. The condenser coils are concealed behind the splash guard on each side of the car , behind the two front wheels.Not easy to work on but when they work these systems will freeze you right out of the car—if you let it.The cooled air is ducted inside each front door panel and directed to the back of the car through chrome plated adjustable vents. Sure wish I wasn’t so old or that would be mine.
Thanks, Norman “Pete” we didn’t know, we will pass this very valuable information along to new owner! Thanks for correcting us!
Owner
The air conditioning for that car also used 2 evaporators, very unusual for a car. Maybe the seller meant it has air conditioning “that doesn’t work”? Another unusual feature was its power steering was driven directly off the crankshaft in front of the harmonic balancer.
Sounds like an awesome ac system. My late model gmc could have used that!!
The seller should be proud of this car. Rare and beautiful.
Beautiful car, excellent buy for new owner. My grandfather owned a 1966 Mercury Monterey with the Breezeway option, a/c and it was a very nice riding car, kept this exact Lincoln Continental look, but with an updated design. His was also Black with a White roof.
What a beautiful Lincoln! I was just reading a listing yesterday, of course I can’t find the link, about a similar 58 or 59 triple black Lincoln for sale with the formal (non breezeway) padded roof. It underwent a full restoration in the 90’s and won a number of serious awards. It was noted these this generation of Lincoln’s were the largest domestic unibody cars built to date
Probably a ’59, because what you described was either a Limousine or Town Car variant, both of which were offered only in ’59 and ’60. I dare say they were the largest unibody cars ever, bar none.
Yes! For 59 and 60 there were some Lincolns as you described. I believe they were called Town Cars. I have found several images on the net. For me the 60 was the best. 🏆 👍
I’m sorry but my opinion of almost all 1958 cars is that they are fugly, Chryslers are the better ones, But most 1958 cars are big over-bloated (If that’s even a word) and way over chromed styling monstrosities.
Maybe a new prius would be more to your liking
I believe this car has factory air conditioning which is evidenced by the dashboard vents, the air conditioning setting on the climate dashboard dial, and the A/C hoses in the engine compartment .
bam! :)
You aren’t alone. The design is enough to make Edsels look conservative. It was so bizarre that many just couldn’t abide it; it didn’t help matters, either, that a recession suddenly hit the country when these cars hit the showrooms. One designer who worked for Ford back then (but wasn’t involved with these cars) said he attended a meeting where the spokesman said, regarding the first several thousand Lincolns built that year, they should have been pushed into the Rouge River…a bit extreme in my opinion, but it showed that Ford was quickly embarrassed by this design. The Imperials and higher-trim Chryslers did look better, but they had their share of problems as well–namely, rusting with a vengeance. Really the only thing to say about these Lincolns is that they outdid Cadillac in everything except sales.
Ironically, the same men responsible for this series also designed the revolutionary ’61 Lincolns.
I guess they got it all out of their system
The 1961 design was easy to do. Start with a blank sheet and then don’t do anything you did from 1958 to 1960. Do not forget what you did in those years. You might repeat it.
About 20 years ago I saw a 58 to 1960 rusty tan Imperial being driven on 35w at the 394 interchange heading north. I couldn’t believe how huge this car was, and how little the tires looked on it. I was shocked it was keeping up with the traffic. By the late ’70s most of these cars were gone.
For me (though I loved the Forward Look), the 58 GMs (especially Buick and Cadillac) massive chrome laden style was so much better than 59 restyle. We each STILL can have our own opinions (not sure how much longer 🤔).
Whenever a parked car has something to block the wheels, it could be a bad sign.
A new Prius has nothing to do If 1958 car styling.
To even mention Prius in a post for this Great American Land YACHT is a sacrilege! 👎
Just some free firewood, ha ha
Agree.
That’s the car’s parking brake. There were two of these in South Africa, one was owned by a friend of mine and the other by Gary Player, one of the big 3 Grand Slam winners of the time, along with Nicklaus and Palmer.
We live on a hill! Since the beast is heavy just wanted to protect the fence behind it!
It seems the styling dept. threw everything that had at this. Nothing says 1958 luxury better than this, but by 1961 they were outdated. When the new ones came out they said style and elegance. If you buy this you will sure to be the only one on your block to have one. Kinda funny how styles changed so fast back then, Now mfgs. keep body styles for 15 years. Also does anybody see the back end of the ’63-’64 Merc. here?
Yes,a Comet looks very similar in the rear, maybe a Parklane too.
I see more 1961 Mercury in a big way.
Well it was1958 the year of the Edsel pandemic out break 😂
Aw, c’mon, Edsels are conservative-looking compared to these cars. But I still like seeing examples of both, at least in a nostalgic perspective.
if you want to see, wild styling, look at the Mercurys for the same year.
compared to some other Ford lines, the Edsel was actually subtle and conservative. I’ve always liked them.
Boys, boys, Hold on a second here. Did you ever drive a ‘58 Lincoln? I did! In 1965, my dad bought one just like this from our neighbor Mac for $800. Dad sold his ‘59 dodge Royal (black beauty) since the rust had started. One trip was Kalamazoo to Marquette (450 miles) at night doing 80+ mph on 2 lane roads in the moonlight. The car just rolled out the road and rode smooth all the way. I could lay down in the back seat with my girlfriend and listen to WLS rockin in. The antenna went up/down with a motor. 7 motorized widows. Electric everything. 30 cent gas and 8 mpg. Read drive and 4800 lbs means a great car in snow. Life was good.
Only In my dreams would I drive this Beauty! If I were younger, I would be bidding on this beauty. The 58 through 60 Lincolns and Continentals gargantuan size and OTT excessive chromed luxury would make me feel King 🤴 of the road. Just as my 78 Town Coupe and 89 Signature did. My 89 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham deElegance came close. My current 2007 Town Car is a great car and the LA gasp of traditional American Luxury sedans, but it not as OTT and doesn’t give me the acres of hood! This 58 would give me the joy of watching other drivers wonder if I would clip them when navigating that land YACHT around a corner! Sorry Angel, but in my opinion this was much better than most Cadillacs (except 58 Sixty Special).Too bad that the 61 Lincoln was such a different car. But beginning in 66 Lincolns began a grand return to eventual Land YACHT status. Still doing the Continental 😉 as I am on to VERSAILLES 🏰, 😉. Lincoln, what a Luxury CAR should be and once was! 👍. Now only melted jelly beans, Crossovers and SUVS are being produced! 🤮. What ever happened to CLASS?
I remember listening to WLS (Chicago) when I was in St. Louis. We’d get it late at night. Listening to it in a 1958 Lincoln whilst dashing throught the night woulda been a fun experience for sure.
I saw the show on Fantom works in Virginia. He was doing work on one of these cars and was so frustrated with it said he would never allow one in his shop again. The power steering unit drove him crazy.
Yes. Notorious for leaking and almost impossible to repair!
Yes, I remember something about the power steering unit actually being part of the engine…very bizarre. The engineers at Lincoln obviously learned a painful lesson from that, because I don’t recall hearing about a similar problem with the 1961-65 Continentals, even though they also had a 430.
Ugliest dashboard in production, along with the ’57 Mark ll
The Lincoln was ugly but a real head turner, just like my girlfriend. Nobody ever turned down a ride or double date in that black Linkin! Diva you are correct of course, Caddi’s are pure silk. My dad sold the Lincoln in ‘66 and not a used Devilke and drove it 259k after adding his own fuel injection kit.
Trip down memory lane?
Did anyone here ever recall anyone during your life, when describing something about another car, proclaim “It drives like a Lincoln?”
NO! It drives like a Cadillac!!
And one other thing…did an alien from space come down and command every car built in America in 1958 had to have gawky dual headlamps?
Did anyone ever listen to Josh Turner’s Loretta Lynn’s Lincoln?
I do agree with the ugliest dash, especially when you think how beautiful and well designed they were in the Cadillacs that year.
I say same thing about SUV. Recently a friend asks me to help her find something HOT. I asked what can she spend she says whatever she wants. She likes Jag’s so I show her few very nice ones with probably future electrical problems, no wants a SUV. I say there isn’t a SUV in the world that is hot. Long story short she buys a jaguar suv that looks like a ford focus. Oh well
Must respectfully disagree. Mark II’s are great cars and the only thing wrong with my dash is the info gauges need to be just a bit larger for my eyes nowadays. Cadillac gauges, IMO, could have been lifted out of an Olds or a Pontiac. Not bad but not different.
Right on Michael I love my mark 2 don’t let the Cadillac diva get us down!! By the way I got a caddy too…lol
I would love to own this Lincoln
Now I totally agree. Just think of the beautiful chrome dash all fitted in and nicely contoured in the 1958 Cadillac. It’s amazing Lincoln sold any of these.
I took my driving test in one of these in 1964. It was my mom’s car. My brothers showed mom how to burn out, boy was that fun. My dog took an adventure by walking out the back window when it was down and was standing on the trunk before we knew he was there. These cars are so heavy it is like riding in a boat. Maybe she needed new shock?
If it was a ’58 or ’59, the problem was intrinsic to the rear-suspension design. The coil-spring design they adopted, to offer an air-suspension option to compete with Cadillac’s offering (which was troublesome in itself), tended to twist and give disconcerting feelings of instability, forcing them to ditch that setup by ’60 in favor of more-stable leaf springs.
The seller is to be commended for all the excellent pics! I have a hard time picturing these new…
Although Ford had eliminated the short-lived “Continental Division” from its corporate flow chart, the “Continental” name was used to designate the top of the line trim level for this model, and after 1960 on, it was used across the line, forever merging “Lincoln” and “Continetal.”.
The poor Mark III, IV, and V from 1958,’ 59, ‘60 were entirely forgotten like a bastard child when the 1969 Mark III was introduced.
What a shame! For me, the 61 Continental was a definite step in the wrong direction. Never could understand their popularity. Sometimes wonder if the JFK assassination gave them a push? 🤔 FYI the 61 came about when top management saw proposed Thunderbird and revised it for Lincoln.
My father, showing off for a function, convinced car lot owner to let him borrow one of these for the weekend. While with a red interior. What a sled. Thoroughly embarrassing to my mother.
Building a unit-body car this large posed some unique challenges, particularly with structural integrity and noise/vibration. Unit-body construction is supposed to reduce weight, but by the time Ford reinforced the structure and added tuning weights to control noise and vibration, these were 400lb heavier than the ’57.
As for styling, it’s enough to note that Ford quickly toned it down for 1959, integrating the headlights into the grille and revising the “pre-dented” fenders.
agree on all, but in this day of “lose me in the parking lot” styling on silver and beige cars, I find something admirable about this car’s excesses
What they did still wasn’t enough. In addition to their inexperience with large unibody construction, the welding machinery at Wixom apparently was not functioning properly, forcing dealers to rent out welding equipment all over the country to try and repair the structures as best they could.
They did, however, learn a lot of lessons in how to sturdy up a large unibody to a reliable level; the ’60s models were testament to that.
I know someone may ask this: Why did they do unibody for these cars? Because many knowledgeable engineers in the automotive industry back then believed unibody construction was the way of the future (go figure 🙄!). Engineers at Ford wanted to get the jump on the rest of the industry, which was why they built the Wixom plant. They had already committed to making the Thunderbird a unibody car, but those alone were not enough to recapture the cost of the plant. They needed another car to build, one that could keep Wixom busy but didn’t necessarily have too large a demand in order to keep construction in control. The Lincoln qualified.
I would also guess that Weil unit Body cars were the way of the future, and everyone else went that way except Detroit, there were two reasons for going back to Body on frame for Lincoln
1. having everything body on frame made it much cheaper across the fleet, because you had much more ability to stretch production across multiple factories, according to demand.
because body on frame is inherently more flexible, I suspect you get the softer ride, which was so prized back then
Geez, guess the seller is certainly not looking for top dollar, considering he couldn’t be bothered with cleaning it up even a little bit. Looks like this car has been sitting a long time. The window sticker shows that it has only been driven about 5K miles in the last 46 years. And those modern additions he added: the scented tree and the bungee cord battery tie down. Tells me a lot about the maintenance this car has had.
For some there comes a time when simply being rid of an automobile large or small without any further effort or cash outlay is the goal.
The scented tree and bungee cord implies that’s Charlie’s goal. I give him credit for an honest presentation without attempting to disguise the Lincolns’ status. In the pre internet days a newspaper advert one could get a seller’s phone description that failed spectacularly to be accurate or honest.
Looks like it may have a rear main bearing seal by all the wet oil on the backside of the engine and bell housing. Nothing is mentioned on that, but worth looking or questioning all that oil.
I was 11 years old in 1958 and a woman in our rural northern California area drove a car like this only in pale yellow. She never allowed her kids to ride the school bus so I’d always see that big Lincoln at the school for drop off and pick up. For the most part the men in our area were construction workers and never drove new cars or at least not Lincoln or Cadillac models, so her car stood out like a sore thumb. If you’ve ever watched the tv show Perry Mason you probably notice Paul Drake driving a convertible 1958 Lincoln at one point.
God Bless America
Wasn’t Paul Drake Hedda Hopper’s son?
Yes Paul was played by Heddas son William Hopper. To my knowledge his only significant role. Legend has it that he got that role because of Heddas influence. See, I can report gossip with the best. Hedda and Louella! 😉
My guess would be that this car was part of an estate of a relative to the current owner….sticker on windshield is from Texas and the car is now in Virginia. Needs a thorough going thru. and interior/exterior detailing would really wake this old girl up. Hope it goes to someone that will appreciate it and take care of it.
First of all the Lincoln had the regular type rear window. The Continental had the slanted roll down window. Second thing is that the car is blocked from rolling by two stones. That means the brakes don’t work and the emergency brake may work but won’t release. ( no vacuum from the engine) The wheels alone will cost $500 to fix. Each wheel.The fuel tank has a big dent in it. That could change the fuel level reading if the fuel gauge works. Ya there are things here that will need your attention but if you buy the car right like under 5k then whatever you have to spend to get everything fixed will not be worth more than the car will cost you. It’s a beautiful car and easy to work on and parts are very available too. This is a great car and worth t least $15,000 on today’s market. I think the low bids are just from people who are afraid of working on this car. I’d take it in a minute but I have no garage to keep it in.
If by “garage-kept car” he means “left outdoors for years” I’ll definitely agree with him there.
Left in my father’s garage really!
I love it when the seller chimes in to respond to negative comments. Thanks for responding with tact and no defensiveness, Charlie, and good luck with the auction.
Charlie,👍! If I were younger, I’d be at your door with cash in hand! AND honesty is a rare virtue today! Here’s hoping someone appreciates this MONUMENT to the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT and gives it a loving home!
These Lincolns are the best examples of the late 50s excess everything. These Lincolns have it all, size and styling , and luxury. It’s easy to see Ford through every over the top excessive styling cues of the era. These Lincolns show up in late 50s movies and TV, they had such a presence, that makes them very photogenic. I was just 3 years old in 1958. But I remember seeing them on the streets of Los Angeles. They were very popular with the Hollywood celebrities and you can see why. I always ask myself how did the automotive stylists come up with such interesting designs like the canted headlights and sculptured body lines. It’s safe to say this kind of styling wasn’t for everyone, but I like it. Chrysler used the canted headlights on the 6262, I mean to say the 61and 62 full-size Chryslers. It’s an interesting design in any event. It’s also safe to say we will never see this kind of creative styling ever again. So in their own ways they are a major part of automotive styling history. The late 50s American cars capture the industry capabilities available for the first time and it s a icon of the times. They made cars like this because they could. Lincolns have always been known for their progressive designs and that’s what an American luxury car should be. I love cars and our Lincolns are one of the many reasons that I do. 50 years from now there won’t be any cars for us to be fascinated by. No one will be fascinated by the boring used bar of soap in different shades of grey and black plastic cars we have today. I for one is sick of seeing nothing but SUVs everywhere I look. No one could have ever seen this is what was going to happen to those beautiful works of art that was once the automotive standard. That’s so sad.
There’s a story that some states had issues with the size of these cars, threatening to mandate truck lights on them. Lincoln wanted to outdo Cadillac in every way; and they did just that, except in sales. But the recession that hit the country at the same time caused pain for most of the industry, so it wasn’t a Lincoln-exclusive problem.
That’s funny. Lincoln never outdid Cadillac, ever. Yes they tried but were always several steps behind.
No Stinking Lincoln’s!
William, 50 years from now most of us will be dead! LOL. I, for one would be 120!
But you are right, there is nothing in today’s SUVs exciting, including the colors
The 58-60 Continentals ARE NOT LINCOLNS. Nowhere will you find “Lincoln” on the car. Also, these Continentals were the largest American production car at the time, the Imperial was next largest followed by Cadillac.
One can make a case for that for the 1956 in 1957 Continental Mark II, , because, although designed under Ford management, the cars were produced in a separate Continental division, which rated the Lincoln parts box for everything mechanical on their lovely vehicles. I believe the last few hundred Marcos were produced after the continental division had been dissolved.
The later “lost” Continentals were not built by a separate division, but by Lincoln, using the Continental brand as part of its pricing strategy.
It did not have a unique body, but used higher grade trim parts.
in any case, even the separate continental division was a figment of a corporate flow chart. All planning for the products were done at Ford before the division was created.
Amen and Hallelujah to that! All current vehicles are so generic, designed by computers! The creative stylists are gone. Like so much in civilization(?) 🤔 automotive styling and the great cars we fondly recall are forever Gone With the Wind.
I had a 60 convertible and a 59 convertible. Like a dum dum, I was talked into selling the 59. Rust free unlike the 60 that was showing its age. I knew I was in trouble when I replaced the brake lines. Long story short one day while bebopping around the car was making banging noises. Like the Titanic, the ship was breaking, yup, the body sagged and the doors would no longer open and the top,”which I had working quite well” no longer would screw to the windshield header. I switched to a 60 Caddy convertible which I still have. All that remains of my Lincoln is it top boot and wheel covers. I still have a soft spot and actually would prefer a 4 door if I ever decided to get another.
Not exactly the best looking car in 1958,i would agree with others here,Chrysler had some of the best looking cars in 58′ and just as powerful.One of this car’s best features is that 430 cubic inches under the hood…
Chrysler had some terrific designs but when you sat in one you didn’t have the luxury that you had in the Lincoln. Just my two cents worth.
It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! I love it. 56 Lincolns won an award for styling. 57 added fins and chrome! 58 through 60 Lincolns and Continentals clearly beat Cadillac in OTT excessive luxury and size! Not until 73 Lincolns did they return to gargantuan size and OTT divinely Decadent monuments to the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT! Let the current crop of melted jelly beans eat my dust! On to VERSAILLES! 🏰 😉
I suppose the lack of A/C is the reason this car weighs in at a relatively measly 4,888 lbs.; most A/C-fitted cars go over 5,000. Still, it’s surprising that an example of the largest unibody car ever built is so relatively light. This car is nicer than many others I’ve seen, save for one white example I saw in central Texas 20 years ago. These cars unfortunately had issues with their construction, which apparently was revealed back then. A designer who worked for Ford then said the then-new welding machinery in the Wixom plant didn’t work properly, which left dealers to deal with repairing the welds, causing a shortage of rental equipment across the country. As if the structure wasn’t enough trouble, the rear suspension caused problems also, forcing Lincoln to ditch the coil/balloon design and revert to leaf springs by ’60 (and ditch the air-suspension option after ’59). That said, I still have an interest in seeing these cars. I hope this one gets to a good home.
This comment more than amplifies the view of Elmer Rohn, head of development and the interior or the Continental Mark II – Continental historian.
“While the internet has always been a boon to research on this subject, it is also a huge disseminator of bad information. It doesn’t help that contributor-driven data-bases have little credibility and that automotive information websites, auction houses, and evaluators have it wrong and perpetuate incorrect information. I’ll rely on technical data over advertising, any day.”
Per Hagerty dot com – “No matter what the advertising says, the 1958 Continental Mark III is actually a Lincoln” – 22 Nov 2019.
The Hemmings dot com Sep 24 2018 research article “1958 -1960 Lincoln Mark III, IV and V Continentals”, adds more data. Herb Scheffer, president of The Lincoln/Mercury Old Parts Store and a specialist in 1958 – 1960 Lincolns.
Herb states, “If rust has gone too far, it’s a monumental job to repair because you have to make sure the body is true before you start cutting”.
Herb has repaired and restored 1958 – 1960 Lincoln unibodies, and cautions that it’s a chore. “I’ve used rectangular thick wall tubing to rebuild rocker sections before, and the last unibody rebuild I did some years ago cost along the lines of $10,000 to $12,000.”
There is no, absolutely no, comment about unibody welds failing which is internet misinformation of the worst kind which one hopes will find few credulous readers.
A comment chock-a-block with preposterous poppycock would peg Click and Clack’s Bo-oh-oh-gus meter.
These ’58 through ’60 Lincolns were love at first sight for me. Of the three luxury makes during these years, these appeared the most modern ones. Unfortunate truths in some engineering details popped up when new, and years later. The other two makes had their shortcomings as well, as time went on. As far as ugly goes, I’ll take ’50s and ’60s ugly over 21st century any day. I still like the Cadillac and Imperials of the era, just more impressed with Lincoln.
Amen and Hallelujah to that! Great minds drive the same roads. See my other comments! 👍
Jeff, so you obviously feel that a 58 Impala convertible is not a good looking car? You’re one of the rare few,if so.
He’s only talking about Cadillac, Imperial and Lincoln. I’m sure Alan will agree that the 58 Chevy was a landmark design appreciated by many people.
I’m digging the breezeway window. Styling by committee but I really like it.
I thought the design had new concepts which became common in the ’60s and later, like a square roof line, a fairly flat hood and trunk lid requiring you to lift luggage up, and power window switches mounted on the armrests, as well as front armrests with ductwork to send ventilation and heat to the rear passengers. Although the front fenders were strange, the isolated canted headlights and eggcrate grill were much better than their revisions in 1959 and 1960. I think the floating dash design is innovative, not unlike what GM was doing with the first Toronado and front drive cars like Skylark and Reatta in the mid to late 80’s. Also, the dash is tall and wide, looking much more like from the 1970s than 1950s. Also very cool is the ventilation control , which is pulley-driven by a knob, much like audio controls on a 1959 Zenith console Hi Fi which I grew up with. The carburetor was a modern 4 barrel design from Holley with detachable primary and secondary float bowls. You could also get options like a limited slip differential and an automatic lubrication system which delivered grease to steering components, eliminating the need for a grease gun( in theory ). Despite its size, it was quicker than many sports cars, doing 0 to 60 in 8.5 seconds. You often saw 1958 Lincolns on Alfred Hitchcock Presents from the late 50’s, for example” The Crooked Road “with Patricia Breslin and Walter Matthau. I looked at one just like this sedan back in early 1991 for $800 and REALLY wanted to buy it despite the rust underneath, but had no space to store it since I didn’t yet own a home. It’s an ambitious design which has been overlooked by history!
The Lincoln’s 0 to 60 time is impressive for a 1958 behemoth clocking in at two and half tons. Although it could win a stop light drag race with sports cars and other Detroit iron the clientele pursued by Lincoln to purchase a Continental Mark III in 1958 seem unlikely to engage in such sport.
There were 1958 Sports Cars that could easily dust off the Continental at the stop light:
The AC Bristol D2 0 to 60 of 7.3 seconds with disc brakes and top speed of 116 mph was created to win races.
The Jaguar XK-150-S roadster also clocks 7.3 seconds and disc brakes with a top speed of 136 mph.
Rust underneath and lack of a garage may have been a saving grace. Check out Hemmings dot com research article titled “1958-1960 Lincoln Mark III, IV and V Continentals where Herb Scheffer, president of The Lincoln/Mercury Old Parts Store describes in detail the costs involved in rehabbing a Mark III.
Yes, but you could stow both the AC Bristol and Jaguar XK roadster in the trunk of the Mark III, and still have room for 5 bodies and a set of golf clubs.
One odd thing on the ’58 Mark III I looked at was that it still had vacuum powered windshield wipers. With all its other gizmos, you’d think they’d be electric like on its competitors( I assume they did).
By 1961, they were hydraulic( powered by the steering pump ) and the speed control was infinitely variable.
Around 1972 I was working in a used auto parts yard. I had the traumatic task of driving a white 1958 Lincoln into the yard, backing it into an empty space in one of the rows and shutting its engine off for the final time. I don’t believe any parts were ever sold off of it and it was eventually replaced by something newer. I’ve never forgotten this event. Maybe bidding on this one will ease my conscience. Just a little bit.
A parts yard was going out of business and all the cars were being crushed and sold. The owner had singled out one 1958 Lincoln hardtop that actually ran and tried to save it. I asked how much and he said $400. I begge all over to try to raise that money and couldn’t do it so I never went back. I always hoped that car found a good home I’ll never forget the sight of that beautiful car sitting amongst all those crushed cars looking very forlorn.
@Barnfinds – Is there a way to scroll through the photographs or do I have to open and close each one individually? On your regular listings you can scroll through the few you post.
The image should pop-up in a window that you can scroll through them. Do you have JavaScript disabled?
javascript is enabled. I think it’s a Firefox issue. It works fine with Chrome.
Absolute stunning example of American ingenuity and prominence. Good luck to the new owner, thanks to the original seller.
WOW, I can’t remember a posting that engendered as many comments from readers.
Didn’t Fantomworks (Dan Stevens former TV show) do one of these? I seem to recall that they had a major issue with the power steering pump which, unlike the typical external pump, was integral to the front of the engine.
Also, while one may not like the front design (I like it), those headlights and the chrome surrounds were used in any number of custom cars in the 60s and 70s.
Dan Short, not Stevens. One of the best car shows on TV along with Kindigit Designs.
The power steering pump on these cars slipped onto the crankshaft over a key and was bolted to the block at the front. When the crank turned it tuned the pump to pump the juice and steer the car. I defy you to turn the car with no power running. It just doesn’t work. Actually I’ve never heard of any problems with that pump although there may have been a few. if you ever had to change the crank seal in front you had to just about disassemble the whole front end including removing the PS box to change the seal.
After reading all it was wonderful to see so many others feel as I do about cars, all cars. Respect and love for them and those who care for them. I love Lincoln’s, go Continentals.
Remember that dual headlights, separate high and low beams became legal in 1958. Stylist were exploring different ways of arranging the headlights.
Chrysler and even Rolls Royce gave diagonal lights a shot
Amazing car! Yes. It’s huge. Yes. It’s outlandish. Yes it had issues. ( suspension, transmission etc.) -but it is a great example of “the sky’s the limit!” mentality of that era. My Dad was a Cadillac man, until a 1980 diesel Eldorado, as he said, “broke him of Cadillacs”. He had a ‘58 Sedan DeVille, but I remember him admiring a ‘58 Lincoln Continental.
Now we drive computerized Japanese Jellybeans- between recalls. I look at cars like this and feel a sense of loss for where we find ourselves today.
It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds 🐦! I LOVE it! 56 Lincoln won an award for design. 57 added fins. 58 through 60 Lincolns and Continentals out did Cadillac in OTT excessive chromed luxury. Not to be found again until 73 Lincolns! LINCOLN, what a Luxury car should be and once was! My current 2007 is the last gasp of traditional American Luxury sedans! Let the SUVS and crossovers eat my dust! 😉 On to VERSAILLES! 🏰
Amen and Hallelujah to that. In so many ways we find ourselves mourning the loss of a life style when things were SO much better. Think about finding a pre owned vehicle. My 2007 Town Car just turned 73,000. But FMC Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and TOWN CARS easily go 300,000 with minimal repairs when properly maintained.
Questions:
1) I see a disconnected fuel pump at the front of the engine. Has an electric pump been substituted somewhere?
2) Do you know why the ignition key switch is not installed in the dash?
3) I am assuming that it is surface mold I am seeing on all surfaces in the cabin and trunk. This type of mold does not concern me – it cleans right up.
GLWTA!
Yes, an electric pump has been substituted.
Yes, we had a lock smith getting keys matched.
Yes, surface mold cleans up well.
Sorry for delay, just saw this.
My uncle had a 58 Connie 4 door, what a beauty! I always loved that car. My aunt had a 56 Deville, but I always wanted to ride in the Connie. Seeing that black beauty brings back many fond memories. I’d put in a bid I but my wife would kill me.
C Edwards here!
I have to sell this car or my wife will kill me!! LOL LOL
Keep the car! But definitely have a pre nup!
Wasn’t LSD invented in the late fifties? Coincidence?
Fifties? I don’t remember. Was that before the sixties or after?
lol lol!
It still is the fifties isn’t it?
Definitely wish we still had overall 50s era of optimism, which produced these fabulous vehicles. CHROME, fins and monster V8s made America 🇺🇸 great back THEN! Please don’t think I am in ANY way a Make America Gag 🤮 Again follower!
Actually synthesized in 1930s commercialy marketed to Clinicians from 1947 to 1965…. Perhaps fords stylists got caught up in MKUltra? unlikely.
1940s by Sandoz.
Can I fly in and drive back to Georgia?
Ya gotta do the brakes first and make sure it runs ok and doesn’t overheat. Then check all the lights and the wipers and the tires and off you go.
Looks like vacuum wipers from their position.
They did have vacuum windshield wipers but that can be change to electric now.
Yes, can fly in, but you will have to sit in the front seat, on a trailer and pretend to drive it back. 😄
1958 was the first year that the four headlight system was legal, so designers were experimenting
OOPS! My bad. This is the wrong post for this car. I take it all back cause thought I was talking about a 66 Cadillac and not this Lincoln. Besides the price is over 6k now and that’s taking a pretty big gamble if ya ask me.
I have a question for the blue oval faithful, why does this cars engine have a higher horsepower rating then anything I can remember reading about save for the FE427 side oiler ! Is this motor a limited edition FE that could lay down rubber like a GT40? Have I been tricked all these years into thinking a hot rod Lincoln really did exist?
Could it be that it is a “gross” horsepower number, used before around 1974, and not the later “net” horsepower?
Gross horsepower is a lot higher, but calculated on a bench with all fans, accessories, belts, etc removed. The test stops when the engine is fried. Net horsepower is as the engine is installed in the car.
Not sure about your question, but my 78 Town Coupe with 460 could easily let others eat my exhaust! 😉 Even my current Town Car can lay down some rubber when needed.
I would imagine that there were many Hot Rod Lincolns around the country. This 430 engine was made by Mercury and used in all the Lincolns and some of the other larger cars. There were even Tbirds with this engine although I think it was a special order. Ford had wrung just about every bit of power out of the 430 and to this day you won’t find too many “power building” parts for it but Ford did squeeze a bit more from it later on with the 460 and that was known to spin rear tires around the rim as well as laying rubber all over the place. Even with a 5000 pound car this engine will set you back in your seat when you stepped on the pedal. If it had wings it would have actually flown with little effort.
I think this is what was known as an MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) engine. It was a completely different animal and wasn’t designed for high RPMs. It was designed to move heavy cars around.
Kindigit did a pretty good job of knocking the ugly out of one of these. One of the best builds they ever did!
1958 Lincoln Continental “Maybellene”, but it was a convertible. I think they sorted out whether it was a Lincoln or a Continental on the show too.
Maybelline keeps on doin the things she shouldn’t do! Including motivatin over the hill in a Coupe de Ville! 😲
Alas my friends, perhaps I can shed a little light on some of your observations.
Some history. I have owned a 60 MK5 conv [my second one] for many years. Was built on a line next to the TB and shared many components.
So here goes. Weight as explained to me by my late friend Miles Spickler, head of the NVH team for the car. Unibody to save weight due to it’s size. Originally would flex so much on the road that they would break out the windshield. After reinforcing, weight grew. 2. Dash [square ugly box] was replaced in 60 by four pod design. 3.Tail lights on 60 are the same as 62-3 Comet. 4. PS pump leak. There is an aftermarket seal that fixex this. DS at FW obviously didn’t know this frustrating himself. 5. HP. The 58 was 375HP &490 torque. Largest, most powerful on the street. 427 side oiler didn’t come out until much later. 6. Lincoln name does appear on a label over the glove box. Enough for now. Love the car [obviously] Cream , red int. draws much attention.
If it’s so damn awesome would someone please buy it? I’ve never seen so many comments on a single vehicle here. It’s loading up my inbox because this is the second time it’s been listed.
On a side note, has anyone ever heard “it drives like a Lincoln?” No, it drives like a “Cadillac’ enough said.
Surprised someone hasn’t bought it. There has seldom been such a car like this. If I were in the market, I would be at the sellers door with cash in hand. I’ve had Cadillacs and Lincolns. The only Cadillac that really measured up was my 89 Fleetwood Brougham deElegance. My current 2007 Town Car Signature Limited is part of the last generation which was once referred to as the American ROLLS-ROYCE. Driving my Town Car is like driving and riding on a CLOUD ☁️.
Hi there.Does anyone know what was the last reserve for this car?
Big, weird, with a huge engine. I would love to have it!
I know the purists will hate this, but this just begs to be a mild custom. Shaved door handles, bagged, etc.
OMG! Sacrilege! 👎 😮 👎 😔 😟 👎.
We have all heard the negative comments about these Lincolns, and how Ford lost boatloads of money on these model years. But I think they were everything a late 50s American luxury car should be. We can even say these cars weren’t for everyone, but I like them. They had plenty of power, along with many other state of the art accessories. I like how big they are, and even the canted headlights. I read most of the comments posted here and the message comes through most of us really liked them. I’ll never understand why the Cadillacs out sold the Lincolns and the Imperials. It’s not fair. Ford pushed the limits with these, and I’m glad they did.
Even though Lincoln and Cadillac are direct competition, in my opinion the Lincoln Continentals and Town Cars are far superior to the Cadillacs,especially during the 1970s. Actually I’d say that’s true of the 60s, the 80s and then in 1990 Lincoln did a complete re do of the entire car. Motor Trend named the 1990 Town Car, car of the year, and rightfully so. Ford moved the Lincolns to the Fox Platform along with most of Ford’s to the Fox Platform where they stayed until the. Platform was retired. Ford really got it right with the Fox Platform. I remember a business trip to New York in the late 90s, I was really surprised to see the Town Cars being used as upscale taxis. They were everywhere, they were unmarked and they were all black. I took that as the highest compliment that could be paid for the Town Cars. I remember thinking how great New York was because of that. They weren’t using Cadillacs.
LINCOLN, What a Luxury CAR should be and once was!
A recent article referred to these last generation Town Cars as the American ROLLS-ROYCE! Totally agree!
Say what you will about these Lincolns, and we all have. Very few cars manage to get as many comments as this Lincoln. A very high compliment as I see it. And, most of the comments are complimentary, and I like that.
Nobody ever says “It drives like a Lincoln” And I like that!
The same year Caddy would have sold already…for more double!