Project candidates come in all shapes and sizes, and picking one that suits your taste, circumstances, and budget can be challenging. An enthusiast with a family might find a Corvette impractical, but vehicles like this 1967 Lincoln Continental Sedan could be the ideal choice. It is structurally sound and complete. The Lincoln runs and drives, and the winning bidder could tackle each aspect of the restoration as time and their finances allow. This classic has been part of the same family for over thirty years, but the time has come for it to head to a fresher field. Therefore, the owner has listed this gentle giant exclusively with us at Barn Finds Auctions.

Lincoln unveiled a new Continental for the 1961 model year, marking a seismic shift in styling. Gone were the fins and acres of chrome, replaced by a more conservative and elegant appearance that made the car an ideal choice for Heads of State. This Continental has been part of the same family for approximately thirty years. It has served as a daily driver several times during that period, a role it has fulfilled admirably. It wears what the owner believes is its original Arctic White paint, which looks tired and oxidized. It can achieve a reasonable shine when polished, but the accumulated chips and cracks suggest a cosmetic refresh is warranted. The driver’s side front fender and bumper were damaged a year ago, and while they aren’t beyond salvation, a quick search reveals that a nice secondhand fender can be for under $300. It is a similar story with the few missing trim pieces, with the usual online auction sites proving a goldmine of affordable parts. The Lincoln has spent its time in the favorable climates around Denver, Colorado, and northwest New Mexico. That makes its lack of structural rust unsurprising. The floors and door frames are rock-solid, with the only steel penetration visible in the lower rear quarter panels, rear doglegs, and a couple of spots in the back door corners. The minor nature of these means patching is a viable approach. The winning bidder could fabricate these, although several companies stock the parts that would make it a simple “cut and weld” exercise. The windshield is cracked, but the remaining glass is in good order. The car rolls on chrome wheels and Moon hubcaps, but the owner includes a set of original hubcaps if the buyer decides to pursue a more stock appearance. The seller has included three YouTube clips that provide an excellent overview of this classic’s overall condition and mechanical health. They are worth watching because they offer a comprehensive insight into what is required to return this gem to its former glory.

Although it is physically smaller than its predecessor, the 1967 Continental is still a heavy beast. It tips the scales at 5,256 lbs, meaning it requires something special under the hood if performance can be considered respectable. Lincoln delivered with its 462ci V8. This powerplant produces 340hp and 485 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic, while power assistance for the steering and brakes was integral to the 1967 Continental package. It isn’t a muscle car, but it is surprisingly quick off the mark. However, a vehicle of this caliber comes into its own on the open road, where it will effortlessly devour the miles while isolating its occupants from the outside world. This classic runs and drives, although it does require some mechanical TLC. The videos included in this article confirm the engine starts easily and the car rolls along quite nicely. The rings suffer blow-by, meaning an engine rebuild will be required relatively soon. The transmission shifts smoothly, and there are no other mechanical issues. The tires are approximately six years old but have only covered a few thousand miles. They have plenty of life left in them and could last for years if the buyer limits the use to weekend outings. The owner acknowledges he has experienced some fuel starvation on warm days courtesy of ethanol evaporation. However, he installed a carb spacer and an electric helper pump, consigning the fault to history. The ignition has been converted to a more reliable Petronix electronic system, and those are the only mechanical modifications.

Addressing the shortcomings we’ve seen with this Continental’s exterior and drivetrain are all straightforward, affordable, and within the scope of what a competent person could tackle in a home workshop. The interior may consume a few dollars, but the potential value of this classic, if returned to its former glory, makes it a worthwhile investment. The front seat cover has split, and the springs on the driver’s side have collapsed. The rear seat cover has succumbed to UV damage across the top, meaning both require new covers. These are available, although they aren’t as cheap as other classics from this era. The front power windows require switch rebuilds, and the air conditioning hasn’t worked for three decades. The clock is inoperative, and the power antenna doesn’t go all the way up or down. Those are the main issues requiring attention, although the seller notes a few minor ones in the videos. The A/C and switch rebuilds will require specialist attention. Still, the remaining tasks could be tackled in a home workshop if the buyer wants to feel satisfied and minimize restoration expenses.

Okay, this 1967 Lincoln Continental requires TLC, but it is a project that could involve the entire family. The reward at the end could be threefold. The finished product would offer a luxurious motoring experience, and the car would draw crowds if returned to its former glory. The interior refurbishment will consume a few dollars, but even those costs won’t be prohibitively high. If the new owner performs the build well, a value above $28,000 is possible in the current market. Perfection would push the figure significantly higher. Considering what is required, this project makes sound economic sense. That appears to be a good reason to submit a bid on this gentle giant.

• Location: Aurora, Colorado
• Mileage: 37,763 Miles Shown
• Engine: 462ci V8
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic
• VIN: 7Y82G809030
• Title Status: Clean

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