With a 131-inch wheelbase, the 1958-60 Lincoln Continentals would be the longest cars ever built by Ford Motor Co. (excluding those with 5 mph bumpers). They were tank-like in size and visual impression, designed to give Cadillac and Imperial a bigger run for the money. This 1960, a Mark V, looks to have been stored for quite a while and critters have managed to find their way into the passenger compartment. Located in Muri, Michigan, this land yacht is one of several vintage cars being offered by the seller. It can be found here on craigslist for $3,550. Thanks, Gunter Kramer, for sending this BIG tip our way!
To build a better case for competing with the other luxury brands, the Continental model line was more closely integrated with Lincoln, differing primarily in roofline, trim, and grille. The cars were completely new for 1958-60 and midway through the run Lincoln and Continental became a single division. These would be the first all-new unibody designs since World War II. Hand-built construction was gone, and the Continental shared a common chassis and much of its exterior with the Lincoln Premiere. The Continentals of this generation are noted for their diagonal headlights (referred to as “Slant-Eyes Monsters” by the production department) and the “Breezeway” rear window whose glass would disappear into the trunk.
For 1960, nearly 25,000 Lincolns were built and almost half that number would be the Continental Mark V. More than 6,600 were 4-door hardtop sedans like the seller’s car. These cars were equipped with a 430 cubic inch V8 that produced 315 hp coupled with an automatic transmission. No mention is made if the seller’s car runs or is anywhere near to that happening, so we’ll assume engine work is going to be needed, especially after 80,000 miles.
The once dark blue Lincoln has rust issues as you might expect. The lower rocker panels and fenders have been affected, largely due to Michigan roads that were salted during the winter months. There are a few little dents and dings, and more are likely to be found once the car is brought out into the light of day. The interior had a shot at holding up to Father Time until one or more raccoons managed to squeeze their way inside the car’s living quarters through a broken window. The damage they created is not reflected in the photos provided. The result is that this old girl is going to needs loads of TLC is to be viable again. But you can be the first kid on your block to own one!
Sadly, this looks like one that is destined to be a parts donor for a car in better shape. The top cushion of the rear seat appears to be the only part that has survived untouched. The costs of restoration/rust/mechanical repairs will probably have someone underwater. GLWTS!! :-)
Sadly, I have to concur. At least it would not be a complete loss if some of those parts could be use to help restore another
I would make it a high school auto class low rider project.
Saw 1960 on a Auto repair show on tv and was a runner parts are real hard to get so parts car May be it’s best bet
I think you are right. Phantom works if im not mistaken.
I saw the TV show. The power steering pump is run directly off of the front of the crank. It was a major job to find parts to repair it. The owner of the shop said, “Never again”.
Polarizing styling (90% hated it, 10% loved it), almost in Edsel territory. Saw a thread yesterday below a photo of a restored one, some old timers reported 4 MPG in town and 9 on the highway. The new ’61 was a night and day comparison. Not many will like it enough to invest the substantial cash needed.
My old man had one of these around 1966. Was lucky to get 4 mpg. Flipped it after about 3 weeks of ownership. What a piece it was.
I look at these 4 door classics that are too far to restore and wonder what can be done other than parts cars. Then I see The Hulk Camino who blend the best of the body design into something completely different.
https://totalcostinvolved.com/testimonials/1959-el-camino-hulk-camino-chris-walker/
Buy it and send to Ian Roussel ! Send the a blank check to.
I would love to see Ian get ahold of this and collaborate with Gene down the road for a period style redo
The Hulk Camino was on display just a few steps from my car ar SEMA 2019; it looks like a full-size Hot Wheels car. It definitely got a lot of attention.
I’d go for the 41 Buick behind it.
Three things:
1) This is a 430 CID engine, not a 460 as the seller speculates. This engine was also used in some Mercurys and some Edsels.
2) These cars did NOT get 4 mpg. That’s ridiculous. Average overall fuel mileage was about 10 mpg, less in city driving, a bit more on the highway. Just as you’d expect for the engine size and vehicle weight.
3) If the dividing line between “parts car” and “restoration candidate” was whether or not the owner would be ‘underwater’ after undertaking the project, there would be very, very, few restored vintage cars extant. Just saying.
Watch the other drivers cower when you show up in a demo derby with this monster.
The 430 wasen”t used in any Edsel…the biggest motor used was in 1958…the 410 cu.in…with the 475 on the valve covers- which was the torque rating….
Thanks for the correction, Al. The 410 is the same engine with a slightly smaller bore, but you are right that the 430 displacement wasn’t used in the Edsel.
My mistake. What I should have said is that the 430 was used in some Mercurys and some Thunderbirds.
I agree 100% with #2 and #3 in cyclemikey’s comments. And #3 should be a statement printed every time under the heading of this site. Of course, that would eliminate many, many comments from those looking to flip vehicles here…!
I owned one of these. So wish I had it back.
Edsel never used a 430 cu in engine…the biggest was used in 1958= 410 cu in..475 LbFt torque number was painted on both valve covers….