If you were making a short list of iconic American movies, National Lampoon’s Animal House would have to be near the top of your list.  This unexpected hit in 1978 set the standards for college behavior and fraternity hijinks for an entire nation.  One of the stars of that hilarious comedy was the “Deathmobile.”  Created by George Barris out of a 1966 Lincoln Continental, almost identical to the 1967 model for sale here on eBay in Saint Louis, Missouri, the “Deathmobile” was a crucial part of the revenge that the Deltas unleashed on Dean Wormer and their enemies.  While the car seen here is a four-door convertible rather than a sedan like in the movie, the makings of an awesome replica are all there.  The top has to come off anyway, so you have already saved a step.  Those who are still interested and haven’t slunk off in disgust can log in and place a bid in excess of the $10,100 current offer.  Are you ready to cut the cake and be the coolest car owner in your town?

Before our readers send Marmalard, Neidermeyer, and the rest of the Omega House goons to throw a beating on me for suggesting the desecration of a Lincoln of this vintage, hear me out.  A look at the pictures of this car suggests that a full restoration is in order.  The seller is characteristically parsimonious in their description.  All we are told is that it is a “1967 Lincoln CoContinentalonvertible black with white interior, with bucket seats rare option. The cars pretty much rust-free for the most part. The careeds to be restored and the desired collectible.”

If we go by what the seller tells us, then this Lincoln is restorable.  The issue seems to be the total possible cost of a restoration.  Debuting in 1961 on a stretched Thunderbird chassis, these Lincolns were a rolling demonstration of the abilities of the Lincoln Division.  The complex twin hydraulic cylinder power top system required a lid that lifted itself whenever the top was raised and lowered, and when the trunk had to be opened to prevent interference.  These cars also featured a power window system that lowered the rear window slightly whenever the rear door had to be opened, while the front door was closed, to prevent weatherstripping damage.  If that weren’t enough to scare you and your voltmeter off, these beasts also had a litany of warning lights in the dash, and almost every part of the car seemed to have some sort of electronics attached to it.

Add to the electrical complexities the cost of replacing both the convertible top and the expansive leather interior.  Sadly, we are provided just a single picture of the interior.  This reveals that the door panels on the passenger side are not present, and it also calls into question whether this car has been outside with the top down.  The plush carpeting and the sound insulation layered underneath would surely hold a small pond’s worth of moisture.

We are also not shown a picture of the engine or given any information as to its status.  The car should have a 462 cubic inch big-block V-8 under the hood with a three-speed C-6 automatic transmission.  According to the ad, the car has 54,000 miles.  This is likely the original mileage if we work on the theory that cars like this weren’t driven much.  At a scale crushing 5,712 pounds, these were some of the heaviest automobiles ever made in America.

Make no mistake, these cars are spectacular when restored.  You can also factor in that 1967 was the last year for the Lincoln Continental four-door convertible, or any other four-door convertible, for that matter.  With the bidding already north of $10,000, chances are this car will end up in the hands of either a restorer or a customizer itching to slam it and add some hydraulics and huge wheels with super low-profile tires.  Either way will take a fortune and a lot of time.  Just remember that third option that the kid in all of us wants….

What would you do with this Lincoln?  Would it be sacrilegious to make it into a Deathmobile replica?  Please share your thoughts in the comments.