I have never seen an Engel vintage Lincoln Continental, such as this 1961 example, wearing that shade of yellow. But sure enough, it’s Sunburst Yellow, a genuine ’61 Lincoln color. It just doesn’t seem to be in keeping with the formal, buttoned-up bearing that this vintage Continental would command. Regardless, it’s a fine-looking example of some of the best that Lincoln had to offer. This big convertible is located in Overland Park, Kansas and is available, here on eBay for a BIN price of $52,000. There is a make an offer option too.
The seller states, “I received this beautiful car as a gift from my husband. This is a well cared for 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible. Originally owned by a lawyer in Memphis who drove it annually in the Elvis Presley Christmas Parade“. Well, it’s quite a gift I must say. There’s no word as to how long the seller has owned it, or what, if anything has been done to it over the years, but its presentation is not to be denied. The finish, chrome, stainless trim, top – all of it, shows as new. I initially questioned the correctness of the wide-whites, but period Lincoln promotional material shows those as being correct. The mileage is recorded as being only 48K miles but there is no claim to that number.
One of the more surprising things about Lincolns of this generation is the size of the hood and hood opening, it seems fairly small for an automobile of this size. Regardless, it’s covering some sizeable power in the form of a 300 gross HP, 430 CI V8 engine. The seller doesn’t elaborate much on operational characteristics but does state, “We just had it serviced and it is ready to go“. Not surprisingly, a three-speed automatic transmission was the only gearbox choice in town.
Get a load of that interior! Don’t you wish modern cars showed a little more pizzaz like this Lincoln? Standard in convertible models was leather upholstery, and the cream and bronze two-tone combination works beautifully with the exterior color choice. There is no evidence of damage or needed repairs, front or back, and that includes the upholstery panels, dash pad, and carpet. Good to see is the inclusion of seatbelts. While instrument panels by ’61 weren’t quite the work of art that they had been ten years earlier, this one is certainly a standout. One of the few options available on a ’61 Continental was A/C but this example does not appear to be so equipped – not that surprising for an early ’60s convertible.
As much as I was surprised by the bright and cheerful Sunburst Yellow finish, basic black, or “Presidental Black” as designated in Lincoln’s catalog, just seems like the appropriate color for such a stately automobile. Regardless, this one’s an eye-catcher in my book, how about in yours?
Oooooh! – it was in the Elvis Parade?
That should make it worth AT LEAST twice as
much as one that didn’t.
Sorry to burst your bubble, but it was actually in the annual Elvis Costello parade. And his aim was true.
But at a slow speed does it do the Diana Krawl?
Good one!
JO
Is the seller’s name Allison?
I think I see the ac compressor and hoses in the upper left of the engine pic.
Dusty,
You are correct. The A/C vents are hidden behind a fold-down drawer in the center of the dash. In the photos it’s closed.
I love suicide doors. It’s what makes this Lincoln.
Good catch! I missed that at first you can see where they route to where the compressor would be on a 430 on the lower left.
Buddy had one of these said it moved out pretty good w 430ci.
Surprisingly fussy styling, once you get close to one.
And my Skylark was in “Young Rock” Does it make it worth more? Doubt it.
In 1961, the A/C unit was a single drop-down unit in the center of the dash. When not in use, it folds up into the dash, out of sight.
I wondered where the vents were. My dad had a ’61 Rambler, the vents were on the dash, you had to open two flaps on the dash for the cool air to come out.
Looks to be a pretty nice car. I owned this same year convertible also in yellow but mine had black interior. The seats in this car obviously have been recovered but sadly not even close to the original honey beige. Besides that detail and the top that has shrank over time it looks like a good buy. BTW it does have AC. The register in the center drops down when you want to use it.
The fold down AC vent is one of the things I like about the 61 and 62 continentals. It’s quite a piece of engineering! If I ever bought one I would have to have one with factory air!
It’s strange to me that a Lincoln would be in an Elvis (Presley or Costello, lol) parade, as Elvis Presley was known for gifting Cadillacs to people.
BTW, I’m still waiting on my delivery (supply chain issue?).
This is a beautiful car, love the color combo even if it’s not original. Fix the top and drive it.
Can anyone figure out what the dash plaque says?
Great Palm Springs colour. Torque from that engine is remarkable. Friend used a later hardtop as a tow car for his G Prod ex-Hanna Sprite. Much nicer than rolling a pickup.
Never had a convertible but had two 65 Continentals. They were both blue with blue leather interior. Loaded with all the goodies. A/c outlets were in the dash. Smooth riding cars. Had trouble with the transmission on one and the radio in both gave trouble. I don’t know if this car is worth $50k or not but it’s worth what someone will pay. That yellow color does stand out.
God bless America
No photos on eBay with the top down. Makes one wonder why.
Not sure why the writer questioned the wide whites. The car is a 61. All 61 whitewalls were wide whites like this (EXCEPT the very rare 61 Impala SS which came with a special narrow white wall tire as std.). Narrow whites (inch walls) came out for the 62 model year.
??? That’s exactly what I wrote: “I initially questioned the correctness of the wide-whites, but period Lincoln promotional material shows those as being correct“.
JO
My truck has been in numerous parades I will take a extra $75,000.00 for it if someone wants it I have parade pictures
Looks like the catalog model: https://www.xr793.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/1961-Lincoln-Continental.pdf
Love the car, love the colors.