Sometimes when a car emerges from a barn or shed after a long hibernation you can feel the excitement as you know that this car is destined to be returned to service in all of its former glory. Sometimes when these cars emerge you just know that their future is nowhere near as clear cut, and that a true enthusiast is going to be needed to save that car. This 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V Convertible is just such a car. Barn Finder Michael has once more hit the jackpot by locating this particular car and referring it to us, so thanks for that Michael. Listed for sale here on Craigslist this colossus is located in Paramus, New Jersey. It comes with a clean title and an asking price of $3,500.
The seller states that this poor Lincoln has been locked away in this barn for more than 30 years. Looking at it for any length of time helps you to realize the scope of the work that will be involved in reviving this gentle giant. Honestly it’s hard to know where to start. Okay, so let’s tackle the obvious first. The side glass appears like it may all be present, but there is no escaping the fact that the windshield and back window are both broken. Replacement glass is out there, but it isn’t cheap. The barn in which our car has spent the past 30 years appears to have a dirt floor, so that doesn’t auger well for the state of the underside of the car. There also appears to be various dings on the body as well as some rust visible in the rockers and the front fenders. Of course the presence of snow tires may also indicate that the car has been driven in less than ideal conditions, so the underside of the Lincoln is going to require some pretty careful inspection to determine whether restoration is viable.
In its day the interior of this Mark V has been rather a pleasant place to be. It featured sumptuous upholstery and air con to compliment that relaxed feel that is part and parcel of the convertible experience. Unfortunately all of that was a long time ago. There are obvious signs of wear and tear here, including damage to the instruments. Everything is coated with 30 years of dust and dirt. All of this without even considering the fact that this interior is anything but vermin-proof. I think that it’s probably a safe bet that not only has Stuart Little spent some time in residence, but he probably invited his furry family and friends to join the party. If so they will have inflicted their share of damage on both the interior trim and padding as well as the wiring.
This is as close as we get to a photo of the engine. There is obviously one there which should be the 430ci MEL V8, backed by the Turbo-Drive automatic transmission. We know little of the actual condition of the drive-train. The seller says that it does not run, but gives no indication as to whether the engine can even be turned by hand. Hope springs eternal though as he points out that the engine oil and transmission fluid are both in their rightful places and have shown no sign of leaking out.
Since I began writing for Barn Finds I have written about a few different Lincolns, but this one stands out from the others for a couple of reasons. Firstly it is the first Convertible Lincoln that I’ve written about. Secondly, it is probably in the worst condition of any Lincoln that I’ve written about. There were only 2,044 Convertibles built in 1960, which makes it a relatively rare car. One which was an older restoration finished in the same color combination as this one recently sold for $66,000 at auction. I would like to think that this old Lincoln will eventually be restored to its former glory, but it will be a special type of person who would take this on.
When I was in my 30s, I would see a project like this and think of the possibilities of what could be. Now, being in my late 50s, seeing a worthy, but daunting restoration project like this makes me cringe.
Please put this thing back into hiding, or better yet a crusher.
I was thinking the same thing, my age combined with the unibody structure creates a pass, which might have been a consider years ago.
There are cars that come out the factory doors all shiney and new and there still just but ugly. This is just such of a car. So if you think it was ugly then, and I do then you must really think it to be ugly now, and I do. You couldn’t give me this boat anchor I say it should be converted to garden tools. There’s a reason that only 2044 of these were sold, nobody wanted them.
The Barn Finds goodwill ambassador, ladies and gentlemen. Give him a big hand.
Thank you, thank you, thank you Tim, but really you shouldn’t be soooo generous with your praise.
I agree ,It’s one of the ugliest cars ever built. For that reason if no other it should be rest/// sorry I almost said restored,it should be saved.
Great car needs restored
Agreed- your attention is directed to Hitchcock’s North by Northwest:
Sorry all cars ever made weren’t fairmonts! I guess if every car, and person, and thing could look exactly alike, some people would be very happy. The’58-60 Lincoln’s were the Pekingese of Detroit. But I happen to like the courage it took to go for it.
I’m no big fan of these cars, but you said it. A bright red 4-speed big-block mid-size or pony car (pre-1972 of course) in every driveway or garage. If you can pick out your car on the show field without a VIN, you’re doing it wrong. Let’s all kneel and face Scottsdale three times a day.
Deep dark money pit.
Indeed Suttree. This `60 would EASILY hit $130K in restoration costs, but in the end, you’d have a stunning, majestic beast! A friend has a `59 Mark IV cvt.
(same thing) in a copper color that he spent over $100K restoring, and it costed him his marriage. He said in the end, he definitely got the better deal!! LOL
I’d need to get Haz-Mat pay to work on this one. In the end, one might have a good car. But, price…total cast?
This listing is 2 months old…If it hasn’t sold something must be wrong above and beyond what is shown in the listing…Worth investigating …
This listing is 2 months old…If it hasn’t sold something must be wrong above and beyond what is sjown in the listing…
At best it is a parts car. It would take 66 K to restore. Too bad it was left to rot .
I liked these big old Lincolns .
These are unit construction cars and rust issues can be major. Sadly, I think Fred’s right that it’s probably a parts car, at best…
Glad it’s at least moving…..
I would love to have this in my yard. Raised Lincoln garden bed. Seriously a couple hundred stickers and spray cans. Centerlines and your off. Oh yes blue tarp too. Have a great day.
These were the largest uni-body cars ever made. They are very rare, and spectacular when restored.
I’ve never seen too many of this model. I didn’t know that the back window went down in the convertible. Great for ventilation when the top is up.
Some things should remain entombed and unseen. This is one of those things. Put a match to the entire structure and let the memories go up in smoke.
I watched a 60 hardtop being restored on the show Fantom Works .That car gave those guys fits. 1 year only power steering system, 1 year only water pump. There were so many 1 year only parts on that car it was a nightmare to do. And that is a major restoration garage. Can you imagine the average guy trying to do one of these. Not me.
One year only made up TV drama…..
Not saying things for this boat wouldn’t be hard to find, but these car TV shows…….
Me? I would rather spend $60K for a good one and save myself the $160K this would cost to restore.
Fantom works – The biggest joke to true auto enthusiasts
That Dan is a real clown
Definitely more than I could handle! This is really a shame that a once very handsome car is in this bad shape! I wish the new owner luck, he’s going to need it! I would love to see it after completion!
I have a 1958 Continental Mark III that I restored. I was the second owner and the car had been parked in a garage for 30 years before i got it. SoCal car, no rust. Straight as an arrow. Attaching a pic of the finished product:
This build was expensive. Parts are out there but the small handful of people that sell them want and arm and a leg. This one is so far gone I shudder to think about even starting the restore it.
After many years of trophies and fun at car shows mine is for sale if anybody is interested.
Greg, thanks for sharing! You can list your car for sale here on Barn Finds!
Very hard or near imposable to get parts for and it was a one year only car so ill pass there was one on phantom works on tv ck that issue out then decide if????
Being hideously old, I remember this car when it came out. Basically, this is a car with the same dimensions and tonnage as a battleship — and the same speed. It offered no advance in terms of technology, speed, grace, or design.