We see enough crazy-low mileage cars here at Barn Finds that it can be easy to become blasé. Oh, this Custom Royal Turbinado has three THOUSAND miles? There was one on eBay last week with only three HUNDRED! This ’66 Lincoln Continental coupe is a case in point for me; it has but 8,100 documented original miles on the odometer, but I find myself in need of a healthy dose of perspective on just how low that really is. Let’s face it: yeah, we’ve seen lower, but this is still insanely low. Like, this car has averaged only 158 miles per year low. If you factor in the fact that it was parked in 1986 and only recently revived, that goes up to 405 miles per year for the first 20 years of its life—which is still nothing. Now that we’ve brought ourselves back to reality, let’s check out this lovely coupe, listed on craigslist in Camas, Washington, for $9,800 (archived ad).
1966 was a year of big changes for the Continental. While not all-new, the exterior received its most significant refresh since 1961 and the two-door hardtop coupe was added to the line to take on Cadillac’s popular Coupe de Ville. The engine grew from 430 to 462 cubic inches, and sales grew to 54,755 for the year—the model’s best between 1961 and 1969. This ’66 has been gone through and is said by the sellers, the second owners, to drive like a dream. The only component listed as inop is the A/C pump.
The paint is described as needing attention due to tree sap, but the black leather interior looks pretty flawless. The power seats work, as do the windows, although the windows need attention. I really love the book-matched wood veneers on the door panels; the wood is fake, but it’s a stunning detail nonetheless.
I’ve always felt that the ’66 Continental was a successful update to the iconic ’61 shape—perhaps a little less timeless, but crisp and elegant enough not to feel like a letdown in any way—and the low mileage and originality of this example are pretty exciting, even if the more jaded among us need a reminder of how low 8,100 miles truly is!
It’s like (a nicer) deja vu all over again!
Oh, oh,,,what are the chances a car like this would pop up.( again) Don’t worry, as usual, I don’t believe this car has 8,000 miles. Make no mistake, your car is just as cool!!!
A/C pump ( aka compressor ) is an old York model, and are very inexpensive, why would’ they just fix it and save the negative marketing aspect. Love the car, and at under $10k it still seems like a bargain.
Had one in the late 70’s. Mine had a big steel Tacumpsah [not sure of the spelling] compressor. It also had hydraulic w/wipers.They drove off the p/s pump.Great car.
The Coupes have a pressence all their own…almost like them better than the suicide door sedan.
I think the 2008-2010 Lincoln Mkx took a number of exterior and interior styling cues from the 61-69 Lincolns as does the Ford Flex interior.
I’ll be scooping this puppy up after the Powerball drawing tonight. If I win, that is.
Me too Rex , But I don’t need the Power Ball ! Mr Obeone says my Nigerian investment money will be in my account next week !
One of my all-time favorites ! I had a chance to buy a ’67 coupe with 66k original miles about 30 years ago and still kick myself for not doing it ! I’d own this car in a heartbeat !
That is not an 8k car
As I had a ’63 I’m partial to the earlier models. Just like the shape and front end a little better, but the originality on this can’t be beaten and augurs well for its future value. The original owner must have had a lot of cars……
Dang, that’s beautiful. Wish I needed it because I sure do want it.
In case some have forgot, our own Scotty G has a car just like this. I thought it was his at 1st, his is just as nice. I guess the up side, for him, (I hope) is these things can bring 10g’s. I think this is a wonderful example, but no way on the 8,000 miles. 108K is not a lot of miles for a 50 year old car, and by the looks of it, was well taken care of. ( looks like the owner could stand to lose a few pounds, seats sag like that from use, usually by a heavy set person) I took my road test on the old man’s ’68 4 door Lincoln, and while it is a BIG car ( almost 5,000lbs) driving it, it really didn’t seem that big. This car in 1966, along with the other luxury cruiser’s, was the best America had to offer. It’s an awesome car.
Good eye on the seat sag; I did not pick up on that. Sure “blows” the 8000-mile claim. As someone else pointed out if all it needs is an AC compressor to have working air, why not replace it?
Hi Chuck, these cars catered to the “portly” man. A certain Frank Cannon comes to mind. Personally, I’m pretty skinny, but I’ve known heavy set people and they just don’t do well in small cars.
Seat Saga for sure! Gotta be more than 8k miles. Beautiful car though- Wonder what the mpg would be on this big Ol sled!
Hi Bish, like Rick sez, these could get fair mileage on the highway, it was the “city” number that suffered. 6.8mpg/city.
8,100 miles, and the drivers seat is all sagged and puckered? I guess a very fat person just spent years sitting on it. Pull the other leg, it plays jingle bells,
Paint, interior trim and seats tell me more like 108100 miles. Just missed out on a perfect one about a year ago and sadly, this one doesn’t come close to fitting the bill….
I have 2, I would be willing to sacrifice 1 for this Town Coupe. A boulevard cruiser at the top of the heap !
Bona fide 10-12 mpg
A nice example, but “No way” on the 8,000 mile range claim. The ’66 through ’69 Lincoln Continental Coupes were a sophisticated design and worthy of a place in any collector’s stable!
always liked the design, along with the late 1970’s town car one of the best
Nice, I want this Continental & the Imperial too.
Even a casual look at the driver’s seat will tell you that this car has seen (a lot) more miles than 8100. Difficult to bother reading any of the rest of the story.