It is always encouraging when a seller encourages interested parties to inspect their classic before considering submitting a bid. Such is the case with this 1962 Lincoln Continental. It isn’t perfect, and they are honest about its shortcomings. However, their decision to list it with No Reserve means it could prove irresistible for an enthusiast willing to get their hands dirty. The Lincoln is listed here on eBay in Pasadena, Maryland. Bidding sits at $11,300 as the auction heads towards its conclusion.
Lincoln introduced the latest version of its Continental range in 1961, and I have always found its appearance fascinating. Gone were the acres of chrome and flamboyant styling that were a hallmark of its predecessors. Previous models had followed the prevailing industry trend of trading upon the buying public’s fascination with the jet age. However, the new Continental featured conservative styling, just as America embraced the space age and the goal of being the first nation to land a man on the moon. If ever there was a moment to exploit this new-found fascination, this was the time. The approach wasn’t a miscalculation, with the new Continental selling is respectable numbers. Our feature car rolled off the line in 1962, with the seller describing its Scotch Green paint as driver-quality. There are minor imperfections, but the healthy shine leaves this classic looking very tidy. They are honest about its overall condition, admitting there is filler in the rear quarters and trunk lid. How extensive this is remains unclear, but an in-person inspection should reveal the truth. The panels look clean, although there is rust requiring attention. This is present in the wheel wells and front bracket. The floors and trunk pan are said to be solid, while the chrome and tinted glass are excellent.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” approach with the 1962 Continental’s mechanical configuration. Buyers received a 430ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. That V8 produces a healthy 300hp and 465 ft/lbs of torque, although with the Continental tipping the scales at 5,132 lbs, it required something potent to deliver acceptable performance. The ¼-mile ET of 17.6 seconds was irrelevant to most owners, but this car’s ability to sit at 70mph all day would win many friends. The seller has worked through the process of ensuring this classic is roadworthy. It recently received a complete service and a range of new brake components and hoses. They have also fitted one new brake line, stating that the Continental runs and drives well. It comes with a range of documentation, including the Owner’s Manual, Build Sheet, Shop Manual, Service Manual, and a ten-page color Dealer’s Brochure.
This Continental’s interior is generally tidy, but the winning bidder will probably choose to spend $380 to replace the worn carpet. The seats have the typical wrinkles and creases that are a hallmark of aging leather, and there is slight wear on the front seat. However, there are no rips or tears, and a specialist might be able to address the discoloring and wear to lift the overall presentation. The remaining upholstered surfaces are in good order, as are the dash and pad. The new owner receives power windows, a power front seat, cruise control, an automatic headlight dimmer similar to GM’s Autronic eye, and an AM radio.
I always advise taking the time and effort to perform an in-person inspection before committing the funds to a classic purchase. Ownership is a luxury for most people, and spending the hard-earned cash on what proves to be a Money Pit can be disheartening. However, the seller’s recommendation to undertake that process with this 1962 Lincoln Continental suggests that they don’t want the new owner to be blindsided in any way. I respect that approach, but are you tempted to accept that offer?
It must have been quite the design staff meetings in the late 50’s when the proposals for the 1961 Lincoln were being internally discussed. Can you image the shock when this radically different, exceptionally clean design was first proposed? Look at the slab sides: slight vertical curvature, a small kick-up at the C pillar, and that’s about it. And how it came to be chosen as the approved design. And now, decades later, consider how the styling still looks clean and attractive today. They got it right.
A nice example. I don’t remember this green color, I like it because it’s different. The green interior is attractive too.
I once read an article that claimed This design began as a Thunderbird proposal. When upper management saw that proposal, it inspired the 61 Lincoln. 🤔 Anyone else remember that?
The 61s had a Thunderbird ish front bumper, if not the same.
One of the cleanest design, and classy American cars ever made.
There appears to be a plastic-lined recess in the driver side door post.
Air vent? Umbrella storage?
Anyone know?
Also, was there any sort of alert to make sure you closed the rear doors fully?
It’s a heater duct… runs through the driver’s armrest to provide heat to the rear seat. (Same thing on the passenger’s side.) My family had a 1961 sedan, and as a kid sitting behind my dad, I appreciated the delivery of heat through that duct. The cooling A/C was not delivered in the same way. It relied just on the center dash mounted unit. In the 1961, the A/C unit was hinged and folded-down from the dash. Starting in 1962, the A/C was a fixed unit.
Thanks.
That cost some to build!
My 2007 Town Car has a heat AC duct on back of front center armrest. Other than limos, I don’t think any others have this feature.
The ebay photo with both doors open shows the outlet grill clearly.
Rick:
Maybe you were only referring to other Lincolns, but full size (C and H body) FWD GMs all had the rear heat and A/C ducted through the center console starting in the early ’90s.
A very nice copy here. These drive beautifully. Window switches can be an issue as can the transmission. Unless it has changed some of the internals were very hard to obtain. Add a cooler to it at once. I have a 67 that has been in the family since 1969.
Parents friends had a 61 Continental in dark green. Hired me (at 16) to wax it and let me drive it several blocks to get the wax. I felt like King 🤴 of the Road. Guess that was the beginning of my Thinkin LINCOLN. Throughout my many years of various upscale vehicles, I have now returned to LINCOLN with my current (and probably last vehicle) 2007 Town Car Signature Limited. LINCOLN… What a Luxury CAR should be and once was. So sad to see what now wears the LINCOLN name.🤮
While I enjoyed the experience above, I still prefer the Gigantic LINCOLNs before and after this generation. It’s interesting how this LINCOLN, praised for being smaller and cleaner eventually grew back into the OTT Continentals and Town Cars. Loved my 78 Town Coupe. Although much bigger, it still carried styling cues from this design. 🤔 CONTENTALuity ?
All they sell are SUV’s. It makes me sick. They are no longer the Lincoln Motor Car Company.
Thanks for the information. I never paid much attention to GMS FWD downsized cars. To me they were ugly, too small, and a vast departure from the traditional RWD cars. Couldn’t understand when friends traded a beautiful 80 Riviera for an 85 Ninety Eight.👎. This OLD Dog 🐕 STILL believes BIGGER is Better. See my comments on this Continental. As I said, this downsized Continental gradually grew back to LAND YACHT proportions and much more trim. Even when given the FOX platform in 80, TOWN CARS had a much better traditional upscale appearance. A commercial pointed out the confusing similarities behind FWD Cadillacs, Buicks and Oldsmobiles. But fortunately we are STILL able to have our own opinions and respect others. 👍
Back in the day, we had designers with a little imagination. Today they just seem to copy each others design. Soooooo Sad , Isn’t there a company that has the guts to come up with something new?
Not to my knowledge! Design has been stolen by technology. 👎. Unfortunately melted jelly beans and boxes are now ruling the roads Even worse, younger folks who have not experienced the great variety of vehicles we have are blindly led down the PRIMROSE path 😢
Yet another reason to miss AMC; those guys came up with some wonderful and unusual designs on a shoestring budget!
nope, all done on computers and have to be done quick and built for the lowest price and largest profitt
I wanted to bid on this until I saw the rust and read that the body panels have bondo. I’ll keep looking.
I have feeling this is good from far, but far from good.
Kudos to the seller for being upfront; I do see a little waviness in the left quarter panel that suggests filler. The color is interesting and I like the leather seats but no A/C is a deal breaker; a car of this ilk should have A/C. If you can tackle the rust issues you’ll have a wonderful, well-bought cruiser.
A/C components visible in Pictures 16 and 18.
A/C component visible in Pictures 16 and 18.
It took a while but I did see what looked like a compressor in the engine compartment. And I’m used to seeing the 1961 ducts and I assumed they were the same for 1962. Thanks for the correction.😉
Love that green color and the classic style but hate the rust.
The ’61 Continental, once again, showed Cadillac what car design was all about.
I love these cars!! My first was a 68 coupe which spoiled me for life. Bought when 27 and in Army. Loved it. Drove fm Kansas to Md to go th tech school and had problems w/power steering. Took to FLM garage for repairs, and they had a beautiful 69 Turquoise Continental on the lot. The matching interior and AM/FM 8 track blew me away. Took a beating on the trade but didn’t care. Got orders for Germany again and was afraid couldn’t get parts/service so traded it to my cousin for a ’69 Chevelle. BIG mistake. Got back in 3 years and came across another 69 in gold. Another great car. Alas, gave it up in divorce. I miss the car more than her. Recently came across a ’66 in great shape, but $$ to high and too long for my garage.
SERIOUS RUST – Best to take a pass on this one !
Looks to me like the original paint color was white based on the engine bay. Zooming in on the VIN plate it seems like the paint color code is M and that would indicate white.