Some classics have backstories, and this 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible may be no exception. The seller states that it underwent a restoration in the 1990s before being parked for decades. Why this occurred is unclear, but the photos suggest the buyer faces another refresh before the Continental takes its rightful place on our roads. However, that hasn’t deterred people, with the Lincoln attracting eighteen bids since the seller listed it here on eBay in Kearny, New Jersey. The action has pushed the price to $6,100 with plenty of time remaining on this auction.
Lincoln introduced its Fourth Generation Continental range for the 1961 model year. It marked a complete about-face for the company, with its latest offering featuring crisper and more conservative styling than its predecessor. It underwent its first update in 1964, with a second occurring in 1966 when our feature Convertible rolled off the line. The seller indicates that this Continental underwent restoration in the 1990s before being parked in a Florida garage. Time hasn’t been kind to this classic, with the paint showing significant deterioration that will require a bare-metal approach if the buyer seeks the type of high-end result that a luxury car deserves. There is also rust visible in the lower edge of the trunk lid, which may be a concern. There is none visible in the lower body extremities, but the lack of underside shots and the sparse listing information leaves us in the dark regarding the state of the floors and frame. The power top is dirty but seems to be free from rips and tears. Some trim pieces may present well following a polish, and the tinted glass looks fine.
One aspect of this Continental that doesn’t appear to have suffered unduly from its hibernation is the interior. I think that there might be wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, but the Black leather looks like it would respond positively to a deep clean and application of a high-quality conditioner. The wheel is cracked, but the dash, pad, and timber trim look pretty good. It appears that the under-dash radio/cassette player mounted near the driver’s left knee may be the only addition to an interior featuring power windows, power locks, a power front seat, a remote trunk release, a remote driver’s mirror, and a pushbutton radio.
The lack of information surrounding potential rust isn’t the only listing shortcoming, because there are no engine bay photos. Lifting the hood should reveal a 462ci V8 which, according to the company’s Sales Brochure, produced 360hp and 485 ft/lbs of torque. Shifting duties fall to a three-speed automatic transmission, with Lincoln including power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes as standard equipment. It is fair to assume that this Continental was in excellent health following its 1990s restoration, and the hibernation means it may not have run for decades. It is unclear whether the engine turns freely, but factoring a complete mechanical rebuild into the restoration budget would be wise. It might not prove necessary, although it is better to have the money and not need it than to need it and not have it.
This 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible is a forlorn sight at present, and some people may consider the work required to return it to its former glory pretty daunting. However, the bidding action, view tally, and the Watch List total of forty-nine suggest that a few people are willing to give it a red-hot go. Have you ever owned a Continental from this era? If so, would you consider a repeat by tackling this restoration? I would like to wish you luck if you do.
A man of few photos and few words. Could be a diamond, could be a lump of coal. Good Luck to those that want to take a swing at it, I will gracefully pass.
There is a Mercedes he recently sold that had lots of pictures and s pretty good description. The lack of effort by the seller sends a message on its own.
Steve R
OUCH!sort of like an M&M .. Crunchy on the Outside but soft inside. As a survivor, it deserves the TLC befitting a classic from an era unfortunately never to be seen again. Speaking of OUCH,today I hit a large pot hole with a front tire on the Town Car. I hope repair or replacement doesn’t make me say O U C H š². Watch out for POT holes. š¤
Follow up. OUCH! I got a PANCHO . Actually good news. All 4 need replacement @$900. Better than another flat or worse š¤! Still Thinkin Lincoln. And crazy after all These gears ā š Have you checked for air š š¤£
Aa older friend had one back when I was a teenager. His was a hardtop. We had six people (I think) inside, a big cooler of beer and enough folding/lounge chairs for all of us in the trunk (probably had room to spare). Went to the drive-in movie, sat in the chairs, drank beer and watched the movie in the summer. Good times. I remember the interior was super comfortable and the suicide doors were super cool. This car in repaired condition would be luxurious and sup[er cool with the top down in the summer…just not many drive-ins left anymore.
This unfortunately is a parts car, and the owner (unless they’re underwater in
it) will more than get his money if the bidding stops now. This is a very large unibody car that has a lot of double panel-type construction to make it rigid particularly without a roof. Rustproofing was almost non-existent except for a bottom spray of undercoat and sometimes a Ziebart attempt. If rust gets inside the shell, they are near impossible to completely repair. Decklid is obviously gone in the photo as even if they don’t leak they rust from the inside out due to humidity if the trunk stays closed. Then, there’s that automatic top mechanism. They’re beautiful cars but it’s definitely best to buy a solid one.
I believe that there are 22 servos in the top mechanism alone.
I love the Pulaski Skyway in the background in these photos of this Lincoln. It’s like this photos are right out of an episode of the “SOPRANOS”. And is it possible that this is “THE LINCOLN” that Tony Soprano was referring to in an early episode, when talking to his psychiatrist “Dr. Melfi” about his “dream” where his PENIS FALLS OFF, he picks it up and takes it to his MECHANIC who used to fix his LINCOLN, “when I used to drive Lincolns”.
Can sure tell its an American car with speedometer in M.P.H. not in metric. That way a person can understand the true mileage.
@pete – Canada was imperial until the mid 70ās, so could be eitherā¦
Having serviced several of these for a client, a good one is a beautiful ride, a roach is worse than a boat for hoovering up money. This looks like it had mediocre bodywork and then lived under a tarp, kiss of death in a humid climate.
Deathmobile from Animal House!!!
Definitely on the bucket list but the one I want is a ’67 convertible.
When I was 17, driving my ’62 Lincoln convertible to school, I got a after school job at a bakery and across the street from them was a small used car lot. You know, this was 1970, maybe 15/20 used cars. He had a 1967 Lincoln Continental convertible in turquoise of all colors. White top white interior and I so wanted that car. It seemed a reasonable price to me, don’t remember the actual price but it couldn’t have been more than $1200 which I couldn’t do on a part time job. Never forgot that car.
I’m sure by 1973 I could have picked it up for $100 but was in my year old MG by that point
like it, well, all of them, cept may B the 3rd. This 4th gen I call the Kennedym0bile as he had it for the Prez. Limo. Suicide doors are
the tops. Iād like to jump out driverās seatān swing open curbside
rear for me motherān law.That lill hat, black suit, white shirt do fine – too.
@chrlsful
President Kennedys limo was a 1962 custom stretch Lincoln Continental 4 door convertible dubbed X-100 by the Secret Service.
After his assassination it went back to the builders and had a bulletproof steel roof put on it for President Johnson and subsequent president’s. It has had several alterations over time including 3 sets of different hubcaps from 1961 to 1966.
Instead of being destroyed after it’s service life as with most presidential limousines of the time, it now resides in the Ford Museum in Michigan.
Obviously I am completely fascinating with the X-100
Hi Angel. I too had a continental convertible in 1978. It was a ’63 and I bought it for the princely sum of $125
as it needed an exhaust system from the manifolds back. I redid the exhaust system myself by buying all
the assorted bits from Joe Levavich down at Reliable Auto Parts in downtown Bloomington. Plunked down another $100 or so and then took the car to Rent A Bay to do the work after getting a ticket for no mufflers along the way. Spent 6 to 8 hours getting it all together but it was
worth it. Didn’t even have to pay the
ticket for no mufflers either. After getting it done , I had my ex drive it to the police station where I showed all the receipts to a cop in Traffic Enforcement who then expunged the ticket. After that, I wanted to keep the
car, but my ex said it was eating us out of house and home $.69 a gallon
and she was beefing about it. Had a new cream top put on at Top Shop over on East Oakland Avenue for $150 or thereabouts. Wound up selling it for $2K (I think) which was a good price in ’78 as a friend of mine,
Roger Phelps was selling a ’69 Grand
Marquis ragtop for $5500 back then
All I can say is wish I had it now!
Sold on 3/15/2025 for a high bid of $31,001.00
Steve R