Okay, what’s the statute of limitations on “ran when parked”? I’m going to say it’s got to be waaay less than 53 years, which is how long this 1953 Lincoln Capri has been stationary in a New Hampshire barn. I’m also going to say that if it’s been in the Northeast that long, I’m not that impressed that it was originally sold in Nevada. Nevertheless, that must have been one heck of a weather- and rodent-proof barn, because this thing looks amazing. I think it’s an incredibly strong restoration candidate—or maybe even just a car to get roadworthy, and then continue to preserve. Check it out here on eBay, where bidding hasn’t yet met reserve at $3,530.
There’s a lot to like about this car, but first, I’ll come out: I don’t like Continental kits in general, and I really don’t like the one on this car. The taillights and rear bumper were so carefully designed to complement and flow into one another, and this kit just ruins that, besides spoiling the Lincoln’s very pleasing proportions. If you understand the appeal, please enlighten me in the comments. Otherwise, save for a fair amount of corrosion on the front bumper and some wear in the paint (although the roof still seems to hold a nice shine), the exterior of this Capri looks remarkably straight and solid. There are some shots of the underside provided, and it, too, looks quite good.
Even more impressive is the condition of the interior. The front seat (at least the cushion) appears to have been reupholstered in an almost correct pattern, but everything else looks highly original and very salvageable. Even the carpet doesn’t look too much worse for the wear. The instrument panel is a work of art, and this car is equipped with power windows and a power-adjustable front bench—so luxe!
Under the hood is Lincoln’s 317-cubic inch Y-block V8, which famously last ran in 1964 took the top four spots in the Stock Car category of the Pan American Road Race in both 1952 and 1953, in Capris very much like this one. The ad lists 83,000 miles, which was admittedly considered somewhat high in the ’60s, but I always wonder why a supposedly “running and driving” car like this went into early retirement. That said, this car might just be better off for it today; rather than further deteriorating through continued use, it looks like it’s been kept in a state very nearly approaching suspended animation. Hey, it ran when it was parked…would you want to be the one to get it running again?
First of all, continental kits make cars different and cool. Secondly, why in the world would ANYONE stop driving a car like this….ever? Continental kit and spotlight I’d be cruising this gem every Friday and Saturday night. I don’t know what the reserve is but if it’s abywhere near the current price it’s a steal.
With the advent of Fractional Reserve Banking most of the 99% have been forced to cut back on FUEL costs over the last half century due to concomitant cutbacks on Disposable Income Gains that otherwise could have paid for the increases in FUEL costs over time. Suffice to say that the ruling classes, and one per cent Oligopolists do NOT purchase old cars and trucks in need of restoration compared to the 99%. ERGO, that’s why most today do not drive lead sleds or land whales, eh.
Bob
Needs continental kit gone! With finderskirts on this car it would have the low clean look the designers were going for. I’m amazed how many cars today have the continental kits, no way that many came from the factory. This car needs to be in my garage
If it happens to end up in my garage I’ll have a continental kit for sale cheap!
Nice find- but what are the chances the engine turns after 53 years? The Continental kit works for me.
Normally, I like Continental kits but for some reason, this one just seems out of place to me. Maybe a set of turnpike cruiser skirts would streamline it and make the lines flow ? I also think that the spare tire band being painted takes away from it’s opulence. It should be polished stainless or better yet..chrome.
The Y block, in the 60,000 mile zone, would normally develop serious upper oiling issues, but aside from that, they were good engines. Any guesses that the engine was getting loud and the car was parked for that reason. I owned several 292s and 312s, and they all suffered from the same issue. In the day, there was an after market kit sold to externally provide oil to the rockers, but the only proper way to solve the problem was to pull the engine apart and clean the passages.
I love the car, and would dump the continental kit in the trash.
Bob
Bob,
I helped a neighbor install the “External oiling ” system on his 1962 Galaxie around 1971~72. That engine clattered so badly before but, that kit you mentioned made it run as quiet as a new car. Cheap/quick fix at the time. It was a collection of flexible copper and a hand full of brass fittings. There was some drilling involved and tapping of some holes. In the end it worked.
Several years ago I saw an old Ford at a car show that was fitted with that system.
Yeah, I think the modern oils, particularly the synthetic oils, would have solved this problem. Aside from that one problem, they were a good engine.
I think you’re right, Bob, the non-detergent oil of the time would clog up the oil drain back passages in the head, and with no oil in the sump, pretty soon you’d develop a rod knock. The upper cylinder oilers, IIRC, you had to pray you’d get lucky, drill and tap the oil gallery on the side of the cast iron block and run a copper pipe up to the valve cover to spray the rocker arms. I never did understand why Ford routed the exhaust crossover pipe in front of the engine. Just remember Dad cussing them when he’d burn himself changing a fan belt.
I also believe it was a oil quality problem. IIRC there was a plug on the oil filter that could be removed and plumbed for the “kit”. Another problem at abt. 60K Y blocks developed blow by causing stinky smoke from the road draft tube. Fitting a PCV would be no big deal but not a cure. GLWTS Dump the continental kit
The kit has to go, this car is too classy to be pimped like this. It reminds me of the NFL in the 90’s when they wore a helmet over the helmet to protect guys prone to concussions. It looks tacky and this car doesn’t deserve that. Very nice ride.
Nice solid car for a good price. Continental kit is ok if you’re building a low rider with flame throwing exhaust tips…otherwise ditch it.
Here’s a brand marketing/positioning question that Ford and other companies were kicked about then and now.
Is a Lincoln Capri an entry level Lincoln, overpriced Ford or top of the line Mercury? Its not a full blown Lincoln land yahct or a personal luxury coupe.
Here’s another ‘dump the Continental Kit’ suggestion….
There is a huge difference between a tail dragger and a lowrider. Seriously ?!
I like it. I’d clean it up, get it running, clean up the interior, condition the leather seats and drive it. The patina looks fine to me…
I agree on the continental kit and I’m a big fan of them. On this car it looks like putting sneakers on beautifully dress woman.
Great example/comparison…..
I don’t hate the Continental kit perhaps as much as some. They were made by accessory companies like Foxcraft, I think. But the negatives out weight the positives.
WRT the engine, this is a Lincoln engine, right? It doesn’t seem to have the over/under intake ports like the 239/ 272/ 292/ 312.So, is it like the y-block with the oil problems? They had nail lifters, BTW. I’d expect hydraulics from a Lincoln.
Ford was doing a lot of catch up after Henry II took the helm.This was one of their good efforts. With the racing car wins, no doubt some buyers saw a good driver’s car. This seems like a mid sized car and I think I’d make it look more like its race car brothers. The red is FINE. Just blackwall tires, no Conti kit. Yeah.
I’d get the motor sorted out, replace the brake lines, sleeve the brake cylinders, replace hoses and tires. Drive it. Find and fix rattles. Live with the rest.
It is a slightly different design than the Ford 272/292/312 series blocks, and was actually used in many of the heavy duty Ford trucks. It was discontinued sometime after the MEL engine 332/352/390 series engine was introduced. It was an odd duck, but it was a tough engine.
Back in the day, a buddy of mine swapped one into a 55 Ford, and he ran into clearance problems, most notably between the front suspension and the pan.
I had several Ford Y block V-8 cars. After a time, the camshaft bearings spin, cutting off the oil passages to the heads. You can install the oiler kits (cheap) or rebuild the engine and replace the camshaft bearings at the same time.
I solved the problem for the last time, by taking out the TBird 312, and installing an Olds 394, including the transmission.
Problem solved
Bob
Beautiful cruiser, first thing I will do, if I win this, is remove and dump the continental kit!
Needs a wrap-a-round bumper like a Chevy.
There were continental kits that looked good on these, I think they could be ordered with the car, those were probably matched to the car, but the kits were also sold by after market suppliers like JC Whitney. Maybe that’s what’s going on here. I agree, I’d have to lose this one.
Yes get rid of the conti kit!!! And patina means too cheap to get the quality paint job this car deserves.
UHHH, well, yes, It means to me to choose my battles. Does it DESERVE a 100 point detailing of the engine compartment? Not to me. The more money you spend fixing it, the less you will enjoy driving it. Yes, SPEND the money on a nice repaint. How can that go wrong? After you die, the next buyer can just drive it with impunity.
I’m not that wild about the big dark blotch. I’d try to find a good old school body shop that can match or blend that paint damage. Or just make it better.
It’s only original once. I’d try very hard to leave it original. Find your own comfort level.
Al
Well I went to check to see what the car sold for, and to my surprise, it was my bid of $5601. I sure hope I didn’t bite off more than I can chew. I guess time will tell. Wish me luck.
Good luck….It looks like a solid car….
Congratulations!! I hope it’s as nicely preserved as it looks!
I don’t see how you can go wrong with this car. Having an untouched original makes the job of restoring the car a lot less expensive.