For most of the 1950s, the Capri was Lincoln’s upscale version of the Cosmopolitan (though there was nothing pedestrian about that model). The Continental eventually replaced it when that brand was resurrected. The seller has a nice project from 1955 that probably hasn’t run in a while. It sports a one-year-only engine in the form of a 341 cubic-inch Y-block V8. Located in Everett, Washington, this two-owner land yacht is available here on Facebook Marketplace for $15,000 OBO.
The Capri’s name is a nod to an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples. Three generations of the car were built, though the 1956-57 editions were perhaps the most stylish of the vehicles. This 1955 2-door hardtop is from the last year of the first-gen Capri, and was Lincoln’s alternative to the Cadillac Series 62, Packard Pacific, and Chrysler New Yorker. For the day, it was a powerful car with an output of 225 hp in 1955, and only one transmission was offered that year: a 3-speed Turbo-Drive automatic.
This is a well-used cruiser, having traveled 155,000 miles before being parked for reasons not stated. 11,462 copies of the car as a 2-door hardtop were produced in ’55. There is no mention of rust on this magnificent machine beyond the surface variety. The black paint (original?) is past its prime, though the red/white interior seems to be quite presentable as-is.
The seller believes the car will be quite valuable when restored, though $55,000 seems to be top dollar online. At the asking price, that leaves you $40,000 for the restoration project in order to theoretically break even. Would you take the plunge?
That’s a lot of money for a project with undefined problems. If this is someone dream car, the dynamics change, if potential buyers are only looking for an old car to cruise and take to an occasional show, there are various turn key restored makes and models from this era for less than this cars asking price.
Depending on the condition of the body and what needs to be done to get it in drivable condition, it might be worth considering buffing the paint and just enjoy it. The default that every car needs to be restored is fast becoming an antiquated notion. The cost of restoration as well as time considerations and potential resale values are aligning against that path for many cars.
Steve R
Just last night when “nothing was on TV” I went to YouTube and Derek Bieri of Vice Grip Garage who was hawking a “clear coat” that he sells. He had an early 50’s straight eight Packard that ran great but had a poor original paint finish with lots of imperfection and primer showing in spots. After washing and using Brillo pads and sanding, he put the “self-leveling” clear coat with spray gun to roof, and a sponge pad to the rest. It looked better for sure and costs very little. This Lincoln is not as bad paint wise but an unknown mechanically.
Great comments as usual Steve. I’m concerned about parts availability as well. Non running with 155,00 miles, if correct, is problematic as is the age.
This is a hard pass for what it is and the price for it. Even with that said I hope this doesn’t become a parts car because it’s too good of a car for that. This is the second’55 Lincoln on BF in a month and when fixed up, these are some nice looking cars I just hope this one goes to a good home maybe if the price is lower.
I can not get onto Farcebook for more pictures so from yours I would say this is a good example of an all there project for the DIY rebuilder to take on. His OBO means maybe the buyer can dicker him down to about $10k and have some money left to work with. Get it running and stop able, then work on the rest as you enjoy this beautiful car.
doesn’t matter what it worth done it’s all the costs it takes to get it there.it will hurt starting with dropping 15k just to buy ot.
With all of the comments about what it would cost to get it going and what it would be worth is kinda funny. I guarantee you that there are a WHOLE lot more cars with more invested in them than what they will EVER be worth. To a true car lover building the car they want and doing it the way they want to, the “what it’s worth” or “selling price” of it is not even a concern to them! They are car lovers not car flippers. Not everything in life is about money! Maybe building something to pass down to a grandkid or something is worth more than any amount of money can buy.
Pappy says ‘Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’, if you don’t stop drivin’ that ‘Hot Rod Lincoln’. Good start here.