"The car that saved Lincoln"
Lincoln, with the introduction of its 1958 model, experienced a marked downward spiraling of both its sales and prestige. While the recession of 1958 was also a factor, it was largely a matter of design. The '58 thru '60 models had a new longer, wider and unattractive body. Despite the luxurious interior, its size - the largest production car on the road - started a marked sales slump. Lincoln had to introduce a new model if it wanted to maintain a place in the market. With a newly-designed body, superlative luxury appointments, a modern and very "clean" design, Lincoln created what has become a classic - the 1961 Continental.
The 1961 Continental was swiftly embraced by the public and became the car to have and almost five decades later, the car to collect, both for its beauty, rarity, timeless design and of course, its "celebrity" (The Kennedy family used it for their driving car, and the assassination of President Kennedy, in a Lincoln, caused worldwide interest in the car). The 1961 Continental ranks among the top 25 Most Beautiful Cars Ever (Automobile Magazine - Sept. 2006). And rightly so!
In 1996, the Lincoln Continental Owners Club requested this car be available for the Lincoln display at Pebble Beach. And so, in preparation, it was decided to restore the car to the most exacting specifications for its appearance in this once-in-a-lifetime exhibition. Done!
LINCOLN PLANNED TO DISPLAY ITS Concept car, "The Sentinel Ghia" (designed to include many of the 1961 design details) during the weekend event, as well as at a special showing for the famous Automotive Fine Arts Society, the evening prior the Concours.
This prestigious display, hosting dignitaries and collectors/enthusiasts from around the world, featured tow cars only. The Sentinel Ghia and this 1961 Lincoln. And so, this 1961 Continental took its well-deserved place alongside the Sentinel Ghia at Pebble Beach. Since that time, it has been flawlessly maintained and attends local car shows and an occasional concours. The Continental has traveled about 2,500 miles since restoration and engine rebuild.
This black plate California car has documentation "from new." It sports a Black Cherry exterior, black convertible top and black leather interior. The re-upholstery has hand selected hides to conform to original texture and quality and the workmanship completed by a master of 50's interiors (well worth the months waiting for his availability). No reproduction, off-the shelf interior for this car! Even the trunk interior is original New Old Stock Material. Unique!
Many New Old Stock parts were used during the restoration, including the front grill (a most difficult item to restore correctly).
This extraordinary 1961 Lincoln Continental is truly a testament to its heritage!
