After the relatively unsuccessful debut of its all-new 1958 model, Lincoln designers went back to the drawing boards to create a new car that would debut in 1961. Focusing on quantity, the line would be pared down to a single model, the Continental, which would be offered only as a four-door sedan and as a four-door convertible, with the latter being the last of its kind to be built by a Detroit automaker, when the model was discontinued in 1969.

The new Continental, created under the leadership of Elwood Engel, was smaller than earlier models. The decision to “downsize” the Continental resulted in one of its most distinctive features: suicide-style rear doors, as there was simply not enough room between the wheel wells for four doors, and a generous rear passenger seat without hinging the back doors at the rear.

In order to accommodate an ultra-low ride height, the Continental boasted an innovative driveshaft that was lowered as far as possible to reduce the interior tunnel. Other advanced features included extensive factory rustproofing, curved window glass, and a standard one-year 1,000-mile factory warranty, which was the first of its kind offered on an American car. Each Continental underwent exhaustive road testing prior to its delivery to its original owner. It is no wonder that the model was such a lasting success, with styling that would be used through 1969, and it has become one of Lincoln’s design landmarks.

The Continental offered here is optioned with power seats, factory air conditioning, and power steering. Its current owner purchased this Lincoln 10 years ago from a long-term owner and enjoys regular drives in it from his home in Northern California to Lake Tahoe. Four years ago, Kreations Auto Body in Eureka, California, gave it a new coat of black paint and installed a new convertible top. At this time, Cashman rebuilt the hydraulics for the top to make sure everything was in working order. Virtually all other aspects of the car remain unrestored and in excellent original condition. It is believed that the previous owner had the engine rebuilt, but any documentation regarding that has been lost.

Today, the car is attractively presented and in excellent running and driving condition, and it remains wonderfully elegant and true to the Lincoln tradition.