Lincoln made a complete and startling departure from established practice with the 1961 Continental. Gone were multiple models; Lincoln's success would turn to the quality, luxury and style of the Continental alone. Reduced in size, marque historians agree that Ford's design team worked one of the miracles of mid-century design, creating a benchmark of style, refinement and good taste. A massive and capable 300-horsepower, 430 cubic inch V-8 engine powered these cars.

The 1962 continued with refinements on this classic styling, with the removal of the front bumper guards, a more narrow center grille, plus it was slightly longer, lower and narrower than the initial 1961 model. It was easy to see that form followed function, as anyone who has ever stepped into a Lincoln of this vintage will undoubtedly know. Every instrument, every control is designed correctly and properly placed to award the fortunate driver the reassuring feeling of total command over his precision-built luxury motorcar. Each detail was carefully crafted and fitted into the whole of the automobile, which is strikingly handsome in its elegant simplicity. Classic, uncluttered beauty resulted; the Lincoln Continental was born of basic qualities, not showy ostentation.

This Lincoln Continental was built at the Wixom, Michigan Lincoln facility on October 28, 1961 and was originally purchased by John Stauffer on November 5, 1961 from Holmes Tuttle Lincoln-Mercury in Beverly Hills, California. Mr. Stauffer’s daughter, Helen, inherited the Lincoln in the early 1980s and drove it home to the Buffalo, New York area where she lived. The car was purchased by its current owner on August 31, 1982, having been sparingly used over the years.

This fine example is finished in Oxford Gray, having experienced a body-on, engine-out color change from Sultana White in the late 1990s. With a black leather interior that is original to the car, it exudes sophistication. The Lincoln is reported to be rust-free with excellent chrome components, an all-original interior that includes the aforementioned leather surfaces, plus carpets, headliner, door panels, clear glass and excellent wood dashboard panels. The car has received selected restoration that includes the trunk with spare tire and jack. Among the equipment onboard you will find air conditioning, day/night mirror, stainless steel exhaust system, BFGoodrich Silvertown tires, automatic transmission; power windows, seat, brakes and steering. The brightwork components are factory original, save for the headlight bezels and door sills which have been replated. This stunning Lincoln has factory undercoating as well.

Starting in 2000, this Continental has been shown in eight National AACA car shows. Among its accomplishments are being awarded a 2011 AACA Junior award in Homestead, Florida and Senior recognition in Lakeland, Florida in 2013. In 2014, it received a First Preservation award in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It also was nominated for an AA National award in 2013. This excellent resume goes a long way in demonstrating the overall quality of this well-respected American luxury standard.