Without a doubt, the all-new 1961 Lincoln set styling standards in American cars for years to come. The handsome, chiseled, slab-sided car was void of excess chrome in an era when domestic manufacturers lacked any semblance of restraint. Designed by Elwood Engel, the styling remained a Lincoln hallmark into the 1980s. The new Continental was more than a foot shorter than the oddly styled 1960 model and featured unusual suicide opening rear doors. Quality control was exceptionally high on this unitized body that featured extensive sound insulation, a fully sealed electrical system, long-life service components, factory-applied corrosion protection, and at the time, an unheard of two-year factory warranty.

Each 430 V-8 was bench-tested for three hours at nearly 100 mph prior to installation, and all cars were given individual 12-mile road tests before shipment. A novel four-door convertible was also introduced for the model year; the first factory-built four-door convertible built in America since before World War II. For 1964, the wheelbase was stretched three inches to 126 inches, improving rear seat entry, legroom, and trunk capacity. The elegant convertible based at $6,938 and was Lincoln’s most expensive car. Just 3,328 convertibles were produced for the 1964 model year.

This handsome Lincoln, finished in Wimbledon White with a tan Haartz convertible top and contrasting red leather interior, has been with the consignor, its third owner, since 1999. It was restored prior to his acquiring the car by Cooper’s Classics of New York City. Baker’s Auto of Putnam, Connecticut, has since refurbished the mechanicals and within the last three years, the car has received new paint, convertible top, tires, exhaust, carpet, and a transmission rebuild. According to the consignor, it is equipped with air conditioning and every factory option except cruise control. He adds that it runs and drives well and that the top is in perfect working order. The car has always been garaged and covered while in his possession and is an excellent driving example of an iconic and ever-stylish American motor car.