Lincoln Continental classic cars for sale

History of the Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental was created in 1939 as a personal project for Edsel Ford, based on the Lincoln-Zephyr but styled with a 'continental' flair reminiscent of European luxury. Its long bonnet, compact passenger cell, and external spare defined its early appearance. The Continental quickly established itself at the very top of the American market, with early models almost entirely hand-built. Post-war, the model returned with subtle styling updates, and its influence grew—so much so that the 1941 edition was driven as the Indy 500 pace car. The Continental story is marked by distinct milestones: in 1956, the Mark II was introduced as a separate, ultra-luxury division, and starting in 1961, the ‘suicide door’ sedan became a hallmark for the series, signifying a complete design rethink that shaped American upper-class vehicles for two decades.

Model history and development

The Continental lineage covers ten generations. After an initial production pause following 1948, the Mark II of 1956–1957 set a new luxury benchmark but was too expensive to be profitable. The subsequent Mark III–Mark V models of the 1970s were among the largest cars ever produced, culminating in 1977 when the Continental became the largest mass-produced car globally. The seventies also brought technological updates, with each Mark offering new comfort and performance features. The Mark VI and Mark VII models shifted towards a more modern, efficient approach, especially from 1988 onwards with the Taurus-based platform. Notably, in the 1960s and 70s, the Continental was often the last 'true' full-size American saloon available, outliving most domestic rivals.

Highlights and special features of the Lincoln Continental

The Continental broke ground repeatedly: it was honoured by the Museum of Modern Art as a design masterpiece, and the Industrial Design Institute found its 1961 iteration especially remarkable. The trademark rear-hinged rear doors, commonly referred to as 'suicide doors', set the 1961–1969 models apart. Premium interiors commonly featured full leather seating, 6-way electric adjustment, and advanced instrumentation, including a signature Cartier clock. Power steering, power brakes, and climate control were standard for most generations from the 1960s onward. Large-displacement V8 engines, relaxed air suspension, and exceptional ride comfort are core attributes across the model range.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collector’s Versions

Amongst the most notable is the 1979 Collector’s Series, produced in approximately 2,000 units and equipped with nearly every imaginable luxury extra. Earlier, the hand-built Mark II (1956–1957) famously sold for around $10,000—significantly pricier than contemporary rivals. The 'Golden Anniversary Town Car' in 1971 featured unique gold-finish trim and commemorative details. Some generations also offered rare colours, exclusive materials, and fully loaded factory specifications, promoting the Continental as a showcase for Lincoln’s best.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

No known major systematic weak spots are specifically reported for the Continental across the data, but given the car's complexity—especially regarding electrical systems in post-1970s models—attention to wiring, hydraulics, and climate control function is highly recommended. Rust prevention measures, such as Ziebart sealing, were often applied at the factory, but it's crucial to check for corrosion, especially in sills, wheel arches, and underbody, on unrestored examples.

Engine, handling, and driving characteristics

A hallmark of the Continental is its exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. With large displacement V8 engines and soft suspension setups, the focus is on maximum comfort rather than agile handling. Select Mark Series models, like the Mark V (nearly 5.9 metres long), offer effortless acceleration, substantial torque, and relaxed cruising at motorway speeds. The ride is plush (‘floating’ sensation) and steering assist is generous. Automatics dominate, with manual gearboxes restricted to rare early pre-1950 models. Notable: Mark II (hand-built, V8, leather, rare), Mark V (highest production, trademark ‘opera windows’ and concealed headlamps), 1961–1969 sedan/cabriolet with rear-hinged doors and clean lines, 1979 Collector’s Series (fully optioned, limited).

Interior, Comfort, and Design Details

The Continental’s interior marks it out—period-correct options include six-way electrically adjustable seats, opulent leather or velour upholstery, and illuminated instrumentation. The Cartier clock in many models is a recognisable touch. Special features have included electric sunroofs, power-operated convertible tops (on cabriolets), and even CB radios or digital stereo units in later cars. Externally, highlights like the trademark rear-mounted spare wheel (early models), massive chrome grille, and unique window shapes (notably the ‘opera windows’ of the Mark V) distinguish it from rival luxury cars. Straight, elegant body lines and generously dimensioned wheelbases reinforce the Continental’s luxury intent. The palette included a plethora of standard and limited-run paint colours, particularly on Collector’s Series and special editions.

Further Features and Information

Manuals and toolkit were frequently leather-bound and supplied as standard on special models. Factory-applied rustproofing as well as rare right-hand-drive conversions have occurred, but the overwhelming majority of Continentals are left-hand drive. The Continental also features prominently in over eight decades of cinema and television, from Hitchcock classics to 'The Godfather'.

Summary

With a production history stretching from 1939 to 2020, the Lincoln Continental is a defining luxury vehicle. Innovations in design, driving comfort, and technical sophistication differentiate it from both American and international market competitors. From limited-edition hand-built models to fully equipped late-1970s giants, the Continental’s breadth of variants, robust collector market presence, and cultural significance set it apart as one of the cornerstones of American luxury motoring.