Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 2Y86H414346
The ever-longer and chrome-laden Lincoln Continental received a
more restrained redesign as it entered the 1960s. Measuring 15
inches shorter than its predecessor, the fourth-generation
Continental arrived in 1961 with a consolidated lineup of four-door
sedans and convertibles based on the Thunderbird's unibody
platform. The Continental's svelte new appearance received a Bronze
Medal from the Industrial Design Institute (IDI) of New York for
its striking rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors paired with its
pillarless hardtop or impressively-engineered power soft top. Both
models were powered by the massive 430 cu-in 'MEL' V8 carried over
from the previous generation, delivering 300-horsepower through a
smooth three-speed automatic transmission. The novel-for-its-time
four-door convertible, which cost an additional $646 when new, was
produced in significantly fewer numbers than the sedan and remains
the most highly sought-after variant of the glamorous cruiser.
This exceptionally well-preserved Lincoln Continental is finished
in a stunning triple-back color scheme featuring Presidential Black
paintwork, a Black leather interior, and a Black power-retractable
soft top. Loaded with all the amenities befitting of a flagship
luxury sedan of the day, the car was equipped with standard power
brakes, power steering, power locks, an AM radio, and leather
upholstery. Optional extras appointed at the factory included air
conditioning and an electric radio antenna. Wearing a high-quality
restoration completed in the 2000s under previous ownership, the
Continental retains a number of original interior details such as
its wood grain accents, radio, and gauges, which indicate just over
75,000 miles.
In 2012, the Academy acquired the Lincoln from the Dingman
Collection - an exceptional assortment of over 50 vehicles
belonging to Michael Dingman, a former Ford Motor Company Director
for over 21 years, who was particularly exacting in the high
caliber of the restorations in his collection. Since then, the
car's careful preservation has continued in the Academy's
climate-controlled exhibition space where it was displayed
prominently amongst other important works of automotive design. The
Lincoln's exquisite restoration and overall condition were
recognized at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance when it was
awarded Second in Class (E3: Lincoln Zephyr & Continental through
1962). Today, the Continental continues to create a spectacle when
its convertible top is raised or lowered and is worthy of continued
preservation and display in its ever-desirable "triple-black"
presentation.
