55 years after the fact, it’s easy to forget that the Elwood Engle designed Continental of the early 1960s was a game-changer. It completely wiped the excesses of the 1950s off the automotive roadmap and ushered in a new design language that was restrained but imposing, simple but exquisitely detailed. The so-called “suicide door” Lincolns have a look that many have tried to emulate (most notably the Chrysler Imperial, which was also designed by Engle) but none have quite captured the ideal proportions and simplicity of line that make these cars so enduringly popular. It was the smallest Lincoln since before the war, but these are nonetheless truly massive cars. Even more remarkable, they feature unit-body construction—yes, even the convertibles—which allowed them to be lower and lighter than many of their competitors. Add in the legendary 430 cubic inch V8, superlative road manners, and a spacious interior, and you have a sedan that delights the driver as much as the onlooker.

There are many who would argue that with the “second generation” redesign of 1964, the suicide door Lincolns reached their peak. The greenhouse was subtly reshaped, adding formality and function, and the wheelbase was lengthened, but none of the trim, crisp lines of the design were lost. This handsome 1964 Continental sedan showcases that redesign in brilliant black paint, which really is the Continental’s best color. Formal and imposing, this is a car that is admired everywhere it goes. Code A Black Satin is the car’s original color, although it clearly wasn’t satin black—it’s incredibly shiny! It benefits from a bare-metal repaint that was done about five years ago, complete with photo documentation of the entire process. The car hails from Miami, so rust is obviously a non-issue and the sheetmetal is in superb condition throughout—note how well the doors fit and the ripple-free expanses of the slab-sided body. All four doors open and close with a pleasing and reassuring solidity and there’s simply no evidence that it has ever been wrecked or significantly damaged. The paint is two-stage urethane, so it will look brilliant for years to come with only a modicum of effort, and while there are a few signs of age on the trunk lid, the car remains one of the best of its type we’ve seen in a very long time.

While the use of chrome was toned down, there’s still plenty of brightwork on this black Lincoln, including the massive bumpers and elegant stainless strips that highlight the tops of the fenders. 1964 was the final year for the convex grille, which many enthusiasts prefer, and badging is limited to simple ‘Continental’ script on the quarter panels. You’ll note that the windows are tinted, probably not a bad idea on a black car in Florida, but if it’s not to your liking, it’s easy to remove. Lenses, the anodized aluminum trim pieces on the tail, and the delicate Lincoln cross hood ornament are all in excellent condition.

Lincoln offered a wide variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics for their clients to choose from in 1964. This car carries the optional code 66 “Black and Black Biscuit Design” upholstery, which combines a Versailles Damask cloth with leather bolsters. The interior was comprehensively restored when the body was painted, and it uses correct materials and patterns throughout for a very elegant look. The front bench seat is power-actuated (the motor works, but the seat doesn’t move—we suspect the seat is not on the track correctly) and features a center armrest. There’s a possibility that the leather on the seat is original, although it’s in such good condition and so supple, that it’s hard to say for certain. There are minor signs of use, but nothing significant and the cloth inserts still look like new. It also appears that the door panels were restored, including fresh carpet kick panels and woodgrain appliques, and all the weather seals were replaced so it seals up very well. New black carpets were installed throughout and you’ll note that there are custom speakers in the kick panels for the AM/FM/CD stereo hanging under the dashboard. The beautifully trimmed instrument panel features a full array of gauges, all of which are fully functional, and this car includes Lincoln’s unique tilt steering column that’s actuated by the turn signal stalk. Other options include cruise control, ice cold A/C (the car comes from Miami, after all), power windows (including power vent windows), and a power antenna that still rises out of the fender when you turn on the replacement radio. It also has power locks which are vacuum-actuated and work intermittently, and they might improve with nothing more than some lubrication. The lovely three spoke steering wheel is not cracked or damaged, the suede headliner feels luxurious, and the back seat offers more leg room than anything this side of a stretch limousine. The trunk is also correctly finished with what appears to be a fresh mat set, including the side flaps that conceal the jack assembly and a spare tire cover. Underneath, you’ll also be happy to find a brand new matching radial tire.

Horsepower is not a problem with the massive 430 cubic inch V8 living under the reverse-opening hood. Making 320 horsepower and a towering 465 pounds of torque, this slinky Lincoln is a superlative highway cruiser that always has plenty left in reserve. Even with the newly expanded wheelbase, the Continental remained eminently drivable, and the powerful engine is a big part of it. We have no information on the rebuild, but suspect that it was done when the rest of the car was apart about 6000 miles ago. The fuel pump is obviously rebuilt, there’s new corporate blue engine enamel on the block, and the list of new parts under the hood is fairly extensive. We’re also very impressed by how easily this big car starts with just a quick turn of the key—no fussing, no cranking, no rough idle—it’s almost as if it’s fuel injected. The big chrome air cleaner adds a little flash to the otherwise all-business engine bay, and you’ll note that many of the original markings, decals, and other details were duplicated as the engine bay was coming back together. Throttle response is crisp and all that torque pretty much ignores the car’s 5000-pound curb weight and makes it feel like a welterweight instead of a heavyweight. It makes reassuring mechanical noises but there are no signs of trouble and with the hood closed, it’s almost silent from the driver’s seat.

It’s backed by the original Twin-Range Turbo-Drive 3-speed automatic transmission, which shifts cleanly and always seems to be in the right gear at the right time. Out back there are tall 2.89 gears, making this Lincoln an outstanding highway cruiser that whispers along at modern highway speeds without an issue. As a unit-body car, the undercarriage is particularly important and we’re pleased to say that this Continental remains in excellent shape befitting its lifetime in Florida. The underside was not restored, but you can still see the original red oxide primer on the transmission tunnel and a light dusting of undercoating everywhere else, but it hides nothing. The structural members are unmarked, the floors are not and have never been rusty, and the outer rocker panels, which carry much of the load, are completely solid. We don’t like to deal in absolutes, but this car is very, very nice with no structural issues that should concern the next owner. There’s also a new dual exhaust system complete with resonators and mufflers, so it has an appropriately luxurious hum that never becomes obtrusive. The suspension was also rebuilt, and that’s one of the most remarkable things about this particular Continental: unlike many of its tired, neglected siblings, it feels tight, precise, and pinned-down on the road, a feeling we have not experienced in any other period Continental. Honestly, we didn’t know they could be this good. Part of that is surely due to new bushings, tie rods, and sway bar links, but you’ll also find fresh springs to keep it at the proper ride height and brand new 235/75/15 whitewall radials.

Yes, there are less expensive Continentals on the market, we know that. However, the important thing to realize is that these are insanely expensive cars to restore, so a lesser car may not be the bargain it appears to be. It isn’t hyperbole when we say we’ve never driven one that handles and rides better than this and the paint, chrome, and interior are simply spectacular. Add in a host of functional luxury accessories and an awesome color combination and you get a car that makes a compelling case for simply buying one already finished and ready to enjoy. This beautiful Lincoln delivers in all the ways that matter when buying a vintage luxury car. Call today!