Long-term ownership. One older repaint, otherwise a solid original car. Never used in winter. Top and windows operate correctly. Accessory rear windshield makes a big difference! These cars are hot, get one while they’re affordable!

Somehow the bright red paint makes the already immense Continental look even bigger. It’s a one-car parade, particularly with the rear windshield, which really is a Ford-approved accessory. The repaint was done in the early ‘90s, and at that time the car won a number of awards with the LCOC, so it was quite nicely done. Since then it’s been driven and enjoyed by the family that owned it and the quality of the work means it has held up well. It is not perfect, but it presents quite nicely and it’s just right for casual outings, shows, parades, and just using it as a luxury convertible should be used. Bugs? Rain? No worries, because this Continental isn’t a trailer queen. It is quite straight and even though it has been in Ohio its entire life, we can find no evidence that it was ever used in winter weather because it’s very clean underneath (which is critical due to these being unit-bodied cars). All four doors fit well, the gaps are even, and important areas like the rockers are solid. There are some signs of age, of course, a few nicks here and there, but nothing that draws from the car’s impressive presence as it glides down the street.

The burgundy leather interior is mostly original and in good condition overall. That rear windshield was installed 30 years ago and came in a Ford box, so it is indeed correct for this car. The only downside is that it bolts to the back of the front seat, so the seat no longer moves and the power assist has been disabled to prevent damage. There’s plenty of room for 6-footers, however, and it is still a top-of-the-line luxury car. The driver’s seat shows the most wear, obviously, with some scuffing and minor cracking, but no tears or issues that require immediate attention. The carpets were likely replaced at some point since they’re extremely nice, and the door panels are very nicely preserved. Of note, all the windows are fully operational, including the power vent windows, the white convertible top stows and erects itself properly, and the ribbon-style speedometer remains one of the dashboard’s neatest features. The A/C system was reportedly rebuilt a few years ago, but is not blowing cold today. Passenger space is massive, of course, and with that rear windshield it’s comfortable for everyone on board. And as long as the top is up, trunk space is massive, and it includes a full-sized spare and jack assembly.

Lincoln’s 462 cubic inch V8 was a staple in the Continental, pulling all 5000 pounds’ worth of convertible around without working very hard. We don’t have any information on rebuilds, but the car has been properly serviced for the past 30 years and it does run and drive quite well today. The big V8 turns over quickly, idles nicely, and doesn’t have any bad habits out on the road. The engine bay shows off an easy life, too, with bright Ford Blue engine enamel, clearly visible spotwelds, and OEM equipment throughout. Newer belts and hoses, a fresh battery, and fresh fluids mean it’s ready to enjoy and it does drive rather well. The C6 3-speed automatic transmission offers clean shifts and with 2.80 gears out back it is a fantastic car for road trips because it just loafs along. Of course power steering and power disc brakes are part of the equation and the dual exhaust system with four mufflers has just the right sound—muscular but muted. You’ll note the undercarriage is tidy with most of the orange being factory red oxide primer visible through the undercoating. There’s one neatly done patch under the driver’s footwell, but structural areas like the rockers and center tunnel are excellent. It sits on original 15-inch wheels and hubcaps with 235/75/15 whitewall radials all around.

Extras include two build sheets, original owner’s manual, warranty booklet, radio guide, and a few other items.

This is not a show car but it’s not $50,000, either. It is, however, a clean, usable, luxury convertible with a lot of charisma that’s mechanically excellent and ready to enjoy. There’s still nothing else that can attract attention like these 4-door Lincoln convertibles, particularly when they’re bright red. If you like the look and feel of traditional American luxury, few cars define it better than the Continental convertible. Call today!

Harwood Motors always encourages and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.