Famous for cutting-edge design, the Lincoln Continental remained one of America’s premiere hand-built luxury cars until the late 1960s. The four-door convertibles in particular demonstrate the kind of restrained style that has no expiration date and as the last of the four-door “convertible sedans,” their iconic status is assured. Insanely complex but sublimely road-worthy, the suicide-door Lincolns now enjoy a worldwide following that seems to recognize them as more than mere transportation, but rather works of industrial art. Just try to name another 1960s luxury car that can match its combination of performance, style, and celebrity—I suspect you’ll come up empty.

This 1966 Continental convertible is a nicely preserved survivor that seems to have enjoyed just a single repaint in its five decades of life. Obviously it lived someplace warm, as the body remains quite straight and all four doors fit well without slamming, a tribute to the strength of the unibody platform upon which it was built. Spanish Moss Metallic is the car’s original color, a lovely medium green with a bit of silver underneath that looks right on the massive convertible. Judging from the door jambs and other isolated areas, the color match is extremely close to the factory finish and the overall patina of the repaint would make it rather easy to pass it off as a 100% original car. The dark color highlights the subtle details of the Continental shape, particularly the kick-up in the rear doors that add a muscular look to the quarters and balance the car’s proportions—it doesn’t appear nearly as big as it is. The chrome and trim are quite likely original 1966 pieces, so none of it is perfect, but it all suits the car so well that it would be a shame to restore it. Lenses, glass, and other delicate parts all remain in very good shape and there’s still nothing like showing up at an event in 19 feet of Continental ragtop with a little character.

The light green leather interior is likewise original and well-preserved, albeit showing some signs of age. The seating surfaces show moderate wear and some light cracking, but no major splits or tears, and as with the bodywork, it’s probably just too nice to restore—give the leather some conditioning and it’ll look just right. Intricate door panels with genuine wood inserts for the switch panels emphasize the car’s hand-built nature and it’s quite easy to just slide behind the wheel. Accessories include power windows and seat, tilt steering column, AM/FM stereo radio with power antenna, and a stylish clock in front of the passenger. Rear seat accommodations are spacious with massive legroom, and the seating surfaces in back are in the same condition as the front, with nicely preserved door panels and carpets. Perhaps most critical on any of these cars are the incredibly complex top mechanisms, which were derived from the folding hardtop system found on the 1950s Ford Retractables. Putting one of these right can cost a fortune, which is why it’s critical that the systems work properly as they do on this car. Hit the switch under the dash or use the convenient key-operated switch on the quarter panel (which provides trunk access from the rear-hinged deck lid), and the nicely-fitted white top disappears into the trunk in a mechanical ballet that you could probably sell tickets to attend. The trunk is original and actually looks a lot worse than it really is simply because the original mats and side panels are missing, revealing the red oxide primer and tar-based sound deadening materials underneath. Fortunately, reproduction pieces are available and will transform the cargo area at a very minor cost.

Lincoln’s massive 462 cubic inch V8 provides the kind of grunt that makes moving almost 6000 pounds of sheetmetal feel effortless, and these cars are superlative long-distance cruisers. Obviously freshened with a coat of corporate Ford Blue paint, the big V8 starts easily and idles so smoothly that you’re tempted to hit the starter even after it’s already running. It remains in stock condition with no modifications save for routine maintenance items, and it’s quite likely that the mileage shown is authentic given the condition of the mechanical components. It has enjoyed a recent tune-up and brake work, and the 3-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and without trouble. The undercarriage is solid, yet original, so it isn’t shiny and perfect. However, a light coat of undercoating material has protected the floors for decades and hides nothing, so it’s easy to see that the critical areas are in good order. Original factory assembly markings are still visible on many of the components and where the rustproofing compound has worn away, the original red oxide primer is visible, more evidence that this car has never been rusty or wrecked. Other recent components include the mufflers and tailpipes, which give it a muscular exhaust note that suits the big luxury car just fine. The original wheels and hubcaps are protected by a set of vintage L78-15 Goodyear whitewall tires that look exactly right on the big ragtop.

We know this isn’t a perfect car. The interior is 50 years old and might be showing a few signs of age, but things like the bodywork and undercarriage are extremely solid and perhaps most importantly, the top works like it should. Like many formerly affordable cars, these suicide door Lincoln convertibles have been steadily appreciating and finding one that isn’t a basket case or a $50,000 investment is getting harder all the time. If a driver-grade Continental is what you’re seeking, this is a good car to put on the road.