15 Lincoln Continentals From The ’60s That Car Lovers Still Dream About

The 1960s were truly a golden age for the Lincoln Continental—a decade that saw the creation of some of the most stunning luxury automobiles to ever cruise American highways.

These cars weren’t just vehicles; they were statements of style, sophistication, and innovation. With their sleek lines, signature suicide doors, and commanding presence, Lincoln Continentals of this era embodied the pinnacle of automotive design and engineering.

As a passionate classic car enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours admiring these rolling masterpieces. Each model reflects a unique blend of elegance and muscle, offering a driving experience that was as refined as it was powerful.

Even today, these icons of 1960s luxury continue to capture the hearts of collectors and casual admirers alike, standing as timeless symbols of American automotive artistry.

1. 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible – The Suicide Door Legend

I’ll never forget the first time I saw a ’61 Continental convertible at a car show in Detroit. My jaw literally dropped at its clean, uncluttered lines and those famous rear-hinged doors. This revolutionary model completely reinvented Lincoln’s image overnight.

Powered by a muscular 430-cubic-inch V8 delivering 300 horsepower, the ’61 Continental wasn’t just about looks. Its understated elegance represented a dramatic departure from the excessive chrome and tail fins of the previous decade.

The four-door convertible configuration was practically unheard of at the time, making it uniquely versatile for passengers. President Kennedy’s use of these vehicles as official state cars cemented their place in American history.

2. 1962 Lincoln Continental Sedan – Refined Elegance

Stepping into my uncle’s ’62 Continental as a kid felt like entering a secret club of luxury. The 1962 sedan continued the clean design language introduced the previous year but added subtle refinements that enhanced its already impressive presence.

Lincoln engineers focused on improving the ride quality, resulting in what many consider the smoothest-riding American car of its time.

What truly distinguished the ’62 model was its impeccable build quality. Each Continental underwent rigorous quality control, including a road test before delivery. Fewer than 28,000 units were produced, making well-preserved examples increasingly valuable to collectors who appreciate its understated sophistication.

3. 1963 Lincoln Continental Limousine – Presidential Class

Goosebumps still rise on my arms when I think about the historical significance of the ’63 Continental limousine. Following the Kennedy assassination, these special-order stretched Continentals became symbols of both tragedy and enduring dignity.

Built on a reinforced chassis with a wheelbase extended by 36 inches, these hand-crafted limousines featured special amenities including privacy dividers, communication systems, and climate controls for rear passengers.

Beyond their political connections, these limousines represented the ultimate in American luxury. The 320-horsepower V8 engine provided sufficient power despite the added weight.

4. 1964 Lincoln Continental Sedan – Engineering Excellence

During a restoration project last summer, I gained a new appreciation for the ’64 Continental’s engineering brilliance. While preserving the iconic styling, Lincoln’s engineers made numerous mechanical improvements that transformed the driving experience.

The front suspension received significant updates, reducing body roll and improving handling without sacrificing the famous cloud-like ride. A revised cooling system addressed overheating issues from earlier models, while the electrical system became more reliable through thoughtful redesigns.

Behind the wheel, drivers enjoyed a new variable-ratio power steering system that made parking easier while maintaining stability at highway speeds. These technical enhancements weren’t immediately visible but made the ’64 model particularly desirable among drivers who actually used their Continentals regularly.

5. 1965 Lincoln Continental Coupe – Formal Roof Elegance

My first date with my wife was in a borrowed ’65 Continental Coupe—talk about making an impression! The 1965 model year introduced the formal roof coupe body style, creating what many consider the most elegant two-door luxury car of the decade.

Powered by the new 462-cubic-inch V8 producing a robust 340 horsepower, the coupe combined formidable performance with unmatched refinement.

Lincoln produced only 9,945 coupes in 1965, making them significantly rarer than sedans or convertibles. The interior featured a distinctive aircraft-inspired instrument panel with horizontal gauges and controls angled toward the driver. Its combination of exclusivity, performance, and distinctive styling makes it among the most sought-after Continentals today.

6. 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible – Open-Air Luxury

Cruising along the Pacific Coast Highway in a friend’s ’66 Continental convertible remains one of my most cherished automotive memories. The 1966 model represented the pinnacle of open-air luxury motoring, with its massive power-operated top that disappeared completely beneath the rear deck.

Lincoln’s engineers had perfected the complex top mechanism by this point, creating a nearly silent operation that transformed the car from closed to open in less than 30 seconds.

Production numbers dwindled to just 3,180 convertibles that year, foreshadowing the body style’s eventual discontinuation. Driving one today feels like commanding a yacht on wheels—smooth, powerful, and utterly distinctive. The ’66 convertible’s combination of mechanical refinement and low production makes it particularly valuable to serious collectors.

7. 1967 Lincoln Continental Sedan – The Last of the Classics

A ’67 Continental sedan was the first classic car I ever purchased, and its solid construction immediately impressed me. The 1967 model year marked the final iteration of the original slab-sided design before significant styling changes would arrive for 1968.

Tipping the scales at nearly 5,700 pounds, these were among the heaviest production cars of the era. This substantial weight contributed to their legendary ride quality and vault-like solidity. Safety features received significant attention, with energy-absorbing steering columns, padded dashboards, and four-wheel disc brakes becoming standard equipment.

Lincoln’s attention to detail extended to sound insulation, with additional dampening materials added throughout the car. The result was a nearly silent cabin that rivaled much more expensive European luxury cars.

8. 1968 Lincoln Continental Mark III Prototype – Birth of a Legend

Seeing the Continental Mark III prototype at the Henry Ford Museum gave me chills—it was automotive history in the making. Though technically not a Continental sedan or coupe, this 1968 prototype represented Lincoln’s bold new direction that would influence luxury car design for decades.

Developed under Lee Iacocca’s direction, the Mark III prototype featured the distinctive long-hood/short-deck proportions and vertical grille that would define personal luxury coupes.

What made this prototype so significant was how it reconnected with the original Continental Mark II of the 1950s while establishing a new design language. Several subtle details changed before production, making the prototype a fascinating glimpse into Lincoln’s design process.

9. 1968 Lincoln Continental Sedan – The Redesign

The shock I felt seeing the redesigned ’68 Continental at the auto show still feels fresh in my memory. After years of the clean slab-sided look, Lincoln took a bold new direction with a completely restyled body featuring more curves and contemporary details.

Stretching a massive 229.9 inches in length, the new design featured a more pronounced grille, curved side glass, and a slightly more conventional roofline. Under the hood, the 462 V8 continued with improvements to the cooling and electrical systems for better reliability.

Inside, the aircraft-inspired horizontal dash gave way to a more driver-focused cockpit with improved ergonomics. While some purists were initially disappointed by the departure from the iconic earlier design, the ’68 model has gradually earned respect for its distinctive styling and superior comfort.

10. 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III – Personal Luxury Defined

Borrowing my neighbor’s ’69 Mark III for prom night made me the envy of every kid in school. The production Mark III arrived in 1969, creating an entirely new standard for personal luxury with its imposing presence and distinctive styling cues.

Built on a modified Thunderbird chassis, the Mark III featured a massive 460-cubic-inch V8 producing 365 horsepower. The long hood housed hidden headlamps while the short deck featured that iconic spare tire hump—a styling element that would define Lincoln’s luxury coupes for decades.

The Mark III successfully challenged Cadillac’s dominance in the personal luxury segment, selling over 23,000 units in its first year. Its combination of eye-catching style, powerful performance, and genuine exclusivity made it an instant classic.

11. 1966 Lincoln Continental Executive Limousine – Corporate Luxury

Attending an auction where a rare ’66 Executive Limousine crossed the block was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. These special-order vehicles were built by Lehmann-Peterson under Lincoln’s authorization for corporate executives and VIPs who needed something more discreet than a traditional stretch limousine.

Unlike presidential limousines, these corporate models maintained a relatively low profile while providing exceptional comfort and utility for business travelers.

Only 159 of these executive limousines were produced in 1966, making them exceedingly rare today. The craftsmanship was impeccable, with hand-fitted interior components and special structural reinforcements to maintain the Continental’s handling characteristics despite the added length.

12. 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible – The Entourage Edition

My heart raced when I spotted a ’63 Continental convertible in Regal Turquoise at a Pebble Beach auction—one of the rarest color combinations ever offered. The 1963 convertible perfectly balanced luxury and sportiness, creating what many consider the ultimate expression of top-down cruising.

Lincoln offered a special dealer package nicknamed the “Entourage Edition” that included matching luggage, a cocktail set for rear passengers, and special interior trim options.

The 1963 model featured subtle improvements to the convertible top mechanism, reducing maintenance requirements while improving reliability. A hidden vacuum system automatically pulled the fabric top tight against the frame, eliminating the unsightly wrinkles common in competitor’s convertibles.

13. 1964 Lincoln Continental Town Brougham – The Concept Car

Standing inches away from the Continental Town Brougham concept car at a museum exhibition left me speechless. This one-off design study presented at the 1964 New York Auto Show explored formal luxury themes that influenced production models for years afterward.

Featuring a unique vinyl-covered roof with limousine-style rear window treatment and special opera windows, the Town Brougham predicted the formal luxury styling that would dominate the 1970s. The interior showcased experimental materials including hand-tufted carpeting, brocade fabrics, and illuminated vanity compartments for rear passengers.

Though never intended for production, this concept car provided valuable feedback that guided Lincoln’s design direction. Surprisingly, the Town Brougham concept survived the typical fate of being destroyed after its show circuit ended.

14. 1962 Lincoln Continental Presidential Series – Secret Service Special

A retired Secret Service agent once showed me photos of his special ’62 Continental fitted with classified modifications—an experience that gave me a whole new perspective on these cars. Following the Eisenhower administration’s use of Lincolns, the Secret Service commissioned several specially-equipped Continentals with unique security features.

These presidential series vehicles looked nearly identical to production models but contained reinforced structural components, specialized communications equipment, and discreet compartments for security personnel.

Most fascinating were the unclassified features the agent could discuss: special flag standards, quick-change license plates, and public address systems integrated into the bodywork. While most presidential vehicles were eventually destroyed for security reasons, a few examples escaped to private collections, where they represent extraordinary pieces of American political history.

15. 1965 Lincoln Continental Custom Estate Wagon – The Coachbuilt Rarity

Stumbling across a Continental wagon at a specialty car show in Arizona nearly made me faint—I thought I was hallucinating! Lincoln never officially produced station wagons, but a handful of custom coachbuilders created these unicorns for wealthy clients who demanded Continental luxury with station wagon utility.

Firms like Lehmann-Peterson and Stageway Coaches performed these conversions, extending the roof and installing a tailgate while maintaining the Continental’s distinctive styling cues. The craftsmanship was remarkable, with hand-formed metal panels and custom glass creating a factory-quality appearance.

Interior accommodations included three rows of seating and custom cargo solutions for the discriminating owner. Fewer than 20 Continental wagons were created during the entire decade, making them among the rarest American luxury vehicles ever built.