COOL AND COLLECTIBLE: This No Reserve Restored 1963 Lincoln Continental Shines with Custom Touches

February 3, 2021
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen

This 1963 Lincoln Continental convertible, with subtle custom touches to give it even more appeal, will be crossing the block at the 2021 Scottsdale Auction with No Reserve.

When buying a collector car or truck, superior quality may cost more initially, but in the long run, the finest vehicles ultimately are almost always the best value as well.

At the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, March 20-27, the best of the best will cross the auction block, including this very special No Reserve 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible finished in stunning triple black: paint, interior and roof. The starting point for this incredible nut-and-bolt restoration was a clean 1963 Lincoln Continental four-door convertible.

The fourth-generation Lincoln was first introduced in 1961, becoming the first new four-door American convertible to go on sale since World War II. Among the myriad of innovative features were its so-called “suicide doors,” with front doors latched conventionally, but the back doors latched in the rear.

Sixty years later, suicide-door Lincolns still have a commanding and alluring presence, especially in black. This is an iconic design that has withstood the test of time, making it a perfect candidate to undergo a restoration while adding some custom touches.

With such a classic model, every part of the restoration has to be done to the absolute highest quality, with no corners cut and no compromises of any kind. That level of obsessive attention to detail is especially important with black cars. While black is considered one of the most desirable color among collectors, it is also the least forgiving, as any flaws or imperfections will be apparent.

Fortunately, thanks to the incredible restoration work that went into this black beauty, the finish appears to be flawless. The owners spent more than $250,000 – fully documented with invoices – on the restoration to make sure everything was done to the highest possible standard, both in what you see and what you don’t.

The Lincoln’s body was stripped to bare metal, with more than 500 hours of prep-work labor from the skilled craftsman who worked tirelessly to get everything right during the process. The work included blocking the body in three stages to ensure a razor-straight panel fit that beautifully showcases the custom-blended Super Black paint topped off by a lustrous clear coat finish from House of Kolor.

All the original chrome pieces were professionally restored as well, and the underside of the Lincoln was finished and detailed to the same exacting standards as the body. That means the chassis also was taken down to bare metal before being powder-coated. Numerous upgrades on the chassis and suspension ensure that this fabulous 1960s convertible drives like a modern Lincoln.

The attention to detail extended to the $40,000 custom black leather interior, which is its own work of art. Everything on the inside was removed and either professionally restored or significantly upgraded.

The interior was reimagined with the highest-quality components, including Dynamat noise reduction, all-new carpeting and door panels, Lincoln-embossed emblems stitched on the upper back seats and a custom leather-wrapped dash. All the original gauges were removed and restored, and a high-end Alpine sound system with custom focal speakers and a hidden subwoofer were added.

The powerful 430ci Lincoln engine was bored 0.30 inches and upgraded with modern fuel injection and a 4-speed automatic transmission, adding to its drivability. And to make sure the look is just right, this big, black Lincoln rolls on a set of custom-made 22-inch billet wheels designed to resemble the original hubcaps.

This Lincoln has been driven approximately 500 miles since the restoration was completed last year. It is exceptional in every way – the right quality, the right stance, even the right colors. Now all it needs is the right buyer to take it home.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles headed to the 2021 Scottsdale Auction (with more being added daily), click HERE.