1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible

Chassis no. 3Y86N407989

430ci OHV V8 Engine
4-Barrel Carburetor
320bhp at 4,100rpm
3-Speed Automatic Transmission
Independent Front Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Two owners from new
*A very original California example
*One of 2,857 Continental convertibles produced in 1963
*Fully optioned
*Attractive color scheme of Spanish Red over Black Leather
THE LINCOLN CONTINENTAL
After several years of producing ever-larger be-finned and chrome-heavy luxury cars, Ford’s management had come in the late 1950s to realize that some serious changes were needed at Lincoln Division. Continentals had become the largest automobiles available to American consumers, to the point that some states, according to the Standard Catalog of American Cars, demanded that dealers install special clearance lights and reflectors. Ford decided that the fourth-generation of that series would go on a diet. The 1961 Lincoln Continental thus was a completely new design, based on the 1958 Thunderbird – but with two additional doors, as mandated by Ford President Robert S. McNamara. The task was given to veteran stylist Elwood Engel. His deft hands would produce one of the most influential designs of the 1960s, one that is still greatly admired by connoisseurs of fine automobiles, and is credited with saving the Continental line.

The new, smaller Continental would be offered as a four-door hardtop sedan and a four-door convertible on a 123-inch wheelbase – more than a foot shorter than the huge 1960 Continental – and both models would feature “suicide” rear doors, greatly easing entry and departure for back-seat passengers. The convertible top was very convenient to use; the driver simply pulled a T-handle, which opened the rear-hinged trunk lid and a smaller extension panel, folded and retracted the top, and stored it in the luggage bay. The entire process took less than a minute.

With its clean and minimalist styling, these Continentals appeared distinctly modern compared to rivals Cadillac and Imperial, which still flaunted huge fins, and it boasted much better build quality than its predecessors. To ensure that new Continentals reached their prospective owners with everything working properly, each was subjected to a 12-mile test drive before leaving the factory in Wixom, Michigan. It was also the first American automobile to carry a 24,000 mile/two-year bumper-to-bumper warranty. The new design was so appealing that it was honored by the Industrial Design Institute with a special bronze medal.
This elegant 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible appears in its original colors of Spanish Red with a Black leather interior and white folding top. It is equipped with all standard features and options.

Body Plate Identification

BODY COLOR TRIM DATE DSO AXLE TRANS

74A Q 86 24K 53 1 4

BODY: 74A (4 dr Convertible)

Color: Lower Body Color, Upper Body

Color: Q (Spanish Red)

Trim Code: Trim 86 (Black)

DATE: Production Date 24K (October 24^th)

DSO: District 53 (Oakland)

AXLE: 1 3.00:1

TRANS: Transmission Installed 4 (Dual Range Automatic)

VEHICLE WARRANTY NUMBER