Beginning in 1961, Elwood Engle’s striking modern design for the newly named Lincoln Continental began an immensely successful decade for the big Lincoln flagship.  It was one of the last vehicles to be completely designed by one man, and soon, every other car manufacturer was imitating its cohesive style.  Certain features like the distinctive grille and front opening rear doors became Lincoln trademarks throughout the entire decade.

462 ci V-8 engine,
340 HP,
3-speed automatic transmission,
independent front suspension,
semi-elliptic rear suspension,
front disc and rear drum brakes,
126” wheelbase

By 1964, the wheelbase was extended 3 inches, and in 1966, the first 2-door Lincoln since 1960 was launched.  The V-8 engine was pumped up from 430 to 462 cubic inches, and the car was also given all-new exterior sheet metal and a stylish new interior design. Parking lights and front turn signals went back into the front bumper, and tail lights were set inside the rear bumper for the first time.

The 1966 convertibles were improved with select technical changes related to lowering and raising the top. Lincoln engineers separated the hydraulics for the top and rear deck lid by adding a second pump and eliminating the hydraulic solenoids. A glass rear window replaced the previous years’ plastic windows. Sales increased to 54,755 units for the model year, but just 6% of those were the 4-door convertibles.  By 1967, the Lincoln Continental 4-door convertible was gone, the last 4-door fully open car available in the US.

The 1966 Lincoln Continentals were fresh, powerful, quiet, and smooth, and represent everything a luxury car buyer could have possibly wanted in 1966, and they remain just as popular among Lincoln enthusiasts and collectors today.

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Heacock Classic

National Account Manager at Heacock Classic Insurance

Heacock Classic Insurance operates out of Lakeland, FL, and is a major contributor to the American Modern Insurance Group family. Bob DeKorne has been a licensed Collector Car Insurance agent for over 15 years, but has been addicted to vintage cars and motorcycles far longer. He counts racing on the Bonneville Salt Flats in a 12 cylinder 1926 Pierce Arrow as his finest automotive moment.

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