1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible
Description
OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE
The ever-longer and chrome-laden Lincoln Continental received a more restrained redesign as it entered the 1960s. Measuring 15 inches shorter than its predecessor, the fourth-generation Continental arrived in 1961 with a consolidated lineup of four-door sedans and convertibles based on the Thunderbird’s unibody platform. The Continental’s svelte new appearance received a Bronze Medal from the Industrial Design Institute (IDI) of New York for its striking rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors paired with its impressively engineered pillarless power soft top. It was powered by the massive 430 cu-in V8 carried over from the previous generation, delivering 300 horsepower through a smooth three-speed automatic transmission. The 1963 model year brought several improvements to comfort and reliability, including increased rear legroom and trunk space, an alternator instead of a generator, and a four-barrel carburetor for an additional 20 horsepower. The novel-for-its-time four-door convertible, which cost an additional $646 when new, was produced in roughly one-tenth the numbers of the sedan and remains the most highly sought-after variant of the glamorous cruiser.
Jerry Ferguson, a member of the United States Navy and a co-founder of Biomet Inc., a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of musculoskeletal orthopedic implants and products, was known for his entrepreneurial drive and generosity. He was also an enthusiast of all things 1950s, from music to automobiles. Pursuing his love affair with the automobile, in 1984 Ferguson established the Classic Car Centre of Warsaw, Indiana, a company dedicated to the acquisition and restoration of mid-century American Classics. In operation until his return to Biomet in 1993, today Hagerty Marketplace is proud to offer The Ferguson Collection, comprising the long-hidden remaining inventory and personal collection of Jerry Ferguson.
Highlights
Offered from The Ferguson Collection
One of only 3,138 Continental Convertibles produced in 1963
Wears an older frame-up restoration conducted from 1988-1989, invoices for which are on file
Originally finished Nassau Beige, it has been restored in a striking red with a Honey Beige leather interior with red piping
Pillarless, power-operated white pinpoint soft top with red binding
Powered by a 430 cu-in V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor, rated at 320 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque
Three-speed Turbo Drive automatic transmission
Equipped with factory air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, power windows, power locks, power vent windows, six-way power front seats, and an AM/FM radio
Rechromed bumpers, grille, and trim are said to be in excellent condition
Rear-hinged “suicide” rear doors
14 inch steel wheels wearing chrome Continental-branded covers and mounted with Coker Classic tires
Available for the first time in 35 years
This Continental Convertible is offered with the five-digit odometer currently showing just 888 miles at the time of listing; however, the true mileage is unknown
Features
Chrome bumpers, front and rear
Chrome grille
Chrome window trim
Polished stainless steel rocker panel and wheelhouse moldings
Quad headlights
Lincoln hood ornament
Hydraulic windshield wipers
Remote-controlled driver’s side exterior rearview mirror
Three-spoke wood grained steering wheel
Day/night rearview mirror
Analog clock
Horizontal 120 mph speedometer
Folding center armrests
Lap seatbelts
Twisted 80-20 loop carpeting
Dual padded sun visors
Passenger side visor-mounted vanity mirror
Crankcase emission reduction system
Heater/defroster
Back-up lights
Courtesy, dome, ashtray, and trunk compartment lights
Full-flow oil filter
Stainless steel dual exhaust outlets
Known Imperfections
Please note that all of the lots in The Ferguson Collection are offered in non-running condition after being stored without operation in a climate-controlled facility for at least 10 years. As a result, the lots will benefit from additional mechanical attention before being driven to address any imperfections associated with long-term storage or individual preferences. All lots are sold as is, where is.
Paint crazing on the left-rear quarter panel
Paint bubbles present on the trunk lid
Small fender fender paint chip scrape
Included
Restoration invoices
Ownership documents
Ownership History
This Continental Convertible was acquired by The Ferguson Collection in 1988. The car was then the subject of a complete frame-up restoration conducted by Mr. Ferguson’s in-house restoration facility from 1988-1989 – invoices for which are on file.
Additional Notes
A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle
Contact: Donnie Gould Phone: 954.647.0779 email: donnie.gould@broadarrowgroup.com
