The Build – 1962 Lincoln Continental – Part 1
One of my favorite cars has always been the 1962 – 1965 Lincoln Continental Sedans. I have previously owned two Lincolns, a 1969 Sedan and a 1963 Sedan. When I sold the 63 I profited 3x what I originally paid for the car but always regretted selling it.
I had been searching all the regular vehicle listing sites and auctions for another good condition rust free, original, running and driving sedan. In the past I could have just gone to Craigslist and choosen from a handful of Lincoln’s available in my area. However good Lincolns have become much harder to find these days and have continued to climb in price.
I ended up finding a 1962 Sedan on Facebook Marketplace on a Sunday afternoon located in Prescott, Arizona. I previously saw this car listed a couple of months prior but it was quickly taken down and I assumed it sold. Turns out the owner had this Lincoln and a 69 sedan as well. He previously listed the 62 and then took the listing down because he was not sure that he wanted to sell it, so he decided to part with the car. The 62 was originally sold in Beverly Hills, California, has a Box A title showing 95k original miles, 4 owners and is Silver Mink Metallic over Red interior. I immediately went to see the car, we agreed on a price and I drove the car 100+ miles home with no issues.
Other notable things about the car is it came with the original window sticker showing a price of $7,064.80 in 1962, equal to $74,336.77 using an inflation calculator in today’s dollars, the original owners manual, and the car also has a custom stereo with tube amps and extra/ upgraded speakers that assumable were put in the car in 1962 when new. The previous owner had some Lincoln experts look at the car but no one had an answer for the stereo. Photos of both the window sticker and stereo equipment are in the gallery below. So the question is who had the money to spend on this car in 62, lived in Beverly Hills and installed the stereo? A musician, actor, movie executive?
Purchased on April 14th, 2024 I drove the car around for about a month before dropping it off at Sports & Collector Car Center in Tempe, Arizona to brothers, Joe & Pat Ritz, and their team. Joe & Pat plus their team spent a couple of months working on the car completely going through the mechanicals. Some of the larger fixes included dropping the transmission to change the flex plate and replace the starter, update the cooling system including a new oversized aluminum radiator with variable speed electric fans, rebuilding the heads including a valve job, and repairing/ converting to R134 the original air conditioning system. In addition all fluids were changed, carburetor rebuilt, leaks fixed, an in-line fuel pump was installed to help avoid the dreaded vapor lock, engine tuneup, etc. The car now starts right up and runs amazingly, the Air Conditioning blows ice cold in the Arizona heat and the motor stays cool at all times.
The 1962 Continental was the fourth generation of Lincoln’s for the Continental series. Since its launch in 1939, a total of ten model generations have been released, culminating in the introduction of the 2017 Continental as the most recent version. Most of the Continentals produced in 1961 and 1962 were designed as sedans, while a limited number featured vinyl-upholstered convertible bodies, which had power tops that folded into the trunk. In 1962, convertible models represented slightly more than 10 percent of the overall production. While I do like the convertibles I personally prefer the sedans even though they are not as rare.
1962 Lincoln Continental Sedan – STATS
– 300 horsepower and 465 lb/ft of torque 430 cubic inch 7.0 liter MEL V8
– 3-speed dual-range turbo-drive automatic transmission
– 4 wheel drum brakes
– Power steering, power brakes, power windows
– Air conditioning/ dual heater & defroster
– Power antenna
– 6-way power seat
– Speed Control device
– California walnut veneer interior trim
– Manufactures new car 24,000 mile/ 24 month warranty
-Dimensions: 213 in long, 78.5 in wide, 53.5 in high
-Curb weight: 5,000–5,700 lb
-Wheels: 14 inch steel wheels with Continental branded hubcaps
Next on The Build list will be wheels, tires, disc brakes and air ride suspension. Any recommendations on wheels, tires, brakes, and suspension? If so please email us with your feedback/ suggestions at info@Highline-Autos.com or if you are logged in you can comment below. I am seeing lots of owners with either Isotope or Colorado Custom billet aluminum wheels. Baer Disc Brakes. Popular Air Ride Suspension options seem to be by Murray Kustom Rods and Devious Customs with AccuAir management.
Future plans include a new leather interior and exterior repaint in the original colors. The car looks like it has had one re-paint in the original color and possibly a passenger side front fender replacement, paint does not match.
Stay tuned for Part 2 of the 1962 Lincoln Continental Build
Recommended Resources for your Lincoln or other Collector Car:
Sports & Collector Car Center
2042 West 1st Street
Tempe, AZ 85281
phone: (480) 968-5000
website: www.sccarcenter.com
Do you have a business or product that would be interested in participating in one of our Builds? Email us details at info@Highline-Autos.com
View Gallery Below for Additional Photos
*** Engine photos in story are pre-mechanical work, updated engine photos will be shown in part 2 of The Build
