1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III for sale in Costa Mesa, California

After the Continental Mark II was discontinued, a new generation of the brand appeared for 1958. These were the first Continentals produced at the new Wixom plant, and the first made on a unibody platform since the original Continental. Though this edition is known as the "Mark III," the first models bore the nameplate "Continental III" on the front fender. While advertising brochures made the case that Continental was still a separate make, the car shared its body with that year's Lincoln. They differed from the lower-model full-size Lincolns in trim level and in their roof treatment, featuring a reverse-angle power rear "breezeway" window that retracted down behind the back seat. Hand assembly was gone, allowing for lower prices. Even so, Lincoln lost over sixty million dollars over 1, partly reflecting the enormous expense of developing what is perhaps the largest unibody car ever made. In addition there was the fact that that year's full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all models; 1958 was a recession year in the U.S. But in spite of that, the Continental Mark III recorded much better sales than the Mark II. The new Lincoln was one of the largest cars ever made, larger than that year's Cadillac, and with their canted headlights and scalloped fenders had styling considered by many to be excessive even in that decade of styling excess. They were the longest and widest Lincolns ever produced without federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumpers. The 63.1 inches (1,603 mm) front and 63.0 inches (1,600 mm) rear shoulder room they possessed set a record for Lincoln that still stands to this day; while the 44.0 inches (1,118 mm) front and 44.9 inches (1,140 mm) rear leg room make it one of the roomiest vehicles ever produced. Furthermore, the 1959-60 Continental Limousine and Town Car are the heaviest American sedans without an extended wheelbase built since WW II, and the 1958 Continental convertible is the longest American convertible ever produced. This example is finished in its original color of Presidential Black. Benefitting from a sympathetic and cosmetic restoration, the interior has been expertly redone with very high grades of carpet and hand selected leather. The rare and two tone convertible top remains original to the car and is a testament to the care the car has received. The deep black finish highlights a nice body with excellent chrome. Powered by Lincolns 430 cubic inch V8 developing 375 horsepower and a diesel like 490 ft/lbs of torque that easily manage the cars size. 1958 was the most powerful offering for this series as by 1960 horsepower had been reduced to 315. The 3 speed automatic shifts extremely smooth and provides comfortable highway drivability. Very well equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows, a power self latching/unlatching top, and power seat, all the luxuries one would expect in a car of this caliber.

Year:  1980 or older

Reply to Seller