West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptionally well preserved and great daily driving and completely rust free example of this very rare 6 passenger (one of only 3,048 built) 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III 430/375HP 4 BBL V8 Convertible with the Turbo-Drive Automatic trans in it's original and beautiful condition 'Starmist White' factory color (code 7) paint with a stunning & correct specification reupholstered and new original Tri-tone 'Matador Red, Starmist White & Presidential Black' (trim code 838E) leather interior and a very rare virtually fully loaded with factory options example including:
Heater & Defroster
Power Windows
Power Vent Windows
4-Way Power Front Seat
Power Steering
Power Brakes
Full Wheel Covers
Whitewall Tires
Am & FM Town & Country Radio with Remote Floor Switch to change channels
Factory Floor Mounted FM Tuner
Leather Bench Seat
Power Retractable Rear Window
Power Convertible Top
Power Door Locks
Tinted Glass
Rear Compartment Reading Lamps
The first all-new unibody design since World War II, this generation of the Continental was to prove to be one of the largest sedans ever built by Ford Motor Company or indeed any other American automaker for that matter. To set itself apart from a Lincoln, along with a division-specific grille, all versions of the Continental (including convertibles) were styled with a reverse-slant roofline, fitted with a retractable "breezeway" rear window. First introduced on the 1957 Mercury Turnpike Cruiser, the feature allowed for augmented interior ventilation. The Continental Mark III was designed by John Najjar, Chief Stylist of Lincoln, assisted by Elwood Engel largely drawing influence from the 1955 Ford La Tosca concept model designed by Alex Tremulis. As a result of its massive size and the configuration of its headlights, the model line was nicknamed the "slant-eyed monster" in the Ford design studio.
In 1958 only, the engine was to produce a massive 375 hp, it was to be retuned to 350 hp in 1959, and finally 315 hp in 1960. Using a 131-inch wheelbase, the 1958 Continentals are the longest-wheelbase sedans ever built by Ford Motor Company. Longer than a Ford Excursion, the 19581960 Continentals are the longest sedans ever produced by Ford without 5 mph bumpers. In fact, the 1958 Continental Mark III convertible is the longest convertible ever mass-produced in the United States, with the sole exception of the extremely rare 19341937 Cadillac V16 convertibles.
This particular example is a true survivor, having been restored over the years only as required, with new and correct specification paint and leather interior and boasting a fully operational powered retractable soft top, power operated retracting rear window, chrome window surround moldings, rear fender skirts, Heater & Defroster, original Town & Country Radio, power windows, power vent windows, 4-Way driver's seat, power steering, power brakes, full wheel covers and whitewall tires! The big 430/375HP V8 is powerful and responsive as it needs to be for a car of this size and the instruments sit proudly ahead of the driver who faced an upright looking dash with luxurious upholstery and fully powered options including a power retractable top and rear window offering the latest in subtle elegance! Billed as being "Crafted without compromise to be the finest motorcar in the world!"; and as classic beauty, craftsmanship and sheer elegance combined.
This particular mostly all original survivor has obviously always been garaged and well maintained by careful caretakers with the floor boards, trunk and all the typical rust-prone areas all completely solid and rust-free and the car has no signs of any accidents. The car has a very presentable older repaint in it's original 'Starmist White' factory color paint and a simply stunningly restored and rare factory correct and classic three tone Red, Black and White leather interior and all of its original factory instrumentation, including the 'Town & Country' radio are all in quite exceptional and original specification condition throughout. All the chrome is also in quite exceptional condition too.
The 430 c.i. 375HP 4 BBLV8 engine is extremely strong and powerful and sounds absolutely magnificent and this particular car drives very well - a truly remarkable daily driver that will give any modern day car a run for it's money! Rare with these particularly sophisticated cars, all the options work including all the power options and the fully retractable top and rear window! The car has its original spare wheel and jack in the truck.
Since purchasing the car we have completed the following work:
Rebuilt Transmission at Hiro's Transmission, Gardena, CA ($2,500.15)
New Fuel Pump, New Holley Carb, Rebuilt Steering Gear Box, New plugs & wiring, oil & filter at Joy Automotive, Santa Monica, CA ($2,900.01)
New intake manifold gasket, Freeze plugs, , adjust timing, new fuel filter, repair exhaust leak, repair stop light & turn signal lighting, replace power brake booster at Liebsack & Son, Gardena, CA ($2,424.61)
New battery, new starter solenoid, rebuild drive shaft at Charlie Cools, Torrance, CA ($1,639.00)
New front brake hoses & wheel cylinders & shoes, new rear brake hoses & wheel cylinders & shoes ($3,135.46)
This is an extraordinarily rare opportunity to own a great daily driving survivor and one very fine and rare example of a rust free 1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III Convertible in the most striking and classic of color combinations! A true all American classic car for the Lincoln enthusiast or any classic car enthusiast to enjoy today!
