originally owned by Lyndon B. Johnson, former President of the United States
originally owned by Lyndon B. Johnson, former President of the United States

Details
originally owned by Lyndon B. Johnson, former President of the United States
1964 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL 4-DOOR CONVERTIBLE

Chassis No. 4Y86N400405

Artic white with fawn interior

Engine: 90 degree V8, 430ci,320bhp; Gearbox: three speed automatic; Suspension: independent front with dual wishbones, rear, solid axle, coil springs; Brakes: four wheel drum with power assist. Left hand drive.

The new Lincoln Continental, introduced in 1961, was one of the most innovative and influential designs to come out of Detroit. A four-door, with its back 'suicide doors' that had not been seen in over a generation, was offered in both sedan and convertible form. It also became the only model offered under the Lincoln marque.

The Continental's restrained styling marked a startling departure from the acres of chrome that had characterized late Fifties designs. The sides were smooth, with only small chrome accents down the wing lines and along the sills. Remarkably at 17ft. 8in. overall, it was only 5 inches longer than the redesigned two-door Thunderbird that also debuted in 1961. The big Continental also had its own 430ci. engine, producing 300bhp, even though it was only fitted with a 2-barrel carburetor.

The Continental gained subtlety and refinement, and over 55,000 were delivered in the first two years of production. Minor cosmetic changes in future years further refined its conservative appearance and the interior was developed for greater comfort and room. Engine output had modestly increased to 320bhp, now aspirated by a four barrel Carter C3VE carburetor.

For 1964, the Lincoln saw subtle changes in both size and style. Overall length now measured 216.3 inches and the interior saw a new dash design. The Lincoln also had a facelift with the previous center grill bar being replaced by five vertical bars. In keeping with its luxury positioning, the options list for the Continental was short, with most amenities and conveniences as part of the car's standard equipment, as would be expected for its $6,938 base price. Included were power steering and brakes, power windows, six-way power seat, power radio antenna, dual exhaust, electric clock, heater, power vent windows, radio with rear speaker, remote control outside rear view mirror and power door locks. Almost all of the 1964 production cars had air conditioning.

The car we offer for sale was the 405th built in early September 1963 as a 1964 year model. Upon completion it was shipped to Dallas, Texas and bought new by the former President of the United States, Lyndon B. Johnson.
President Johnson enjoyed being behind the wheel of his automobiles and quite a few stories exist of him giving tours of his ranch in the convertible Lincoln at dizzying speeds, frightening passengers and sending grazing cattle in every direction.

Ownership subsequently passed through several owners before ending up with Nick Kralj, an Austin-based lobbyist. Apparently the car had been to several shops until Mr. Kralj commissioned Jeff's Resurrections of Austin, Texas for a complete restoration in the mid-1990s. Nearly two years later the car was ready and debuted as one of the special guests at Lincoln Motor Car Company's 75th Anniversary. In the ensuing years, the well-known Lincoln saw its share of accolades including a Best of Show and a Best 50s-60s award at the Greater San Antonio/Austin Collector Car Auction and Show in Dallas, Texas in September 1996. In 1998 at the Lincoln Continental Owner's Club in Santa Fe, New Mexico the Lincoln won a 1st place in the Primary and a Ford Motor Company Award. At the Lincoln Continental Owner's Club Mid-America National Meet in May of 1999 in Dallas, Texas the car drove away with a 1st place. In the late 1990s the Lincoln was acquired by the present owner.
After recent inspection the car has held up very well since restoration and continues to be a pleasure to drive. Even if startling cattle on the open roads of Texas is not your idea of fun, this iconic convertible of the mid-1960s with such noted provenance and in excellent condition throughout is bound to prove enjoyable for many years to come.