1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible
The Lincoln Continental is a great example of American automotive design and engineering from the 1960s. With its clean lines and innovative features, the 1966 Lincoln Continental marked a significant departure from its predecessors and set new standards in the luxury car segment.
Externally, the 1966 model showcased a refreshed aesthetic compared to earlier iterations of the fourth-generation Continental. Its sleek profile was accentuated by a sculpted accent line running along the side, lending the car a sense of motion even at rest.
The vehicle measures an impressive 221 inches in length and 80 inches in width, making it one of the largest convertibles of its era. The return of curved glass, which had been temporarily replaced by flat panes in 1964, restored a premium look to the vehicle’s silhouette.
Perhaps most striking was the Continental’s signature feature: rear-hinged “suicide” doors, which not only added a touch of drama but also improved ingress and egress for passengers.
Under the hood, the 1966 Continental boasted impressive power. Its heart was a massive 462 cubic inch (7.6-liter) V8 engine, the largest version of Ford’s MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) engine family. This powerplant churned out 340 horsepower, providing plenty of thrust to move the Continental’s substantial mass with authority.
The 1966 model year also saw the introduction of front disc brakes as standard equipment, a significant upgrade that improved the Continental’s stopping power and overall safety. This addition reflected Lincoln’s commitment to incorporating advanced technologies into their flagship model.
The interior of the Continental was a study in opulence. Quality materials adorned every surface, from supple leather upholstery to genuine wood trim.
The spacious cabin, made possible by the car’s 126-inch wheelbase (extended by 3 inches in 1964 to improve rear legroom), offered a first-class travel experience for up to six occupants.
The convertible top, a rarity in the four-door luxury car market, added an extra layer of sophistication to the Continental’s appeal.
One of the Continental’s most notable features was its unibody construction. While this approach had been introduced in the 1958 model, the 1966 version refined the concept, resulting in a more rigid structure that enhanced both ride quality and handling.
This construction method also allowed for a lower overall height, contributing to the car’s sleek appearance.
In the competitive landscape of 1960s luxury automobiles, the Continental faced off against formidable rivals such as the Cadillac DeVille and the Imperial Crown. However, the Lincoln’s distinctive styling and innovative features helped it carve out a niche in this rarefied market segment.
From a historical perspective, the 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible holds a special place in American culture. Often referred to as the “Kennedy Lincoln,” this model is deeply associated with the era of President John F. Kennedy, who famously used a similar model during his presidency.
Production of the Continental convertible would continue only through 1967, making the 1966 model one of the last of its kind. This limited availability, combined with the car’s striking design and historical significance, has made the 1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible a highly sought-after collector’s item in subsequent decades.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
