64 Lincoln Continental Convertible Is Amazing Retro Cool Car

Published by Jack Miler on 11:16 am11:16 am

The 1964 Lincoln Continental is a true American luxury icon, blending timeless design with powerful performance. With its signature suicide doors, refined V8 engine, and premium craftsmanship, this classic continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts over six decades later.

Key Takeaways:

• The 1964 Lincoln Continental is an American luxury icon known for its sleek design, suicide doors, and powerful V8 engine.
  
• Prices range from $7,500 for project cars to over $100,000 for pristine convertibles.
  
• Strong collector demand makes it a solid investment, with values steadily rising.

The Lincoln Continental has stood the test of time as one of America’s most iconic luxury cars. From its debut in 1939 to today, it has remained a symbol of sophistication, power, and style. With its distinctive design, powerful V8 engines, and premium craftsmanship, the Continental became a favorite in Hollywood, frequently appearing in movies and TV shows, often as the preferred ride of gangsters, CEOs, and even U.S. presidents.

Among all Continental models, the 1964 Lincoln Continental is widely regarded as the best ever made. This fourth-generation Continental brought engineering excellence, innovative design features, and unmatched luxury, making it one of the most desirable classic cars today.

But what makes the 1964 Lincoln Continental so special? And how much is it worth today? Let’s dive into its legacy, features, and current market value.

A Defining Era: The Fourth-Generation Lincoln Continental

By the late 1950s, Lincoln faced financial trouble. The 1958-1960 Continentals were expensive to build and didn’t sell well, pushing Ford to rethink its luxury brand strategy. In 1961, Lincoln made a bold decision: streamline its lineup and focus exclusively on the Continental nameplate. This move led to the birth of the fourth-generation Continental (1961-1969)—a car that redefined American luxury.

A New Design Philosophy

• Smaller, More Elegant Frame: The 1961 model was shorter, leaner, and more refined than its predecessor, with a long, low body and sharp, clean lines.
• Suicide Doors: One of the most recognizable features of the 1961-1969 Continentals was the rear-hinged “suicide” doors, a design choice that added to its exclusivity and made it an instant classic.
• Thunderbird DNA: The Continental shared some design elements with the Ford Thunderbird, incorporating a uni-body frame for added strength and rigidity.

Upgrades In The 1964 Lincoln Continental

While the 1961 model was a success, Lincoln continued refining the Continental. The 1964 Lincoln Continental received several notable upgrades:

• Wheelbase Increased to 126 Inches: This provided more rear passenger legroom, improving comfort for backseat passengers.
• Stronger, More Efficient V8: The 430 cubic-inch MEL V8 engine delivered 320 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
• Performance Numbers: The Continental had a 0-60 mph time of around 10 seconds, and a top speed of approximately 120 mph.
• Flat Glass Roof Design: The revised roofline and squared-off rear window gave it a more modern and sophisticated look.
• Improved Interior Features: A redesigned dashboard, high-quality materials, and luxurious upholstery elevated the cabin’s appeal.

This combination of performance, comfort, and innovative design solidified the 1964 Continental’s reputation as one of the greatest Lincolns ever made.

How Much Is A 1964 Lincoln Continental Worth Today?

Unlike some luxury classics that have skyrocketed in value, the 1964 Lincoln Continental remains relatively affordable compared to its Cadillac and European counterparts. However, prices vary based on condition, originality, and rarity (especially for convertibles).

Current Market Prices (According to Hagerty & NADA Guides)

Hardtop models tend to be more affordable, with decent-condition examples selling between $7,500 and $22,000. Convertible models command a premium due to their rarity, often fetching $16,000 to over $100,000, especially for fully restored versions.

Price Trends

According to classic car market data, values for well-preserved Continentals have steadily increased over the last decade. In 2015, a concours-level Continental would sell for around $80,000, whereas today, top-tier examples can exceed $100,000. This upward trend indicates strong demand among collectors.

Notable Recent Sales

• $10,500 (2018) – A standard 1964 Continental sold on Bring a Trailer.
• $22,000 (2020) – A well-maintained hardtop with a new interior and paint.
• $51,500 (2020) – A fully restored convertible with modern upgrades like Bluetooth and disc brakes.
• $69,666 (2020) – A pristine California-based convertible.
• $106,000+ (2023) – A concours-level restoration fetched six figures.

Why The 1964 Lincoln Continental Remains A Collector’s Favorite?

Timeless Design – The clean lines, suicide doors, and elegant proportions make it one of the most recognizable classic cars.

Hollywood Fame – Featured in movies and TV shows such as Hit and Run (2012) and Entourage (HBO, 2004-2011) (Source).

Collector’s Appeal – Strong demand among classic car enthusiasts and investors.

Relatively Affordable – Compared to vintage Cadillacs and European luxury cars, the Continental offers great value.

Restomod Potential – Many owners swap in modern V8s, air suspension, and custom interiors, blending classic styling with modern performance.

Common Ownership Considerations

Before purchasing a 1964 Lincoln Continental, consider the following:

Common Issues:

Prone to rust in floor pans, trunk, and rocker panels.

Electrical system failures due to aging wiring.

Cooling system weaknesses—an upgraded radiator is recommended for reliability.

Maintenance Costs:

Parts availability is decent, but OEM components are expensive.

Expect fuel economy around 10-12 MPG, making it a gas-guzzler.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy Of The 1964 Lincoln Continental

The 1964 Lincoln Continental remains one of the most iconic American luxury cars ever built. Its blend of design, engineering, and exclusivity ensures it will always hold a special place in the collector car world. Whether you’re looking to restore one, invest in a classic, or simply admire its legacy, the 64 Continental continues to turn heads and make a statement over six decades after its debut.

Where To Buy A 1964 Lincoln Continental?

Looking for your own 1964 Lincoln Continental? Check out these platforms:

Bring A Trailer

eBay Motors

Hemmings

With prices steadily rising, now might be the perfect time to grab one before values climb even higher.

Have a favorite Lincoln Continental story? Share it in the comments below!

FAQs for Buyers and Collectors of the 1964 Lincoln Continental

Buying a 1964 Lincoln Continental

1. What should I look for when buying a 1964 Lincoln Continental?

When purchasing a 1964 Continental, check for:

Rust issues (common in floor pans, trunk, and rocker panels).
Electrical problems due to aging wiring.
Cooling system condition—ensure the radiator and water pump are upgraded.
Originality—matching-numbers cars hold better value.
Interior wear—seats, dashboard, and trim can be expensive to restore.

2. How much does a 1964 Lincoln Continental cost?

Prices vary based on condition, originality, and model (hardtop vs. convertible):

Hardtop Models: $7,500 – $50,000+
Convertible Models: $16,000 – $106,000+

3. Is it better to buy a restored 1964 Continental or restore one myself?

Buying a restored model saves time and money, especially if it has original parts and quality restoration work.
Restoring one can be rewarding but expensive, with full restorations often exceeding $50,000.

4. Are 1964 Lincoln Continentals reliable for regular driving?

While they are well-built luxury cars, they require regular maintenance, including:

Upgraded cooling system to prevent overheating.
Regular electrical system checks to avoid malfunctions.
Power steering and braking system maintenance for smooth handling.

5. Where can I buy a 1964 Lincoln Continental?

Top platforms for finding a 1964 Lincoln Continental for sale include:

Bring a Trailer (BaT) – Online auctions with detailed listings.
eBay Motors – Wide selection, but research sellers carefully.
Hemmings – Classic car marketplace with trusted listings.
ClassicCars.com – Features dealer and private listings.

6. Is the 1964 Lincoln Continental a good investment?

Yes, values have been steadily rising, with convertibles fetching six figures. The demand for well-preserved models makes it a solid long-term investment.

Collecting & Valuation of the 1964 Lincoln Continental

7. What makes the 1964 Lincoln Continental desirable for collectors?

Collectors value the 1964 Continental for:
Timeless design with sleek lines and suicide doors.
Hollywood and pop culture fame (Entourage, Hit & Run).
Rising market value, especially for convertibles.
Limited production, making well-preserved models rare.

8. How has the value of the 1964 Lincoln Continental changed over time?

In 2015, concours-level Continentals sold for $80,000.
By 2023, top-tier examples exceeded $100,000.
The trend suggests steady appreciation, making it a valuable collector’s car.

9. What’s the rarest version of the 1964 Lincoln Continental?

The convertible model is the most sought-after due to limited production and high restoration costs.
Low-mileage, all-original models fetch the highest prices.

10. How can I maintain the value of my 1964 Lincoln Continental?

Keep it original—avoid unnecessary modifications.
Store it properly—in a climate-controlled garage to prevent rust.
Regular maintenance—especially electrical and cooling system upkeep.
Document history—service records and original paperwork increase resale value.