1966 Lincoln Continental Convertible

This 1966 Lincoln Continental is from the fourth generation and is one of 3,180 convertibles produced for its model year. Power comes from a new-for-1966 462ci Ford MEL V8 mated to a C6 3-speed automatic, and the seller says the power-operated convertible top works but describes a sticking check valve and an intermittent fluid leak. Finished in Arctic White over a red interior, equipment includes numerous factory power amenities along with air conditioning and this 1966 Lincoln Continental convertible is offered from Ramsey, Minnesota.

The fourth-generation Continental shared underpinnings with the Ford Thunderbird, with a unibody platform that was stretched to a 126-inch wheelbase. This convertible is finished in a shade of factory-offered Arctic White (M) and the exterior is characterized by suicide rear doors along with exterior brightwork for the bumpers, grille, side moldings, and emblems. The power-operated convertible top features a glass rear window and stows under a rear-hinged lid at the push of a button. The seller describes a check valve for the convertible top mechanism with a tendency to get stuck and an intermittent fluid leak.

Steel wheels that measure 15" in diameter wear factory covers and are wrapped in narrow whitewall tires.

This Continental came fitted with a red (85) interior from the factory, and the seller describes what's present as original. Amenities include air conditioning and numerous power-operated features such as the antenna, windows, locks, and six-way adjustable front bench seat. The radio and climate controls are suited below the speedometer and are thus at the sole discretion of the driver, while a clock is present on the passenger side.

Instrumentation is comprised of a horizontal 120-mph speedometer and a fuel gauge, along with an analog clock at the passenger side of the dash. The five-digit mechanical odometer reads 97k miles, but total chassis mileage is unknown.

The 462ci displacement version of the Ford MEL (Mercury, Edsel, Lincoln) V8 debuted for the 1966 model year and had an output of 340 gross horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 485 pound-feet of torque at 2,800. A Carter four-barrel carburetor is tasked with fueling and the engine was the largest offered by Ford at the time. The unit in this Continental wears Ford's blue engine paint and retains many of the factory components. A Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission translates power to the rear end and is operated by column shift.

Photos showing the underside are available in the carousel.

Decoding the trim tag gives the following data:

74A: Four-Door Convertible

M: White Paint

85: Red Interior

16: Philadelphia Production

Transmission Code 4: C6 Automatic