Possible purchase

[smckay]

Hi everyone. I'm a little new to the whole Continental deal, but am presently looking at buying a 1961 4dr hard top in California (with original Black Plates) and was wondering if there are any areas that I should look at in particular for rust, etc. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Seth

 

[maxmk8]

California cars shouldn't have all that much rust if any... unless it was a coastal car.

 

[Too Many Cars]

I had a 1965 Lincoln Continental that I bought with 49K original miles back in the mid 80's. I didn't have a rust problem with the car as it was mint with the original tires brakes etc and it was only $700 back then! The problem that I had was the single brake system and it's failure!!!!!!!!!!! I will never forget that as long as I live!!!!!! I did not crash but I was very lucky! If you want it to be all original make sure that you check/maintain the high pressure hoses in the brakes as well as the calipers/wheel cylinders!!!!!!! If one fails, they all fail!!!!! If I still had the car I would convert to a split system!!! If I remember correctly the disk brake pad number was DP1! The calipers as I remember were four piston non floating calipers but as far as that, the 1961 may be different.

The engine was the smoothest engine that I ever saw running bar none and I got 20 MPG going to Florida and 18-19 MPG towing a 2500 pound car back from Florida with a 430 cu engine!!! The engine/drivetrane was real reliable and it had enough power to keep me satisfied until I built my fast car!

I hear that if the car is in a damp environment the top of the doors can rust due to water collecting in the "Bowling alley gutter" if you know what I mean. Overall it was a great car and I regret getting rid of it!

Another thing that I remember is the smell of the leather, like it was still a new car! I guess that a car with 49K miles is just about brand new!