MyStarCollectorCar

MARCH 2025: 1964 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL CONVERTIBLE—THE MISSING FENDER DIDN’T HOLD HIM BACK

Jerry Admin

The 1961-67 Lincoln Continental convertible became an icon overnight because it was large, in charge–and it had factory suicide doors.

They haven’t lost momentum because these big Lincolns are still very costly thanks to their unique look and scarcity.

Jerry Sutherland

Mitch Miller owns this 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible thanks to a search back in 2005 that took him to a guy who owned 30 Lincolns as part of a massive 100-car Lincoln/Cadillac car crop. This one was definitely closer to project status than roadworthy status because it was missing a fender–plus the factory 430 big block was stuck.

Mitch wasn’t worried about either problem with the Lincoln because he’s faced many challenges over decades in the car hobby. He learned the engine had a bad timing chain, so he replaced that and added new pistons and a custom cam shaft in the process.

The Lincoln convertible needed a few other things. He replaced the fuel lines, addressed the gas tank issues and rebuilt the fuel pump because long hibernation is a nightmare for old iron. The process took about four years.

Mitch also looked at the complicated convertible top because as he explained, “It has 16 relays to make it work so you have to take care of that—and it usually stays down until it’s home”.  

Mitch also upgraded the factory front brakes to make this giant convertible more likely to stop on demand. He also updated the fans to an electric dual fan because this big convertible sees its fair share of parade duty.

The interior was a pleasant surprise. Mitch explained how the Lincoln was restored in 1974 and the seats had held up really well over the years. He said all they needed was a deep clean and re-coloring to bring them back to life.

The carpet was another story because somebody in the Lincoln’s past had simply put new carpet over the old carpet. That created a few obvious problems, so Mitch ripped everything out, added new soundproofing and carpet to bring the car back to better than new.

Mitch wanted to keep the look of the Lincoln’s factory blue paint, but he wanted a 21st century version of the original shade–so he went to Porsche Mystic Blue. Mitch likes the new color in the summer sun.

This Lincoln was built to be a driver, so it sees real miles in the real world. Mitch said, “It rides like a sofa, but if the wind is going in the right direction, the passengers in the back get their hair blown forward” –with or without the rear screen.

Mitch said he gets “What a nice car” and “That’s Mitch’s car” comments because a 1964 Lincoln Continental convertible stands out like a neon sign when it’s on the road. He also likes the parade float status of the car because his car is a natural for a parade car.

This was a big project, but it was inevitable that Mitch’s car would be back on the road. He summed up the Lincoln’s role in his world with a five-word sentence.

It’s 3 tons of fun.    

Mitch Miller

By: Jerry Sutherland

Jerry Sutherland is a veteran automotive writer with a primary focus on the collector car hobby. His work has been published in many outlets and publications, including the National Post, Calgary Herald, Edmonton Journal, Ottawa Citizen, Montreal Gazette, Saskatoon StarPhoenix, Regina Leader-Post,  Vancouver Sun and The Truth About Cars. He is also a regular contributor to Auto Roundup Publications.

Exit mobile version