Rare Survivor: 1959 Continental Mark IV Convertible
When it was new, this 1959 Continental Mark IV Convertible was already a pretty rare vehicle. It isn’t clear just how many have survived over the past 61-years, but with rust issues being so prevalent, that makes finding an example that is as nice and clean as this one appears to be a fairly rare treat. The owner has decided to part with a classic that has seen little use over the past few years, so his loss is about to be someone’s gain. The Continental is located in Latham, New York, and has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding on the Mark IV has advanced to $17,301, but the reserve hasn’t been met.
The relative rarity of the Mark IV Convertible stems from the fact that even though the Lincoln division was making a serious attempt to cut both costs and prices, the Convertible remained a very expensive car. As a result, a mere 2,195 vehicles rolled off the production line in 1959. For all of their luxury appointments and the company’s ongoing claims about high build quality, rust problems were rife in the Mark IV. This exacted a high toll on the original total, and while no-one can confirm how many remain in service today, it is believed that it could be less than 1,000 cars. However, if a Mark IV Convertible has managed to survive intact over the past 61-years, then it is undoubtedly a good one. The owner of this Glacier White example doesn’t provide any photos that provide an overall view of the vehicle, but the detailed photos do tend to paint a very positive picture. The panels appear to be extremely straight, while there is no evidence of any rust. The paint has a deep shine to it, with no signs of any significant marks, chips, or scratches. The external chrome and trim look to be perfect, while the tinted glass and the Black power top are in exceptional condition.
The Mark IV offered potential buyers a single drivetrain combination, which was the 430ci V8, along with a 3-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The engine produced 350hp, and even though the Mark IV Convertible was no lightweight at 5,330lbs, it could still cover the ¼ mile in 17.2 seconds. This Continental would seem to be in sound mechanical health. It hasn’t seen a lot of active use in recent times, but it has recently been treated to a complete braking system overhaul and has also been fitted with a new exhaust. It runs and drives, but the conservative side of me suggests that given its lack of recent use, it might pay the next owner to have the Convertible thoroughly inspected before undertaking any extended journeys.
The interior of this Continental wants for nothing. The condition is absolutely beautiful, from the rich red leather on the seats, through to the doors trims, the dash, and the carpet. The fact that the interior looks so good is a major plus for this car because interior restorations can be ruinously expensive. There is nothing for the next owner to do but to sit back and enjoy some relaxed motoring with the top down. As befits a vehicle of this caliber, luxury items abound. As well as the power top and power rear window, the Mark IV features a 6-way power front seat, power windows (including the vent windows), a power antenna, and a radio. About the only optional extra that this car misses out on is air conditioning, but lower the top and who needs it anyway?
When it was new, this 1959 Continental Mark IV Convertible would have cost its original owner somewhere around $7,100. That was a lot of money at that point in time, but then, it was also a lot of car. With rust having claimed so many, finding a nice example today is becoming quite difficult. This one appears to meet those criteria, and it will be interesting to see what it finally does sell for. It is possible to find examples for around the $35,000 mark, but a spotless example can easily sell for $80,000 or more. I believe that somewhere around the $48,000 to $50,000 range is probably about right for this car, but if someone can secure it for less, then it is very possible that they might have scored a bit of a bargain.
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Comments
I like the clean styling of the 60’s Lincolns better, but no doubt this car oozes its own style and presence. The close-up pics are nice, but sure wish the owner would have pulled it out of the storage building to take some wider-view pics.
Coincidentally a couple days ago I watched a Jay Leno Garage episode on the 1958 Continental Mark III Coupe. I thought Jay did a good job in both describing the car and describing its place in the automotive landscape the day.
Leno said he paid $2.00 per pound which is about $12,000 for his.
That sounds like a good price even though the car obviously had been painted atone time in its life.
When it comes to good ol’ American gawdiness, these late 50’s Continentals got to top the list. Repairing one, however, is a real live nightmare. I think just because of it’s sheer size and rarity, it’s a 5 figure vehicle, and gas, of which these used their fair share, is,adjusted for inflation, cheaper than 1959, if you can believe that, but rest assured, it will be short lived, and gas will be $5 bucks a gallon once things get rolling again. Still, you want the biggest and therefore classiest Ford ever made, you can’t go wrong here.
Fantomworks worked on a 1960. Basically the same car. To replace the oil pump was a dastardly job. Took 8 hours in a shop! Seemed like the front of the engine had to come off to do it. Great car for a person with lotsa money. Put it side by side with a Ferrari, drop the flag, and see which one puts you in the poor house first.
The chassis cross-members block being able to take the oil pan off easily, so yes–the motor has to come off it’s mounts to remove the pan & get to the oil pump. That 430 FE block is a monster!
not an FE(ford, edsel) its a MEL(mercury, edsel, lincoln). the 430 mel’s were the go to torque monsters in drag racing in the late 50’s and early 60’s
I think Adam is low on the value. Lincoln did not make as many convertibles as other luxury car makers at the time. This one is pretty rare. I like the last picture on eBay. It barely fits in his garage.
I realize the survival rate for big luxury cars is higher than average, but I’d be surprised if anywhere near 1000 of these still exist. I’d guess the number in drive-able condition at perhaps a few hundred.
I think you are closer to the truth. The LCOC members have a few `58-`60 models , and I’ve heard the horror stories of what these take to restore. You need deep pockets & deep patience.
If your going to take pics of the car why can’t you pull it 10 ft. out of the garage and get some of the whole car?
It amazes me how lazy people are.
I clicked on the ebay link hoping for some better photos…never been so disappointed! Roll it outside, & take a step back!
I was going to say the same thing! They want $17,000 and they can’t take the time to move the car out of the garage? I’m guessing it doesn’t start or run well.
Or maybe that reverse gear is a bit dicey!
5330 pounds! That makes my ’48 Continental convertible, produced just 11 years earlier, look like a lightweight at around 4000. They basically grew to the point that they could no longer grow. This particular beast has really been pampered.
These were impressive cars when new. “Massive” just isn’t a strong enough word. The extreme size, combined with the super low belt line gave them a look like nothing else, before or since. Out west, rust wasn’t what killed these cars. It was the styling (when fins fell out of style) and the expense of operating one. The secondary market was nil. And many went the the junkyard, still in good shape. No one wanted to spend 4x the gas money just to get around. But I remember a few of them still plying the streets around my town well into the 70’s with original owners. The type who still wore fedora hats, or ladies with lace hats and gloves. Rolling time machines.
I’ve owned a 58 Mark III 4 door for 15 years. Second owner, SoCal car, perfect no rust. Car was stored 25 years before I got it. Five years of restoration and $$$.
People either love or hate these, most the former. Best description I’ve heard I’d that it’s a car only a mother could love.
Leno really did his homework before he shot the vid. Lots of spot on info.
Parts, yeah you can get them but it’s like buying hold.
One thing for sure though. When you go to car shows, you will no doubt have the longest, heaviest car there (19′ 3″) and there won’t be anything else like it there. And there will be oodles of tri-fives.
Was going to sell mine recently but decided to double down, added front discs and some other minor freshening items.
In short, a super fun car to own!
I grew up in Tonawanda, NY (Buffalo area) in the 50’s / 60’s. There was a wrestler who went by the name of Yukon Eric. He drove around in one of these*, sometimes shirtless, in the (Buffalo) winter with the top down. I saw him in my neighborhood on at least two occasions I can remember.
*Continental convertible (year?) At 70 I’m a little foggy but I think it was light blue.
In elementary school a lady always picked up her kids in one of these. She always dressed like June Cleaver of Leave it to beaver. It always looked out of place in our neck of the woods where most people drove older Fords or Chevy’s. Don’t know where her money came from, but she apparently had plenty of it.
God bless America
Eva Marie Saint drove a duplicate of this car in North By Northwest, seen tear-assing out of the Mt. Rushmore parking lot after unloading an automatic into Cary Grant.
Statuesque actress, statuesque car…rrraaaahhhhrrr…
Just looking at this makes me want to vote for “Ike” (again)…
1st somewhat angry looking front end on a car?
I guess back then only big luxury cars had power window buttons mounted upright when they were on the doors.
No one has said it yet, so I will—-the 58-59 Lincoln’s were right up there with the 58 Buicks for butt uglyness. They didn’t sell because they were ugly. Looks like a Hudson step down next to it.
Maybe that’s because you are the only one that thinks they are butt ugly.
I’m kicking myself in the ars. I remember when these were on used car lots for $100.
Great to see this. They are truly a piece artwork. The best there was at the time. Reminds me of Cash McCall.
I guess the old guys wish to stay young and believe that buying this fugly machine will do it
I dont see anyone under 70 having a go at this cause this is really butt ugly
And any younger guy has too many good choices to lean towards this 4 ton beluga …
Buy before you die , your kids will enjoy sending your cars to the crusher
Oh , i know i will be attacked for my sarcastic sense of humor
Stay safe , dont breathe
To appreciate the styling of this car, one really needs to groove with the George Jetson aesthetic model. This car looks like someone put wheels on a Googie house and are now taking it out for a drive. Ugly ? I would submit that the suppository-styled cars of the last 30 years define ugly. The 58-60 Lincoln design could not be farther from that. I can think of many fin-era cars I prefer, but this one is certainly unique in styling and embodies the period wondefully.
Our ’60 Continental Mark V was very similar. It was so heavy that when you put it in gear it didn’t go anyplace unless you actually stepped on the gas. She regarded it as a safety feature. That was in ’66 and ’67.
It was her favorite car ever. She died last September. Miss you Mom.
I once owned a 60 which was sold to someone in England. 6 months later a call came in wanting to know where the car was. I wonder if it ever arrived.
I love the style of these just because they are so different.
No better way to waste 24 pic. I’m w/Junior, Slick’n Keith. Never seen such a bad job. Uness U know the car very well. If so they might B pretty good (if showin the rust spots, but not that either). Gone now anyway @$21K. Jay’s conti was 1 of his most humorous. I think the Kennedy-mobile wuz next. I really like that generation. But this 1 has the ‘smoker’s window’ (jay’s ‘fart window’, whatelse, eh?). That’s a kool ford thing…
No better way to waste 24 pic. I’m w/Junior, Slick’n Keith. Never seen such a bad job. Unless U know the car very well. If so they might B pretty good (if showin the rust spots, but not that either). Gone now anyway @$21K. Jay’s conti was 1 of his most humorous. I think the Kennedy-mobile wuz next. I really like that generation. But this 1 has the ‘smoker’s window’ (jay’s ‘fart window’, what else, eh?). That’s a cool ford thing…
Ended at $20,101 with Reserve Not Met.
I worked on several 58 to 60 Continentals over the years, the 1958 cars had a terrible 1-shot lubrication system for the front chassis and steering system. Known as the “Autolube”, it was patterned after the older Bijur system. Several owners who brought their cars into my shop had no idea what it was, and as a result, the front suspension parts were worn out from a failure to lube the car!