Someone may have already said this, but they're not called Suicide doors because of possibly falling out and being dragged by the door, at least not the only reason. In larger cities where parallel parking was prevalent, if you are a passenger on the driver's side and open the door and a moving car on the road hit that door, instead of knocking off the door, the door would be knocked back into you as you stepped out.
A perfect example of a perfect execution of design. Even today, this car draws admiring glances. I think the 1964 Thunderbird also belongs in this very small subset of American automotive timeless appeal. Great review. Keep em’ coming! 👍
It does; actually the 1960s Continental was originally proposed as one of two competing designs for the Thunderbird. Take a close look at the design similarities, both emanating from the prior Thunderbird models.
Funny how all these luxuries became standard equipment around 1993 even for economy cars...power windows (in 64 we called them "electric windows"), A/C, remote control mirrors, power assist steering & brakes, cruise control, AM/FM radio, inside trunk release.
I dated a girl who's dad had a '64 Lincoln Continental and he would let us take it to drive-in movies... Yes, it was a fun car. Thanks Jay for bring back fond memories.
I had a 65 Continental, not a day goes by that I don’t regret letting that thing go😢. I believe the brochure called them coach doors, and they sure made getting in and out of the back easy. I will concur with the con of overly complicated everything.
@@What.its.like. I'm not sure what Leno's talking about. My 64 Lincoln was one of the most comfortable, satisfying, trouble free cars I ever owned. It always ran. I had one small issue with a fuel pump, nothing more in years of regular use. I miss it to this day and am looking to replace it.
These cars were 180 degrees out from the previous generation of Lincolns. They projected an air of sophisticated elegance without being flashy or gaudy. President Kennedy loved convertibles and he was influenced by Ford bigwig turned Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to use Ford products. Kennedy also loved the newly designed Thunderbird too.
Modern design that stood the test of time, McNamara getting tapped for secretary of defense is probably what saved a lot of companies at Ford... plus if McNamara didn’t go would the mustang be a thing.. that’s crazy to thing about that be that’s a huge possibility.
The 1958 to 1960 Lincoln/Continental was such a sales flop that FoMoCo lost $60,000,000 (almost 700 million dollars in 2022). As a result, McNamara threatened to discontinue the Lincoln division. However, he was shown the proposed design of the 1961 Thunderbird and inquired if it could be turned into a 4-door Lincoln. That was accomplished by sharing the same windshield and cowl with the 1961 Thunderbird but lengthening the wheelbase by 10 inches. There was a huge cost savings in that the cowl/windshield are expensive to engineer and manufacture. Further cost savings were from the elimination of a 2-Door Coupe, reuse of the Ford Skyliner's retractable hardware for the Continental Convertible, simplified trim options (and eliminating the equivalent low trim model from 1960), and using the same basic design from 1961 to 1963. FoMoCo actually made a $20,000,000 profit on the Lincoln Division by the end of the 1963 model year.
Thank you so much for all of the added information I always wondered that like if it started life as a two door design why did they only make a four-door until I think 66 is when the two-door came out.. I could be wrong though that was off the top of my head
@@What.its.like. The Coupe was finally introduced for 1966 (and lasted until 1981). But FoMoCo needed to cut costs for the 1961 model, so it was temporarily eliminated.
Hey Jay, this 64 Lincoln Continental is breathtaking inside & out!!! My uncle bought a new Lincoln in 64, it was midnight blue with a black leather interior, it was gorgeous!!! I've always liked Lincolns & have owned many over the years. I currently drive a 18 Continental that's nice but doesn't have the character of this 64 model!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂
One day I want to compare those to but the continentals are rare like I thought they would be a way bigger hit.. I should say they are rear around here I’ve only seen a hand full all year.. The concept version had suicide doors and I really wish that they would’ve done that that would’ve been epic if they would’ve kept that design feature =)
I have not seen too many examples of the last generation Continental. It should have been based on the rear-wheel drive Mustang rather than the front-wheel drive Fusion. I sat in a new one a few years ago and loved the interior.
What a beautiful car. Thank you for featuring it, Jay. FYI, dual chamber master cylinders were not required by law until the 1967 model year. Ramblers and Cadillacs had them beginning in the 1962 model year.
While Kennedy was still President, the X-100 Presidential Limousine was updated with a 1962 model year grille and the 15-inch wheel covers were changed from 1956/1957 Mark II-style to the "sombrero" 1956/1957 Lincoln-style. The previous wide whitewall tires were replaced with whitewalls of a narrower band. The standard 14-inch wheels from the 1961 Lincoln were too small for the increased weight of the limousine. After the Kennedy Assassination, LBJ ordered the vehicle retrofitted "Quick Fix" with titanium armor protection and a fixed roof. Kennedy originally selected the deep blue paint because it photographed better at night. However, LBJ had the limousine repainted black (which is highly reflective to bright lights at night). Many have criticized LBJ for not retiring such a historic vehicle, but the development time for a replacement vehicle would have been lengthy. For several months during the retrofit, LBJ used J. Edgar Hoover's armored 1961 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine.
That limo was in use up to the Carter administration. I saw it at the Ford Museum in Detroit in the 90s. Seemed odd to keep using it. Maybe odder still to hand it back to Ford.
@@toofbrown6335 LBJ had to wait for the 1968 (with updated 1969 styling) Lincoln Continental Presidential limousine. Then later on there was a 1972 Lincoln Continental Presidential limousine (later updated with late 1970s styling). These Presidential limousines are never immediately retired...but used as backup and to transport visiting heads of state. I believe now that any new Presidential limousine has an identical twin. However, in the past there was only one built at a time.
Truly a beautiful car---this coming from a 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham driver. Only disappointment was the engine bay. Was hoping for one Much cleaner.
This 64 is 100% original untouched, unrestored so I won't be restoring it. I do need to clean it though! 26,000 original miles and 1 owner family till I bought it. I'm just preserving it! The seats were covered as well so I unearthed those to reveal the beautiful cloth and metallic leather.
@@johnlyman6948 I hope it was driven consistently. My car just turned 31K but was parked for some time. Originqally purchased in Boise, ID and spent most of it's life (if not all) in Utah. The brakes had to have a major service because it sat for so long. I also have a 66 Deville convertible with 90K miles that is mechanically in better shape according to my mechanic but both are beautiful. I live in the NW part of the US. What general area do you live in? Would love to see your car.
This was the car you wanted to be seen in & drive to the country club in 1964 for 5 pm martinis. Either that or a Cadillac in this era. Whether or not seat belts were standard, very few people used them in the 1960s.
I would take this car over anything foreign like Mercedes-Benz couldn’t touch this car in the 60s of course I haven’t been in a Mercedes-Benz from the 60s but Mercedes-Benz just never did it for me
I had a 64 Lincoln for about 10 years. What a tank! I will say the 125 mph theoretical speed is only theoretical. Mine would accelerate pretty well up to about 95 mph. After that it would creep just over 100 mph. It had very cold AC and an option you didn't mention; factory stereo. What it actually was was Motorola Vibrasonic sound. There was a fader switch at the bottom of the dash which controlled the front and rear speakers. If you pulled down on the knob, it turned on the Vibrasonic Sound. Ford had a different name for it, but I can't remember what they called it. I bought the old car around 1970 and unfortunately it had typical Midwest rust. Over the years it got worse and worse. I sold it to a buddy and he drove it for a few years.
Way back, suicide doors were very popular in European cars. Many had them for front and rear, and I like the style. We have really lost so much style in cars, due to aerodynamics causing them toward the central attractor. In addition, the safety factor is paramount, which is a good thing really. I have seen old pics of 20s and 30s cars shredded like can openers had attacked them, and no one could have survived. At least we have safety cages and absorption zones without the cars disintegrating.
I think these are some of the most beautiful automobile designs ever produced!🤩 If I could have a collection classic cars and could only pick a few, this would definitely be one of them! Cool car and video! 😎👍
Yeah for sure just curious do you have a Jaguar somebody that has almost the same name as you I was talking to them about reviewing your Jag I got really busy and I was wondering if that was still an option.. i’d love to come down and do it Thursday or Friday. If it’s not you cool just let me know it won’t let me message you on Facebook I tried
Dual Master regulation was '67. You missed pointing out the backwards wipers. Suicide doors were not the door was going to hit you as you fell out, it was if it opened at speed, the air flow would open it more as opposed to pushing it shut.
Yeah thank you so much for all those corrections I was wondering if it was 67 I think Studebaker came out with the first door master cylinder around 63 or 64..
The wipers park to the left due to the extreme A-pillar angle. Also, the wipers are neither electric, nor vacuum powered. They are hydraulic, powered by the power steering pump pressure.
Just found your channel and I have subbed immediately. This is exactly why I watch YT. THANK YOU, so very much for putting so much effort into your channel. Your enthusiasm shows through for the love of these elegant beauties. There are many of us out here that never get the chance to see these in the flesh and you make it possible. I have many videos to catch up on. Thank you.
a) I enjoy your vids b) I think these 4th gen Lincolns were some of the most elegant automobiles of their time c) OT: My dad had a customer, Mr. Luntz, probably now long since deceased, who had a black '64 Continental, and as a 10-year-old kid, I thought it was the most luxurious thing I'd ever seen d) the wipers are run by power steering fluid e) I really miss "wind wings" -- the triangle windows on the front doors -- don't forget, back in the '60s pretty much _EVERYBODY_ smoked !! f) I always thought they were "suicide doors" because if they ever opened while driving, the door would catch the wind and absolutely blow fully open (nonetheless, I LOVE them) g) those perforated headliners were cool, since they would act as sound deadeners
Suicide doors were not called that based on your explanation. Most cars up to the late 30s had front doors that opened as shown with this lincoln's rear door. In an accident those front suicide doors would fly open and the occupants were easily ejected. That is, primarily, why that door design was discontinued.
@@richardwarren7492 i have no idea, they say it is white but shows little bit red in some light, more like pink then, they say… I can not see colors so well myself. But it was 31 years in a major news papers car and communication museum in a humidity controlled air conditioned room, like in a time capsule.
The 1964 Lincoln Continental was wider than mentioned at 78.6 inches and 54.2 inches in height (sedan). It is prominently featured in the movie "Goldfinger". The doors are actually quite heavy...but they feel lighter to open/close due to massive hinges and springs. This example is not quite fully optioned with full leather...instead it has the standard Versailles Damask cloth with leather bolsters (often called a "biscuit" design in addition to another "pleated" cloth upholstery design). "Vanity mirror" is the term for a mirror on the visor. "Coach doors" is the term for centering opening doors.
Versailles Damask was optional, not standard. Cloth was standard however. Versailles was a free option as were the woodgrain inserts on the door arm rests which my car also has. Leather was not the only seat option for materials
@@johnlyman6948 Automotive Mileposts states that the Versailles Damask was a no cost option. Lincoln and Cadillac (DeVille and Fleetwood 60 Special/Brougham) in those years offered no extra cost choices of cloth upholstery (with leather bolsters). The cloth upholsteries varied in pattern, often in stitching, and almost always in color (some were in similar colors). If a different cloth upholstery was a "no cost option"...than it was more a choice, like paint. The Versailles Damask upholstery was only available in three colors...so some of the exterior paint choices were incompatible. The pleated fabric was offered in a broader range of six colors. There was also another upholstery choice on the 1964 Lincoln...wool broadcloth without leather bolsters (I've never seen what that looks like.)
Me too Maybe in the summertime we can take that one out for a drive I don’t think he’s gonna get rid of that car that’s like his holy grail find of a car
Love the 60s Lincoln’s and a stunning and landmark design. but I feel like the 58-60 are actually beautiful and under appreciated cars. Saw a 59 convertible recently and it was stunning. That gen kind of suffers from the same issue as the 52-54 Bel Air. The 55-57 Chevy and 61-68 Lincoln were such landmark designs they overshadow the prior but still great generation. regardless the 64 is a stunner
I love this Lincoln....one of the Best looking car from Lincoln History... So amazing Door ...i feel i wanna just drive it all the way from San Diego up to Vancouver North.... Simply Magnificent 👌🏻💯💕
A black '64 Continental was used in the movie Animal House, where fraternity members welded steel plates onto it, converting it into an army tank. I remember the shape and look of the car, and this was it.
When I was 17 my Dad bought a seven year old 64 Lincoln in Diamond blue with black leather bucket seats. My Mom did not care for the car so I drove it most of the time as a senior in high school. I took it on band trips to all-state tryouts, etc. I drove it to a 4th of July party and when it was time to leave I fired up the Lincoln, literally. The fuel pump had been leaking fuel into the crankcase and a spark ignited it, blowing the oil filler cap off and made a small temporary flash fire. We put a rebuilt fuel pump on it and all was back to normal.
Hi Justin, the rear suicide doors are actually called "coach doors". Dual circuit braking system or "dual pot" brake master cylinder you might say, was not a federal safety requirement until 1967, but in the mean time, American Motors came out with it in 1962, and American Motors advertised it. You may see cars before 1967 that the the owner has updated by means of an update kit. Please reply. Dave...
Yeah, I imagine that the manufacturer wouldn't want to produce a print, radio or TV that said, "The NEW 1964 Lincoln Continental is here. With SUICIDE doors! At your Lincoln dealer now."
@@What.its.like. The "factual" name for ALL car doors that are rear hinged are called "coach doors" whether or not they are on front or rear. Coach doors where not uncommon in the 1930s. Please reply. Dave...
Hi from New Zealand owned one from 1989 to 2001,nicest car i ever owned. No major repairs in all that time Complicated but simplicity all in one package
Mate, this is the best in depth view of a continental I have ever seen ❤. I'm from Australia and really hoping to own one of these cars within 2-5 years.
Always liked the suicide doors in the crew cab version. I had a friend who had a t-bird with them and the big block. One of the locals here has a 62 crew cab that can bee seen during nice weather.
I was lucky enough to have a ‘49 Jaguar to to drive, and it had suicide FRONT doors. Loved them! Same for the Continental. Those rear doors were great.
So many nice styling touches, like how the hood ornament and dash gauges have the same shape! Cadillac had dual master cylinder in 1962. The trunk release in the glove box is a small vacuum pump that pulls a plunger on the latch to open it!
Should be noted that the wood trim inside the car is real walnut and not plastic or faux wood. The Lincoln Continentals had probably the highest quality of materials used in the 60's and since then.
We had a new 64 Continental. It was my father’s company car. It was that crème/oatmeal color with fabric/leather oatmeal color interior, . It was a great car. So roomy and comfortable. Never any mechanical problems. I was sixteen and would sneak it out. Pick up my friends and cruz the gut. The name” suicide door” was based on the chance the door was opened while the car was traveling, it would catch the wind, blow open and many cases be torn off the hinges. Many early model car s had those doors that where much lighter and vulnerable, They never developed a safety system..
Had a '64. Great built car. Didn't love the idea of rear leaf springs, bc it cut production cost. Didn't know that til years later. Other than that it was 👍 great. This one is a fantastic example.
Love this generation LC. I love what they did with updates the '64, but esthetically, I prefer the original 1961 front grille. The convertible model is the best rendition of this car. I love the fact that they managed to figure out how to have the rear side windows jump down a bit when opening the rear doors to clear the weather seal of the convertible top. Combine that with the hidden convertible top (a system that is identical to the 1961-1966 Thunderbird convertible top). Just an all around amazing car!
I really like your indepth reviews. This car was really beautiful and in fantastic condition. I think the 1961-1965 are true classics. An almost timeless design that still holds up to this day.
Jay This video is yet another trip down memory lane for me. My father owned a 63 Continental. Same color as that car. Had a white leather interior. It was a beautiful automobile and as a kid we thought suicide doors were cool. However, it was not a very well built nor reliable automobile, which is surprising considering what it cost. Maybe he got a lemon, I don't know. I remember on the first cross country trip we took with it. The drains for the condensation from the factory AC were not properly installed and flooded the interior floor of the car. There were also certain issues with some of the gauges operating intermittently. At around 30000 mi the car started having an issue where it might not start. It didn't happen all the time. And as anyone can attest, trying to chase down an intermittent problem in anything is sometimes a very frustrating situation. My dad originally bought the Lincoln from a dealership in Phoenix Arizona. At the time of the no start problems, we lived in a small Michigan town of only three or four thousand people and the only dealership there was a small Ford dealership. He did take it there but all the mechanics there had never even seen a Lincoln. Let alone tried to work on one. The only thing that was known for sure is whenever it wouldn't start it wasn't getting fuel. One of the mechanics there told my dad that he would come over on his day off and put a new fuel pump on there for him. Which to his credit he did, but it made no difference. That pretty much made the car undrivable and it was a damn shame because it still looked really nice,and when it was running it drove like a dream and the ride was second to none. Far better than the Cadillac my dad had prior to the Lincoln. So anyway this story is rambling on. So let me get to the conclusion. When I was in high school auto shop I talked to my shop teacher about my dad's Lincoln. He said why don't you bring it in and will work on it as a class project. So we get the Lincoln to my high school auto shop. We all start looking at the car trying to figure out what was going on with it. Eventually one of the students in the class said he thought he knew what it was but to be sure we had to do some major disassembly on engine to find out if he was right. We stripped that engine down down and pulled the camshaft so we could get a good look at it. It turned out that the lobe on the camshaft that was driving the fuel pump was worn causing the fuel pump not to make proper contact. The wear on the cam lobe was just enough where it wasn't really letting the fuel pump work properly. In retrospect, we probably could have just put an inline electric fuel pump on it and it would have been fine. But since we already had the engine stripped down anyways and the cam had a lobe worn out on the camshaft, we decided just to go ahead and put a new camshaft in there anyways as long as we had the engine apart. Also a fuel pump and it was good to go. My dad was shocked to say the least when he saw me drive the Lincoln back to the house. By that time he had already picked up another car (68 Fairlane) to drive to work which was 35 miles each way every day. So I asked him if I could have the Lincoln to drive and he agreed. So I had the added benefit of being a high school kid driving a Lincoln Continental. My dad decided to sell the Lincoln about a year later to his brother-in-law who drove it for a few years after that. There's a few other stories about that Lincoln. But this comment is already way too long so I'll have to save those for another time. Thanks again for a great video Jay. I really appreciated this one.
Thank you so much for sharing that awesome story I had a Lincoln town car the second car that I ever owned absolutely missed that car it Road better than anything I’ve ever owned I’ve owned 33 cars since that car nothing rides like a Lincoln nothing runs like a Lincoln either if you get a good one I had a good town car signature series.. it had just about all the options it was a $35,000 car in the late 80s mine had every option except for air suspension leather seats digital dash and the auto mirror but everything else it had it had this cassette player that would act as a CD player you could skip songs I have no idea how it worked it even worked on mixtapes.. it would skip this song just like a CD but it would fast forward it you know and then you could play the A-side or B-side
Somebody called me out for it back in the day I don’t know 100 videos ago they’re like that’s the doorhandle I was like you could use it for either one is multipurpose.. All cars have different looking armrest and they’re all positions in different spots and I just like pointing it out
Honestly this and the first generation Buick Riviera's are easily the best looking cars of the 60's, the sheer cleanness and elegance of these designs ar just timeless.
I drove a Powder Blue 1964 as my daily driver in Los Angeles from 1992 to 2001. The date-stamped leather interior was November 22, 1963 so we named it " Jackie ".I also restored a 1964 convertible and a 1969 sedan. These are exceptional cars of the highest quality and drive much smaller than they are.
I'm surprised it took me so long to finally watch this one! These are beautiful cars. Very classy. An aunt and uncle bought a '61 model, used, in 1965. I used to love riding in that car! Even though it was already four years old it looked just as up-to-date as the new cars at the time, at least to this seven-year-old. I wonder why they switched from curved glass to flat glass in '64?
bought one last week. very pleased with it. just have to look over all the electrical under the hood as there has been a lot of ... "do it yourself" going on.
In my opinion after the Packard the Lincoln was America’s most luxurious car . I had never heard your description of why called suicide doors . I had heard that if opened while moving forward the airflow would pull the door opened as opposed to a normal operating door where the airflow would assist in closing the door .
I love the sleekly styled from seats, they look modular, as in the Thunderbirds. I wished you had shown the door lock. I am guessing, but something like a rotating snail cam might be used to automate the doors opening on demand?
I won a 1965 Lincoln in a raffle almost the same car as the 64 the lights in the back are reading lights and turn on by the Crome square in the front of the light
I bought a 64 Lincoln in 1974 during the height of the arab oil embargo for $100.00 when people were dumping thier big cars for economy ones. Drove it for 9 years and 200.000 milles. It was a great car! I own a 1960 lincoln ive had for 43 years now. The 64 was so much more refined and a real pleasure to drive.
I try to be different than other car channels out there I try to be as thorough as possible for people that wanna get into this hobby and are seeing these cars for the very first time that want to get one of these cars sort of like how old new TH-cam car channels operate with the new cars that’s always what I’ve wanted in a car channel.. glad you dig the channel =)
The '61 Lincoln was originally to be a Thunderbird. This is why the suicide doors were used. They wanted to keep the shape of the greenhouse, but needed 4-doors for the Continental. The inside wood trim may be genuine wood. It was real wood in '62, although I'm not sure about '64. Ford put a lot of effort into making these quality cars.
My 1966 Coupe had a single master cylinder also, which caused more than a little "excitement" one day, while leaving a parking lot. ALL of the brake fluid was soon on the ground, and I was rolling towards the opposite curb, with no way to stop! I was very lucky that it was a curb, rather than another car.
Oh wow thank you so much for sharing that story I daily drive a 52 Chevy 1 ton truck that has a single master cylinder but it’s got three ways to stop I have driven it 16 miles before with absolutely no breaks I live in Western Pennsylvania Which is a hilly region one can drive without breaks just have to be super careful. I drove at 16 miles to my mechanic with no brakes and the emergency line wasn’t hooked up lotta people don’t know that if you have a manual transmission if you need to stop you can put it in first gear and turn it off and it will grab and stop the truck or car. Can’t go fast have to drive slow and cautious I wouldn’t recommend doing it I didn’t have any other way to get it there.
The "suicide" doors used to be de riguer for formal limousines--the chauffeur (or doorman) would hold the door open for the elegant passenger to step out without losing their dignity. The old Chrysler Imperial limousine, say 1950-vintage, had rear-hinged rear doors, while the regular Imperial sedans had front=hinged rear doors. The ridge along the fender line on the 1964 Lincoln discouraged sidewalk loafers from sitting on the car. "Suicide" doors were so-called also because when one is holding on to the handle, the wind or an object impacting the door would tend to pull the occupant out.
What a majestic car.....love the color, the upholstery, the materials, workmanship. These were expensive cars and were worth every penny. Please tell the owner that those ridiculous, rear-view blocking stickers are childish and oh, so tacky. Where are the cartoon stick figure family decals?
That Lincoln Continental configuration (1961 to 1964?) was (and still is) the most beautiful 4-door American auto of the 1960s. It is still my favorite model. The other "iconic" model of the 1960s is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado---another huge leap in auto styling (and having front-wheel drive to boot). For the 1970s, I would choose the 1973 Olds Cutlass---it may have been one of the best-selling models of that decade. Great video---thank you!
They are called "suicide doors" because if you open one while the car is going forward, the force of the wind will pull the door open instead of pushing it closed. There is likely an rotating switch under the dashboard. It is either for the rear speaker or for a "reverb" effect. The secondary hood "hook" is on the passenger side so the driver does not have to stand in traffic if he needs to open the hood. There was another "issue" with these Lincolns. Note the fill tank for the radiator is separate from the radiator. It sits on its own bracket right next to it is the fuel pump also on top of the engine. When it gets hot and to shut down the engine for a few minutes such as stopping to fill up with gas or a snack, the car would not start due to a vapor lock in the fuel pump. Many people had an electric fuel pump installed to overcome this problem.
Another dream car. These are the epitome of subtle and bold styling. Suicide doors were always a standout. I’d drive one today despite the gas guzzling nature. Would love to restomod one for max survivability. Almost too pretty to drive. These never go for cheap though unless you luck out or it’s completely roached.
I heard Leno, about this car saying that it’s either the best car that one has ever owned or if it’s not mechanically sound it’s one of the worst cars one could ever own especially the convertible with all of the switches and relays
64 & 65 the two most beautiful Lincoln ever made, the four door I liked over the two door I normally like, just absolutely classic and still modern enough for 2024.
Oh man. Living in Australia, these are a rare bird. Remember first seeing one in the movie Kalifornia and fell in love! Then the Matrix. Have you happened to feature the Plymouth Fury circa 1967?? I've the Australian equivalent which was named as the Dodge Phoenix - the actual car I own is my profile pic. 4 door hardtop with a 383/torqueflite. Torsion suspension built for leisurely cruising!
Nice video. John is my buddy. Good guy. I've been there a handful of times (I live in FL). He's in the process of moving! Folks can follow us for more Lincoln content.
I’ll be 42 yrs old this yr and this has been my favorite car since I was at least 12/13….dream car!!….. had a chance to buy one in life and froze up 🤦🏾 😔
This car was Very Expensive in 1964 $ ! The quirky doors turned some folks off. Interior was nicer than the equivalent Cadillac. It never had the prestige of Cadillac. Lincoln’s hay day was the 1980s with the Town Car. Your history is spot on about the Lincoln.
It was an expensive car but compared to the other foreign brands it was a bargain like Mercedes was probably double the this price and Rolls-Royce and Bentley was easily quadruple i’ll have to look it up to be 100% certain but I reviewed a 450 SL Mercedes that came out in 1976 that car was in 1980 that car was $31,000 which is equivalent to $126,000 now and you didn’t get much didn’t get nearly as much luxury as this car gave you..
I was told that the reference to suicide rear doors was to note that if you were to open a rear door at high speed the wind would catch the door and fling the door wide open and allow the passenger to jump out. A regular door is hard to open at high speed as the wind pressure works to push it shut.
An aspirational auto for me back in the day. I later owned Lincolns. Now I cannot imagine why I didn't just find one of these in good condition and just restore it.
These are still able to be found it on Facebook marketplace and see if you can find one. I was always told though to try to find one that is in decent shape because like Leno said they could be the best car in the world or they could be the worst car in the world lol
These Lincoln’s made the best Presidential Limousines ever compare to today’s hideous Cadillac beast maybe even the best limousines ever right up there with the Mercedes 600 Pullman You can see the quality that went into luxury American cars back in that time equal to any luxury car in the world . What a masterpiece
1957 Studebaker Goldenhawk is one of the best design cars of all time in my opinion =) I wanna do that car so bad for this channel not only that car but the Rambler rubble and one day I want to do a comparison video of the two they were the two fastest cars in the 50s both severely underrated
I was told suicide doors were a safety issue, that's why they were discontinued. And some trucks back in they could only be opened/unlocked from the passenger side.
Modern love by David Bowie?
Good job you got it =) I was going through and at the end this car is a bit modern for the time period
It was just a flawless car. The best design years I think
This may have been the height of American car design. Not too much, not too little. Elegant. Simple. Classic.
The car has such a class and it was so modern for the time that it’s timeless
I like the earlier models with shorter wheelbase and length.
Today's new Cadillacs look like gaudy PIMPMOBILES
"Not too much" Jeezzz. What do you call too much if this isn’t it ? 9 miles per gallon when new getting worse with time, 5000 pounds in weight 😂
@@Known-unknowns obviously you haven't owned or driven them or you wouldn't say that.
Definitely one of the best designed American cars......pure, clean classic design that still looks great to this day!
Totally agree
One of the best looking cars ever made in my opinion.
Absolutely, perfection in design.
The '64 version was a real refinement of the original design. That 3 inch stretch made a significant difference.
Someone may have already said this, but they're not called Suicide doors because of possibly falling out and being dragged by the door, at least not the only reason. In larger cities where parallel parking was prevalent, if you are a passenger on the driver's side and open the door and a moving car on the road hit that door, instead of knocking off the door, the door would be knocked back into you as you stepped out.
Thanks for this sensible explanation of the door opening danger.
A perfect example of a perfect execution of design. Even today, this car draws admiring glances. I think the 1964 Thunderbird also belongs in this very small subset of American automotive timeless appeal. Great review. Keep em’ coming! 👍
I’m a huge fan of the bullet bird design 1961 through 1963 how to get the feature one on the channel.. but maybe by the end of the year
Made in the same factory .
It does; actually the 1960s Continental was originally proposed as one of two competing designs for the Thunderbird. Take a close look at the design similarities, both emanating from the prior Thunderbird models.
Thanks Jay. I still remember the first time I rode in one of these (I was all about 13 or so) and the power windows amazed me.
The power vent windows are super cool glad you liked this one
Funny how all these luxuries became standard equipment around 1993 even for economy cars...power windows (in 64 we called them "electric windows"), A/C, remote control mirrors, power assist steering & brakes, cruise control, AM/FM radio, inside trunk release.
I dated a girl who's dad had a '64 Lincoln Continental and he would let us take it to drive-in movies... Yes, it was a fun car. Thanks Jay for bring back fond memories.
Thank you so much for sharing that awesome memory =)
That's surprising that her dad let her go on a date in his own car -- with all that room in the back seat! LOL
I had a 65 Continental, not a day goes by that I don’t regret letting that thing go😢. I believe the brochure called them coach doors, and they sure made getting in and out of the back easy. I will concur with the con of overly complicated everything.
Leno said when they run good it’s the best car one will ever own when it’s not it’s the worse car, one could own
@@What.its.like. I'm not sure what Leno's talking about. My 64 Lincoln was one of the most comfortable, satisfying, trouble free cars I ever owned. It always ran. I had one small issue with a fuel pump, nothing more in years of regular use. I miss it to this day and am looking to replace it.
Made even better, as I was old enough to appreciate the beauty of that car. One advantage of being in one's upper seventies.
The car is absolutely timeless and it’s no wonder Ford let that design go with very minimal changes for almost a decade
Beautiful car probably one of the best from Detroit.
These cars were 180 degrees out from the previous generation of Lincolns. They projected an air of sophisticated elegance without being flashy or gaudy. President Kennedy loved convertibles and he was influenced by Ford bigwig turned Defense Secretary Robert McNamara to use Ford products. Kennedy also loved the newly designed Thunderbird too.
Modern design that stood the test of time, McNamara getting tapped for secretary of defense is probably what saved a lot of companies at Ford... plus if McNamara didn’t go would the mustang be a thing.. that’s crazy to thing about that be that’s a huge possibility.
Pres Kennedy loved the 61-62 Continental design so much, he had 1 convertible and two sedans at home.
The 1958 to 1960 Lincoln/Continental was such a sales flop that FoMoCo lost $60,000,000 (almost 700 million dollars in 2022). As a result, McNamara threatened to discontinue the Lincoln division. However, he was shown the proposed design of the 1961 Thunderbird and inquired if it could be turned into a 4-door Lincoln. That was accomplished by sharing the same windshield and cowl with the 1961 Thunderbird but lengthening the wheelbase by 10 inches. There was a huge cost savings in that the cowl/windshield are expensive to engineer and manufacture. Further cost savings were from the elimination of a 2-Door Coupe, reuse of the Ford Skyliner's retractable hardware for the Continental Convertible, simplified trim options (and eliminating the equivalent low trim model from 1960), and using the same basic design from 1961 to 1963. FoMoCo actually made a $20,000,000 profit on the Lincoln Division by the end of the 1963 model year.
Thank you so much for all of the added information I always wondered that like if it started life as a two door design why did they only make a four-door until I think 66 is when the two-door came out.. I could be wrong though that was off the top of my head
@@What.its.like. The Coupe was finally introduced for 1966 (and lasted until 1981). But FoMoCo needed to cut costs for the 1961 model, so it was temporarily eliminated.
At the same time the Edsel was introduced and became a sales flop.
Was the limousine that carried JFK in Dallas a Continental? It was a Lincoln. But just wondering if it was a Continental. Thanks
@@glennso47 Yes
Hey Jay, this 64 Lincoln Continental is breathtaking inside & out!!! My uncle bought a new Lincoln in 64, it was midnight blue with a black leather interior, it was gorgeous!!! I've always liked Lincolns & have owned many over the years. I currently drive a 18 Continental that's nice but doesn't have the character of this 64 model!!! Thanks for sharing another exciting video!!! 👍👍🙂
One day I want to compare those to but the continentals are rare like I thought they would be a way bigger hit.. I should say they are rear around here I’ve only seen a hand full all year.. The concept version had suicide doors and I really wish that they would’ve done that that would’ve been epic if they would’ve kept that design feature =)
@@What.its.like. The Continental is a great car, it just came out at the wrong time, when everyone (except me) wants an SUV!! 😬
I have not seen too many examples of the last generation Continental. It should have been based on the rear-wheel drive Mustang rather than the front-wheel drive Fusion. I sat in a new one a few years ago and loved the interior.
What a beautiful car. Thank you for featuring it, Jay. FYI, dual chamber master cylinders were not required by law until the 1967 model year. Ramblers and Cadillacs had them beginning in the 1962 model year.
Rambler … ain’t it amazing ?!
While Kennedy was still President, the X-100 Presidential Limousine was updated with a 1962 model year grille and the 15-inch wheel covers were changed from 1956/1957 Mark II-style to the "sombrero" 1956/1957 Lincoln-style. The previous wide whitewall tires were replaced with whitewalls of a narrower band. The standard 14-inch wheels from the 1961 Lincoln were too small for the increased weight of the limousine.
After the Kennedy Assassination, LBJ ordered the vehicle retrofitted "Quick Fix" with titanium armor protection and a fixed roof. Kennedy originally selected the deep blue paint because it photographed better at night. However, LBJ had the limousine repainted black (which is highly reflective to bright lights at night).
Many have criticized LBJ for not retiring such a historic vehicle, but the development time for a replacement vehicle would have been lengthy. For several months during the retrofit, LBJ used J. Edgar Hoover's armored 1961 Cadillac Fleetwood 75 Limousine.
Awesome information thank you so much for taking the time to share that we really appreciate it =)
That limo was in use up to the Carter administration. I saw it at the Ford Museum in Detroit in the 90s. Seemed odd to keep using it. Maybe odder still to hand it back to Ford.
@@toofbrown6335 LBJ had to wait for the 1968 (with updated 1969 styling) Lincoln Continental Presidential limousine. Then later on there was a 1972 Lincoln Continental Presidential limousine (later updated with late 1970s styling). These Presidential limousines are never immediately retired...but used as backup and to transport visiting heads of state. I believe now that any new Presidential limousine has an identical twin. However, in the past there was only one built at a time.
Truly a beautiful car---this coming from a 1966 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham driver. Only disappointment was the engine bay. Was hoping for one Much cleaner.
1966 Fleetwood Brougham is the best model year: walnut veneers on door cards, veneered table trays, foot rests, power operated rear vent wheels, etc.
This 64 is 100% original untouched, unrestored so I won't be restoring it. I do need to clean it though! 26,000 original miles and 1 owner family till I bought it. I'm just preserving it! The seats were covered as well so I unearthed those to reveal the beautiful cloth and metallic leather.
@@johnlyman6948 What is the color code?
@@johnlyman6948 I hope it was driven consistently. My car just turned 31K but was parked for some time. Originqally purchased in Boise, ID and spent most of it's life (if not all) in Utah. The brakes had to have a major service because it sat for so long. I also have a 66 Deville convertible with 90K miles that is mechanically in better shape according to my mechanic but both are beautiful. I live in the NW part of the US. What general area do you live in? Would love to see your car.
John is the owner of this car he is the owner and operator of stinkin Lincoln located just outside cranberry Twp Pennsylvania
This was the car you wanted to be seen in & drive to the country club in 1964 for 5 pm martinis. Either that or a Cadillac in this era. Whether or not seat belts were standard, very few people used them in the 1960s.
I would take this car over anything foreign like Mercedes-Benz couldn’t touch this car in the 60s of course I haven’t been in a Mercedes-Benz from the 60s but Mercedes-Benz just never did it for me
I had a 64 Lincoln for about 10 years. What a tank! I will say the 125 mph theoretical speed is only theoretical. Mine would accelerate pretty well up to about 95 mph. After that it would creep just over 100 mph. It had very cold AC and an option you didn't mention; factory stereo. What it actually was was Motorola Vibrasonic sound. There was a fader switch at the bottom of the dash which controlled the front and rear speakers. If you pulled down on the knob, it turned on the Vibrasonic Sound. Ford had a different name for it, but I can't remember what they called it.
I bought the old car around 1970 and unfortunately it had typical Midwest rust. Over the years it got worse and worse. I sold it to a buddy and he drove it for a few years.
Thank you so much for mentioning that option that I didn’t mention thank you so much for taking the time to share that =)
When cars had personal character and was piece of art...
Yeah they were
Way back, suicide doors were very popular in European cars. Many had them for front and rear, and I like the style. We have really lost so much style in cars, due to aerodynamics causing them toward the central attractor. In addition, the safety factor is paramount, which is a good thing really. I have seen old pics of 20s and 30s cars shredded like can openers had attacked them, and no one could have survived. At least we have safety cages and absorption zones without the cars disintegrating.
I think these are some of the most beautiful automobile designs ever produced!🤩 If I could have a collection classic cars and could only pick a few, this would definitely be one of them! Cool car and video! 😎👍
Yeah for sure just curious do you have a Jaguar somebody that has almost the same name as you I was talking to them about reviewing your Jag I got really busy and I was wondering if that was still an option.. i’d love to come down and do it Thursday or Friday. If it’s not you cool just let me know it won’t let me message you on Facebook I tried
@@What.its.like. nope that's not me. I don't do Facebook or anything like that either.
Ok good to know guess I missed that opportunity =(
Dual Master regulation was '67. You missed pointing out the backwards wipers. Suicide doors were not the door was going to hit you as you fell out, it was if it opened at speed, the air flow would open it more as opposed to pushing it shut.
Yeah thank you so much for all those corrections I was wondering if it was 67 I think Studebaker came out with the first door master cylinder around 63 or 64..
@@What.its.like. Cadillac had dual chamber master cylinder by 1962 as did Rambler.
The wipers park to the left due to the extreme A-pillar angle.
Also, the wipers are neither electric, nor vacuum powered. They are hydraulic, powered by the power steering pump pressure.
@@jonathanmorrisey5771 precisely.
Just found your channel and I have subbed immediately. This is exactly why I watch YT. THANK YOU, so very much for putting so much effort into your channel. Your enthusiasm shows through for the love of these elegant beauties. There are many of us out here that never get the chance to see these in the flesh and you make it possible. I have many videos to catch up on. Thank you.
Welcome to this car community channel glad you dig =)
a) I enjoy your vids
b) I think these 4th gen Lincolns were some of the most elegant automobiles of their time
c) OT: My dad had a customer, Mr. Luntz, probably now long since deceased, who had a black '64 Continental, and as a 10-year-old kid, I thought it was the most luxurious thing I'd ever seen
d) the wipers are run by power steering fluid
e) I really miss "wind wings" -- the triangle windows on the front doors -- don't forget, back in the '60s pretty much _EVERYBODY_ smoked !!
f) I always thought they were "suicide doors" because if they ever opened while driving, the door would catch the wind and absolutely blow fully open (nonetheless, I LOVE them)
g) those perforated headliners were cool, since they would act as sound deadeners
Thank you for digging the channel and thank you so much for all of that added information I really appreciate it =)
Suicide doors were not called that based on your explanation. Most cars up to the late 30s had front doors that opened as shown with this lincoln's rear door. In an accident those front suicide doors would fly open and the occupants were easily ejected. That is, primarily, why that door design was discontinued.
These were and still are awesome cars. Personally I like the 61-63 shorter version, but all of that style are awesome.
I have one -61 here in Finland 😊👍
th-cam.com/video/_zV-7t-aSSs/w-d-xo.html
@@TheKarivirtanen Lucky you! What color if I may ask?
@@richardwarren7492 i have no idea, they say it is white but shows little bit red in some light, more like pink then, they say…
I can not see colors so well myself.
But it was 31 years in a major news papers car and communication museum in a humidity controlled air conditioned room, like in a time capsule.
@@TheKarivirtanen Could be Summer Rose a special color. Thanks for the info, sounds nice.
The 1964 Lincoln Continental was wider than mentioned at 78.6 inches and 54.2 inches in height (sedan). It is prominently featured in the movie "Goldfinger". The doors are actually quite heavy...but they feel lighter to open/close due to massive hinges and springs. This example is not quite fully optioned with full leather...instead it has the standard Versailles Damask cloth with leather bolsters (often called a "biscuit" design in addition to another "pleated" cloth upholstery design). "Vanity mirror" is the term for a mirror on the visor. "Coach doors" is the term for centering opening doors.
Thank you so much for that correction
Versailles Damask was optional, not standard. Cloth was standard however. Versailles was a free option as were the woodgrain inserts on the door arm rests which my car also has. Leather was not the only seat option for materials
@@johnlyman6948 Automotive Mileposts states that the Versailles Damask was a no cost option. Lincoln and Cadillac (DeVille and Fleetwood 60 Special/Brougham) in those years offered no extra cost choices of cloth upholstery (with leather bolsters). The cloth upholsteries varied in pattern, often in stitching, and almost always in color (some were in similar colors). If a different cloth upholstery was a "no cost option"...than it was more a choice, like paint. The Versailles Damask upholstery was only available in three colors...so some of the exterior paint choices were incompatible. The pleated fabric was offered in a broader range of six colors. There was also another upholstery choice on the 1964 Lincoln...wool broadcloth without leather bolsters (I've never seen what that looks like.)
Goldfinger is where they put the 64 Continental in the car crusher!
@@billolsen4360 Actually it was a 1963 painted in the same color.
I love that 64 Lincoln Continental with the clam shell doors Justin, I wish the cars today were made that way.
Me too Maybe in the summertime we can take that one out for a drive I don’t think he’s gonna get rid of that car that’s like his holy grail find of a car
My job as a teenager was to keep this car polished , as my contribution to the family . So classy, all the detailing.
Huge car to wash especially by hand
Love the 60s Lincoln’s and a stunning and landmark design. but I feel like the 58-60 are actually beautiful and under appreciated cars. Saw a 59 convertible recently and it was stunning. That gen kind of suffers from the same issue as the 52-54 Bel Air. The 55-57 Chevy and 61-68 Lincoln were such landmark designs they overshadow the prior but still great generation. regardless the 64 is a stunner
I love this Lincoln....one of the Best looking car from Lincoln History...
So amazing Door ...i feel i wanna just drive it all the way from San Diego up to Vancouver North....
Simply Magnificent 👌🏻💯💕
An Incredibly Beauuutiful Car!💕
It’s the nicest one I’ve ever seen
A black '64 Continental was used in the movie Animal House, where fraternity members welded steel plates onto it, converting it into an army tank. I remember the shape and look of the car, and this was it.
Interesting =)
When I was 17 my Dad bought a seven year old 64 Lincoln in Diamond blue with black leather bucket seats. My Mom did not care for the car so I drove it most of the time as a senior in high school. I took it on band trips to all-state tryouts, etc. I drove it to a 4th of July party and when it was time to leave I fired up the Lincoln, literally. The fuel pump had been leaking fuel into the crankcase and a spark ignited it, blowing the oil filler cap off and made a small temporary flash fire. We put a rebuilt fuel pump on it and all was back to normal.
Great story thank you so much for sharing that awesome memory
I’m so glad that your ok and it didn’t go up in flames
Very nice close ups of an absolutely gorgeous car!! such a contrast to the over the top idiotic designs of the 70's Cadillac Sedans.
This car is absolutely stunning, this is the nicest 64 Lincoln sedan I’ve ever seen
Hi Justin, the rear suicide doors are actually called "coach doors". Dual circuit braking system or "dual pot" brake master cylinder you might say, was not a federal safety requirement until 1967, but in the mean time, American Motors came out with it in 1962, and American Motors advertised it. You may see cars before 1967 that the the owner has updated by means of an update kit. Please reply. Dave...
Awesome information thank you so much for sharing that, The ringer hinge doors go buy a lot of names evidently =)
Yeah, I imagine that the manufacturer wouldn't want to produce a print, radio or TV that said, "The NEW 1964 Lincoln Continental is here. With SUICIDE doors! At your Lincoln dealer now."
@@What.its.like. The "factual" name for ALL car doors that are rear hinged are called "coach doors" whether or not they are on front or rear. Coach doors where not uncommon in the 1930s. Please reply. Dave...
Hi from New Zealand owned one from 1989 to 2001,nicest car i ever owned.
No major repairs in all that time
Complicated but simplicity all in one package
That’s awesome Was it left hand drive curious.. are those cars rare there
@@What.its.like. yeah lhd not many 60s lincolns in NZ
Mate, this is the best in depth view of a continental I have ever seen ❤. I'm from Australia and really hoping to own one of these cars within 2-5 years.
Thank you it mean a lot try to cover all the points no one ever talks about =) glad you dig
Love your videos, if you look t
At the rear interior lights they have a push button next to each one so they can be turned on for reading lights
Thank you so much I didn’t notice the switch when I was back there thank you so much for pointing that out =)
Always liked the suicide doors in the crew cab version. I had a friend who had a t-bird with them and the big block. One of the locals here has a 62 crew cab that can bee seen during nice weather.
I was lucky enough to have a ‘49 Jaguar to to drive, and it had suicide FRONT doors. Loved them!
Same for the Continental. Those rear doors were great.
So many nice styling touches, like how the hood ornament and dash gauges have the same shape! Cadillac had dual master cylinder in 1962. The trunk release in the glove box is a small vacuum pump that pulls a plunger on the latch to open it!
Thank you so much for sharing that added information
Should be noted that the wood trim inside the car is real walnut and not plastic or faux wood. The Lincoln Continentals had probably the highest quality of materials used in the 60's and since then.
We had a new 64 Continental. It was my father’s company car. It was that crème/oatmeal color with fabric/leather oatmeal color interior, . It was a great car. So roomy and comfortable. Never any mechanical problems. I was sixteen and would sneak it out. Pick up my friends and cruz the gut. The name” suicide door” was based on the chance the door was opened while the car was traveling, it would catch the wind, blow open and many cases be torn off the hinges. Many early model car s had those doors that where much lighter and vulnerable, They never developed a safety system..
Had a '64. Great built car. Didn't love the idea of rear leaf springs, bc it cut production cost. Didn't know that til years later. Other than that it was 👍 great. This one is a fantastic example.
Love this generation LC. I love what they did with updates the '64, but esthetically, I prefer the original 1961 front grille. The convertible model is the best rendition of this car. I love the fact that they managed to figure out how to have the rear side windows jump down a bit when opening the rear doors to clear the weather seal of the convertible top. Combine that with the hidden convertible top (a system that is identical to the 1961-1966 Thunderbird convertible top). Just an all around amazing car!
I really like your indepth reviews. This car was really beautiful and in fantastic condition. I think the 1961-1965 are true classics. An almost timeless design that still holds up to this day.
Thank you so much for the positive vibes. I remember this car very well. It was like a brand new car.
I had a 64, and it was excellent. My first car was a 68. Both excellent cars.
They used real wood trim that’s not simulated
Jay
This video is yet another trip down memory lane for me. My father owned a 63 Continental. Same color as that car. Had a white leather interior. It was a beautiful automobile and as a kid we thought suicide doors were cool.
However, it was not a very well built nor reliable automobile, which is surprising considering what it cost. Maybe he got a lemon, I don't know. I remember on the first cross country trip we took with it. The drains for the condensation from the factory AC were not properly installed and flooded the interior floor of the car. There were also certain issues with some of the gauges operating intermittently.
At around 30000 mi the car started having an issue where it might not start. It didn't happen all the time. And as anyone can attest, trying to chase down an intermittent problem in anything is sometimes a very frustrating situation.
My dad originally bought the Lincoln from a dealership in Phoenix Arizona. At the time of the no start problems, we lived in a small Michigan town of only three or four thousand people and the only dealership there was a small Ford dealership. He did take it there but all the mechanics there had never even seen a Lincoln. Let alone tried to work on one. The only thing that was known for sure is whenever it wouldn't start it wasn't getting fuel. One of the mechanics there told my dad that he would come over on his day off and put a new fuel pump on there for him. Which to his credit he did, but it made no difference.
That pretty much made the car undrivable and it was a damn shame because it still looked really nice,and when it was running it drove like a dream and the ride was second to none. Far better than the Cadillac my dad had prior to the Lincoln.
So anyway this story is rambling on. So let me get to the conclusion. When I was in high school auto shop I talked to my shop teacher about my dad's Lincoln. He said why don't you bring it in and will work on it as a class project.
So we get the Lincoln to my high school auto shop. We all start looking at the car trying to figure out what was going on with it. Eventually one of the students in the class said he thought he knew what it was but to be sure we had to do some major disassembly on engine to find out if he was right.
We stripped that engine down down and pulled the camshaft so we could get a good look at it. It turned out that the lobe on the camshaft that was driving the fuel pump was worn causing the fuel pump not to make proper contact. The wear on the cam lobe was just enough where it wasn't really letting the fuel pump work properly.
In retrospect, we probably could have just put an inline electric fuel pump on it and it would have been fine. But since we already had the engine stripped down anyways and the cam had a lobe worn out on the camshaft, we decided just to go ahead and put a new camshaft in there anyways as long as we had the engine apart. Also a fuel pump and it was good to go.
My dad was shocked to say the least when he saw me drive the Lincoln back to the house. By that time he had already picked up another car (68 Fairlane) to drive to work which was 35 miles each way every day. So I asked him if I could have the Lincoln to drive and he agreed. So I had the added benefit of being a high school kid driving a Lincoln Continental. My dad decided to sell the Lincoln about a year later to his brother-in-law who drove it for a few years after that.
There's a few other stories about that Lincoln. But this comment is already way too long so I'll have to save those for another time.
Thanks again for a great video Jay. I really appreciated this one.
Thank you so much for sharing that awesome story I had a Lincoln town car the second car that I ever owned absolutely missed that car it Road better than anything I’ve ever owned I’ve owned 33 cars since that car nothing rides like a Lincoln nothing runs like a Lincoln either if you get a good one I had a good town car signature series.. it had just about all the options it was a $35,000 car in the late 80s mine had every option except for air suspension leather seats digital dash and the auto mirror but everything else it had it had this cassette player that would act as a CD player you could skip songs I have no idea how it worked it even worked on mixtapes.. it would skip this song just like a CD but it would fast forward it you know and then you could play the A-side or B-side
Stunningly Beautiful car. Awesome colors.
"This is the armrest for resting your arm...." Wow ! THANKS ! ! !
Somebody called me out for it back in the day I don’t know 100 videos ago they’re like that’s the doorhandle I was like you could use it for either one is multipurpose.. All cars have different looking armrest and they’re all positions in different spots and I just like pointing it out
@@What.its.like. OK, thanks ! ! ! 😁
Honestly this and the first generation Buick Riviera's are easily the best looking cars of the 60's, the sheer cleanness and elegance of these designs ar just timeless.
I drove a Powder Blue 1964 as my daily driver in Los Angeles from 1992 to 2001. The date-stamped leather interior was November 22, 1963 so we named it " Jackie ".I also restored a 1964 convertible and a 1969 sedan. These are exceptional cars of the highest quality and drive much smaller than they are.
That’s awesome thank you so much for sharing the memories of your car with us =)
I'm surprised it took me so long to finally watch this one!
These are beautiful cars. Very classy.
An aunt and uncle bought a '61 model, used, in 1965. I used to love riding in that car! Even though it was already four years old it looked just as up-to-date as the new cars at the time, at least to this seven-year-old.
I wonder why they switched from curved glass to flat glass in '64?
I wondered that too why they made that switch very classy cars
Modern Love, David Bowie 1983. Beautiful high quality automobile.
bought one last week. very pleased with it. just have to look over all the electrical under the hood as there has been a lot of ... "do it yourself" going on.
That’s awesome what color is yours lots of options? These cars are sweet =)
@@What.its.like. the yellow
A beautiful car in incredible condition. Thank you for your well-done video.
Thank you for watching glad you dig this video
In my opinion after the Packard the Lincoln was America’s most luxurious car . I had never heard your description of why called suicide doors . I had heard that if opened while moving forward the airflow would pull the door opened as opposed to a normal operating door where the airflow would assist in closing the door .
Awesome video 😎👍
The 1960's Lincoln Continental are perfect dream cars
Thank you glad you dig that episode was a little while back going to cover another one this summer hopefully =)
Some day I would love to own one of these amazing comfortable cars!
I love the sleekly styled from seats, they look modular, as in the Thunderbirds. I wished you had shown the door lock. I am guessing, but something like a rotating snail cam might be used to automate the doors opening on demand?
The switch is in the button switches and knobs section it’s on the dashboard
It's a simple toggle style switch on center dash. All vacuum!
Modern Love, David Bowie.
Great review of this Continental I admired as a kid.
Well, at least one person I knew owned one. 💁🏼♂️
Thank you I’m glad you like this one it took me a little while to get this one put together..
You got this song and artist somebody beat you to it
@@What.its.like.
Thanks for taking the time. 🎉
Yeah, I noticed someone beat me to the "name that tune " after.
I won a 1965 Lincoln in a raffle almost the same car as the 64 the lights in the back are reading lights and turn on by the Crome square in the front of the light
One of the most beautiful moving object of the 60's
I bought a 64 Lincoln in 1974 during the height of the arab oil embargo for $100.00 when people were dumping thier big cars for economy ones. Drove it for 9 years and 200.000 milles. It was a great car! I own a 1960 lincoln ive had for 43 years now. The 64 was so much more refined and a real pleasure to drive.
Wow thats awesome thank you so much for sharing those memories with us =)
This is a great video. I have seen these cars but never saw the details of the inside like you showed them.
I try to be different than other car channels out there I try to be as thorough as possible for people that wanna get into this hobby and are seeing these cars for the very first time that want to get one of these cars sort of like how old new TH-cam car channels operate with the new cars that’s always what I’ve wanted in a car channel.. glad you dig the channel =)
The '61 Lincoln was originally to be a Thunderbird. This is why the suicide doors were used. They wanted to keep the shape of the greenhouse, but needed 4-doors for the Continental. The inside wood trim may be genuine wood. It was real wood in '62, although I'm not sure about '64. Ford put a lot of effort into making these quality cars.
=) thank you so much for sharing all of that insight
My 1966 Coupe had a single master cylinder also, which caused more than a little "excitement"
one day, while leaving a parking lot. ALL of the brake fluid was soon on the ground, and I was rolling
towards the opposite curb, with no way to stop! I was very lucky that it was a curb, rather than another car.
Oh wow thank you so much for sharing that story I daily drive a 52 Chevy 1 ton truck that has a single master cylinder but it’s got three ways to stop I have driven it 16 miles before with absolutely no breaks I live in Western Pennsylvania Which is a hilly region one can drive without breaks just have to be super careful. I drove at 16 miles to my mechanic with no brakes and the emergency line wasn’t hooked up lotta people don’t know that if you have a manual transmission if you need to stop you can put it in first gear and turn it off and it will grab and stop the truck or car. Can’t go fast have to drive slow and cautious I wouldn’t recommend doing it I didn’t have any other way to get it there.
Very nice you made this enjoyable bud...STUNNING automobile ...toodaloo!
=)
I've wanted onr for years! Great video, thank you.
Glad you dig this video. That was a stellar car.. It was like sitting in a brand new Lincoln from that year
I was shocked to see the lack of reconditioning of the engine bay for such a beautiful specimen
Thanks I owned a 1964 Mercury Comet that was very much a baby Lincoln. I purchased it in 1968 for $700. Beautiful car that I never truly appreciated.
64 comet that’s a car that is rarely seen now
I bet that car rode like nothing else. Very nice car. Wow.
The "suicide" doors used to be de riguer for formal limousines--the chauffeur (or doorman) would hold the door open for the elegant passenger to step out without losing their dignity. The old Chrysler Imperial limousine, say 1950-vintage, had rear-hinged rear doors, while the regular Imperial sedans had front=hinged rear doors. The ridge along the fender line on the 1964 Lincoln discouraged sidewalk loafers from sitting on the car. "Suicide" doors were so-called also because when one is holding on to the handle, the wind or an object impacting the door would tend to pull the occupant out.
What a majestic car.....love the color, the upholstery, the materials, workmanship. These were expensive cars and were worth every penny.
Please tell the owner that those ridiculous, rear-view blocking stickers are childish and oh, so tacky. Where are the cartoon stick figure family decals?
That Lincoln Continental configuration (1961 to 1964?) was (and still is) the most beautiful 4-door American auto of the 1960s. It is still my favorite model. The other "iconic" model of the 1960s is the 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado---another huge leap in auto styling (and having front-wheel drive to boot). For the 1970s, I would choose the 1973 Olds Cutlass---it may have been one of the best-selling models of that decade. Great video---thank you!
Glad you dig this video I totally agree =)
They are called "suicide doors" because if you open one while the car is going forward, the force of the wind will pull the door open instead of pushing it closed. There is likely an rotating switch under the dashboard. It is either for the rear speaker or for a "reverb" effect. The secondary hood "hook" is on the passenger side so the driver does not have to stand in traffic if he needs to open the hood. There was another "issue" with these Lincolns. Note the fill tank for the radiator is separate from the radiator. It sits on its own bracket right next to it is the fuel pump also on top of the engine. When it gets hot and to shut down the engine for a few minutes such as stopping to fill up with gas or a snack, the car would not start due to a vapor lock in the fuel pump. Many people had an electric fuel pump installed to overcome this problem.
Another dream car. These are the epitome of subtle and bold styling. Suicide doors were always a standout. I’d drive one today despite the gas guzzling nature. Would love to restomod one for max survivability. Almost too pretty to drive. These never go for cheap though unless you luck out or it’s completely roached.
I heard Leno, about this car saying that it’s either the best car that one has ever owned or if it’s not mechanically sound it’s one of the worst cars one could ever own especially the convertible with all of the switches and relays
Owned one of these in 1973 - excellent vehicle - only weakness was the timing gear - it had nylon teeth - which I replaced. GREAT CAR !!!
That was the GTO‘s weakness as well.
One of my dream cars. A design award winner.
Totally agree
64 & 65 the two most beautiful Lincoln ever made, the four door I liked over the two door I normally like, just absolutely classic and still modern enough for 2024.
Totally agree =)
Oh man. Living in Australia, these are a rare bird. Remember first seeing one in the movie Kalifornia and fell in love! Then the Matrix.
Have you happened to feature the Plymouth Fury circa 1967?? I've the Australian equivalent which was named as the Dodge Phoenix - the actual car I own is my profile pic. 4 door hardtop with a 383/torqueflite. Torsion suspension built for leisurely cruising!
I haven’t featured a 67 fury yet I’ll add that to the list of cars to feature =)
@@What.its.like. That'd be sweet! Thanks - preferably a 4 door hardtop 😆
I'm shocked a 2 door wasn't offered nor other models. Awesome car!
Nice video. John is my buddy. Good guy. I've been there a handful of times (I live in FL). He's in the process of moving! Folks can follow us for more Lincoln content.
I was gonna say feel free to post your link =) John is a great guy
@@What.its.like. Thanks. And I shared your video in my Lincoln Addict group on FB. I also watched it all the way through on 2 of my Channels.
Thank you it means a lot =) what I’m trying to say is feel free to share the link to your channel in the comment section if you’d like
I’ll be 42 yrs old this yr and this has been my favorite car since I was at least 12/13….dream car!!….. had a chance to buy one in life and froze up 🤦🏾 😔
Don’t give up on your dream find one they are out there =)
This car was Very Expensive in 1964 $ ! The quirky doors turned some folks off. Interior was nicer than the equivalent Cadillac. It never had the prestige of Cadillac.
Lincoln’s hay day was the 1980s with the Town Car.
Your history is spot on about the Lincoln.
It was an expensive car but compared to the other foreign brands it was a bargain like Mercedes was probably double the this price and Rolls-Royce and Bentley was easily quadruple i’ll have to look it up to be 100% certain but I reviewed a 450 SL Mercedes that came out in 1976 that car was in 1980 that car was $31,000 which is equivalent to $126,000 now and you didn’t get much didn’t get nearly as much luxury as this car gave you..
Back when luxury cars had rear leg room
I was told that the reference to suicide rear doors was to note that if you were to open a rear door at high speed the wind would catch the door and fling the door wide open and allow the passenger to jump out. A regular door is hard to open at high speed as the wind pressure works to push it shut.
Thank you so much for sharing that information =)
Yeah … If someone is stupid enough to do that, they deserve what they get …
LBJ's car (but baby blue). He had a fleet of matching Lincolns at LBJ Ranch. Right next to his prize bull. You gotta go there!
An aspirational auto for me back in the day. I later owned Lincolns. Now I cannot imagine why I didn't just find one of these in good condition and just restore it.
These are still able to be found it on Facebook marketplace and see if you can find one. I was always told though to try to find one that is in decent shape because like Leno said they could be the best car in the world or they could be the worst car in the world lol
These Lincoln’s made the best Presidential Limousines ever compare to today’s hideous Cadillac beast maybe even the best limousines ever right up there with the Mercedes 600 Pullman
You can see the quality that went into luxury American cars back in that time equal to any luxury car in the world .
What a masterpiece
The styling was so modern that it stood the test of time pictures and video just don’t really do this car justice it’s 100 times better in person
Another great video,beautiful car!
Thank you =)
Such a sensational car! THIS was luxury. Everything else seems to pale compared to this.
Lincoln came back with a vengeance that was for sure just so classy this car and has the timeless design
The vent window is so cool.
Power vents are so cool
Next to ghe 1953 Studibaker coupe This is Fantasticly Beautiful - Those Were The ?Days
1957 Studebaker Goldenhawk is one of the best design cars of all time in my opinion =) I wanna do that car so bad for this channel not only that car but the Rambler rubble and one day I want to do a comparison video of the two they were the two fastest cars in the 50s both severely underrated
I was told suicide doors were a safety issue, that's why they were discontinued. And some trucks back in they could only be opened/unlocked from the passenger side.
The "Deathmobile" from "National Lampoon's Animal House".
(Anachronistic, since the film was set in 1962.)
Absolutely amazing informative video, WOW 😳😲
=)