Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental began as Edsel Ford's personal one-off car in 1939 before entering production as one of America's premier luxury nameplates. It's most famous for the fourth generation (1961-1969), which featured a clean, slab-sided design by Elwood Engel and iconic rear-hinged 'suicide' doors. These models defined understated American luxury for a decade.

Collectors overwhelmingly seek out the fourth-generation convertibles from 1961-1967. Their timeless style and association with the Kennedy administration make them blue-chip classics. Pre-war V12 models are also highly prized for their rarity and historical significance. Later generations, like the massive Mark V and the final 2017-2020 models, have their own following but don't command the same values.

The market for Continentals is broad. While the average price hovers around $44,000, this is heavily skewed by pristine 1960s convertibles. Excellent fourth-generation sedans are far more accessible, and cars from the 1970s through the 1990s can often be found for under $20,000, offering an affordable entry into classic American luxury.

Prices for Lincoln Continentals range from $1,000 for project cars to $271,987 for concours-quality 1960s convertibles.