Chassis No. 2Y86H414346

The ever-longer and chrome-laden Lincoln Continental received a more restrained redesign as it entered the 1960s. Measuring 15 inches shorter than its predecessor, the fourth-generation Continental arrived in 1961 with a consolidated lineup of four-door sedans and convertibles based on the Thunderbird's unibody platform. The Continental's svelte new appearance received a Bronze Medal from the Industrial Design Institute (IDI) of New York for its striking rear-hinged "suicide" rear doors paired with its pillarless hardtop or impressively-engineered power soft top. Both models were powered by the massive 430 cu-in 'MEL' V8 carried over from the previous generation, delivering 300-horsepower through a smooth three-speed automatic transmission. The novel-for-its-time four-door convertible, which cost an additional $646 when new, was produced in significantly fewer numbers than the sedan and remains the most highly sought-after variant of the glamorous cruiser.

This exceptionally well-preserved Lincoln Continental is finished in a stunning triple-back color scheme featuring Presidential Black paintwork, a Black leather interior, and a Black power-retractable soft top. Loaded with all the amenities befitting of a flagship luxury sedan of the day, the car was equipped with standard power brakes, power steering, power locks, an AM radio, and leather upholstery. Optional extras appointed at the factory included air conditioning and an electric radio antenna. Wearing a high-quality restoration completed in the 2000s under previous ownership, the Continental retains a number of original interior details such as its wood grain accents, radio, and gauges, which indicate just over 75,000 miles.

In 2012, the Academy acquired the Lincoln from the Dingman Collection – an exceptional assortment of over 50 vehicles belonging to Michael Dingman, a former Ford Motor Company Director for over 21 years, who was particularly exacting in the high caliber of the restorations in his collection. Since then, the car's careful preservation has continued in the Academy's climate-controlled exhibition space where it was displayed prominently amongst other important works of automotive design. The Lincoln's exquisite restoration and overall condition were recognized at the 2022 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance when it was awarded Second in Class (E3: Lincoln Zephyr & Continental through 1962). Today, the Continental continues to create a spectacle when its convertible top is raised or lowered and is worthy of continued preservation and display in its ever-desirable "triple-black" presentation.