1961 Lincoln Continental Commercial

[@agent807]

It's amazing that this car is 50 years old, and it has aged better than most of the modern cars out there. That says a lot of things about our culture, and how we treat cars. It commands presence without drawing attention to itself. You just respect it, though it is subtle enough to never ask for it. But it never needs to. The cachet surrounding this car just adds to its credibility.

[@OldsVistaCruiser]

agent807 - I agree. A timeless design, fresh even 57 years later!

[@Sebi076]

62 years later. I own a 78' Lincoln Mark V and it's approaching 50 soon!

[@LeopoldoNotarianni-rk9vv]

Truly ahead of it's time

[@Lanceisabeach]

The 1961 was a styling masterpiece. It will always be a classic

[@guykite8110]

Yep

[@laralarah2236]

It was and still is. If only Ford Motor had lengthened the wheelbase and made a larger interior it might have sold better against Cadillac.

[@jamesslick4790]

@@laralarah2236 Yes. This WAS a masterpiece of styling, But (esp. for the time) too damn small. It was more similar (in concept) to the 1975 Cadillac Seville But in a pre-'73 Embargo world, it was too early. Cadillac ATE ITS LUNCH in sales. (In the same way that the 1962 Plymouth and Dodges were ahead of their time, by 15 years!) Had FoMoCo applied THIS styling on the larger Mercury platform, rather than the Thunderbird platform, Sales would have been higher, MUCH higher!

[@randybock82]

Oh yeah!

[@errorsofmodernism7331]

This design never gets old, always looks fresh

[@seana806]

Many cars of the 60’s had clean and simple styling which has stood the test of time better than anything made after the 1990’s since curves simply don’t age all that well compared to simple and straight lines. Another thing too is curvy lines and exteriors eat into the space and ergonomics of the interior, explains why today’s cars lack room inside along with having poor ergonomics along with dangerously horrible visibility which to me is dangerous since if you can’t see what’s around you, it’s just asking for another collision with another. As someone who’s 23, I’d buy something like this in a heartbeat if they started making them like this again since I am simply tired of today’s cars that have no style or personality and everyone simply is a worry wart when it comes to practicality and safety but it’s not practical to have something that just puts you in a bad headspace whenever you look at it.

[@CJColvin]

@@seana806 Exactly mate

[@LeopoldoNotarianni-rk9vv]

@@seana806 I couldn't agree more

[@gojoe283]

Elwood Engel's masterpiece. So trim and tasteful, yet so big and luxurious. Truly an amazing automobile...

[@guykite8110]

That's a wonderful car to drive..😁😁

[@jazzbuff630]

Timeless styling. Clean lines. One of Detroit's classiest rides.

[@erichanson3961]

It was quite revolutionary. It was indeed a breath of fresh air and a nice step back from the excessively large 58-60 LIncolns and Continentals. Interesting that the ad points out that it is still "equal in weight to other luxury cars".

[@34Packardphaeton]

... actually a bit heavier than the Cadillac

[@AngloAm]

They'd call it "road hugging weight."

[@basspig]

I bought this car used from a private owner in 1968 and had it until about 1981. It was black but had white interior seats with black centeis with black centers and the dashboard of course was black. It was a very smooth writing car and cornering on winding roads was surprisingly sure footed for a car at size. I remember going around some corners on a particular road at 65 miles an hour with the tires squealing and I recently drove the same road in a Ford S UV at 40 miles an hour and thought I was gonna fall off the road. Sadly because I lack a garage I could not keep the car past 1981 and I had to sell it.

[@Santos.Sarmento]

Greatness is not a matter of size. This Lincoln is a good example of how great America once was!

[@mikebraz25]

Such a stunning automobile.

[@williamjones7163]

I always liked the convertible model. It looked solid. Solid like a brick.

[@Smithy67]

The harp sound as the doors open is brilliant

[@chieftp]

+doryanthes67 that's the sound the ghosts make when they open the doors on luxury cars.

[@califdad4]

I really don't know why Lincoln cannot come up with something really cool again like this again! This was always my favorite style of Lincolns, between 61 to 65, they changed and got a larger in 66. The suicide doors ended after the 69 model, and in the 70's they looked like big Mercurys

[@senorkaboom]

Definitely understated elegance and a design that held for many model years. But, the Cadillacs and Imperials of that era were also great cars.

[@lasuvidaboy]

I've read that the Continental was originally intended to be the new 1961 'square' Thunderbird. The basic design instead went to Lincoln and the TBird was restyled w/sportier styling. Both cars had similar headlamps and were built at the same Wixson assembly plant-on the same assembly line.

[@k.c.marshall921]

"Wixom" assembly plant.

[@danslink]

THANK YOU for posting this great commercial. We collect 1961-62-63 Lincoln's and we had never seen this ad! We own a 61 convertible and love it. They were and still are outstanding automobiles.

[@kennyanderson3264]

What a diamond to have been found! The slab-side is simplicity, and beauty. Thanks for posting/sharing.

[@jeffyork5766]

A 4 door convertible with center opening " Suicide Doors"!!! That was the Best. My Dad had the Sedan version. We had a couple of friends who had the Rag Tops. What a beautiful concept!!!

[@ericchinquist4186]

I own a '62 Lincoln convertible - so much fun!

[@sammiepuppy4196]

My father’s first Lincoln of many!

[@danslink]

Thank You for sharing this wonderful commercial. As a long time lover of these automobiles and a current owner of a 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible, it was especially nice to see this ad. These were and still are magnificent motorcars.

[@charleszymurgy1764]

Thanks for this, James. I sold my black '62 sedan in April, '08, after owning it for 29 years. This old commercial makes me wish that I still had the car. Well, it's a semi-expensive mistress for which I could no longer provide it a good home. But it has one now . . . down in Harrisonburg, Virginia, with a LCOC member, named John. Peace!

[@MicroSoftner]

The parts we're expensive?

[@BIGLOVE4TRUTH]

My pappy said son you’re gonna drive me to drinkin if ya don’t stop driving that hot rod Lincoln.

[@ravercabbie]

LOL

[@JackF99]

Epic clean design. Made the Cadillacs and Imperials of the time look tastelessly overstyled.

[@dennisleporte2327]

Which they kind of were and I'm a Cadillac guy....

[@peterclark830]

Cadillacs were chrome on top of chrome on top of chrome.......

[@petermcdonald1744]

These still looked clean and modern in the early 70's.

[@sauluribe7082]

Example, Eldorado Coupe Deville Series 62 what's the difference? Still they're classics.

[@peterdaniel66]

except that the imperial was a true engineering masterpiece..

[@jimalinc]

You're quite welcome. I was excited to find it, and very happy to share it!

[@ATLcentury334]

A few relatives had these Continentals in the 60’s. As a young boy I was fascinated by the doors. I always looked forward to a trip in grampas or my aunts Lincoln. My aunt also had the 4 door Thunderbird. Beautiful cars.

[@mosesberkowitz3298]

What a beautiful and classy commercial! Thanks for the upload...I'd only wish it was in color. Those '61 Lincolns set a standard for style and grace that people still appreciate.

[@kennixox262]

While color television has existed since 1953, not much especially commercials were presented in color until 1966 with the networks going color full time.

[@richardmorris7063]

They have a cult like following even to this day through movies & such.I love to see them in old shows!

[@trudygreer2491]

@@kennixox262 You'd think that, for the New Lincoln, they would've sprung for Living Color. They did 2 color commercials for the '60 Fords, including one with Wally and the Beav!

[@kennixox262]

@@trudygreer2491 I would imagine that it would have come down to the cost to produce a color television commercial, all which have a short shelf life, compared to the installed base of color television receivers at that time. The commercial with "The Wally & Beaver" I believe was an internal dealer film. Was it in fact a commercial? I wan't around until the very end of 1961 and even then, not old enough to appreciate the details of television production. Probably just a warm bottle and a diaper change was on my mind in those days.

[@thyslop1737]

Dad had the 1962 Caddy ragtop for a year. Liked the Continental so much, got the 1963 Continental ragtop. I loved that car. I was just a kid. Both cars were beasts.

[@mattdon2164]

My Grandfather had this car. Some of my happiest memories of him were when he took me and my sister for ice cream in his beautiful Lincoln. I miss those times.

[@ericchinquist4186]

I'm lucky to own a '62 Continental convertible...my dream car since I was a kid! :)

[@richardmorris7063]

I'm 65 & remember the first time I saw 1 back in about 65.I asked my dad what's that?I was memorized then as I am now.Bucket list car,that 61 convertible is stunning!

[@novidsheremovealong1893]

We have one... im in love with it...

[@robertpace901]

I was reading that Continental was losing market share to the other luxury brands so much, that mgmt had considered ending that brand, but a prototype of another Ford product was turned into the 61 model and it was saved. 1961-1963 were my favorite Lincoln model years and all time favorite car. My parents bought me Lincoln match box car for Christmas one year.

[@oldschool9447]

The styling that became Lincoln was for the 61 Thunderbird. The designs for a new Lincoln became the Thunderbird

[@Battlefresh]

I just picked up a very clean 1961 Sedan and I love this commercial...thanks for the upload!

[@randybock82]

Wish I could shake the designer's hand!A timeless classic.

[@CJColvin]

This is when American cars were truly American and made out of pure metal not cheap plastic that we have today.

[@brettthorndike1079]

They were beautiful

[@agentpiggles6685]

they should have kept the door design from the 1960s continental

[@Santos.Sarmento]

Agent piggles, they just did it, look for the 2020 Anniversary Edition, the Lincoln Continental Coach Door. www.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/coach-edition/

[@guykite8110]

Plastic ain't cheap..No petroleum products are..Cars today are much more safer.. Could you imagine not having airbags or seat belts and hitting a metal dash..The system of plastic over bumpers take the impact so the cabin stays more intact...Cars get more damage but driver is safer..It's proven technology..

[@CJColvin]

@@guykite8110 Have fun in you're overpriced plastic eggshell on wheels then.

[@4pointedstar]

Absolutley fantastic! I had a Powder Blue (paint code F) 1962 four door convertible. It was my first car. kept it for 17 years until I no longer had a place to store it out of the weather. Wish to God I still had it!

[@FRANCIS6189]

OH MY GOD!!!!! I HAVE OWNED A 61 LINCOLN FOR 28 YEARS AND I'VE NEVER SEEN THIS!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!

[@sauluribe7082]

Makes one wish his father or grandfather had bought one held it and passed it on.

[@ManWithNoName.]

Wish i lived back then

[@rockthestrand]

Why? Crap cars (broke down all the time), no technology, unless you were wealthy you didn't go to college, work in an industry with no OSAH or EPA regs and unless you were white you didn't have rights (and you didn't want to be a female either). Exactly why would you want to live then? And if it is to buy one of these cars "cheap", well, you can find them today in great shape for $10 to $20k which is cheaper than econobox cars today.

[@emilsponga2081]

rockthestrand amen brother

[@senorkaboom]

Hey, rock? Please, tell us how you really, REALLY feel.

[@emjayay]

+rockthestrand Actually by then you could go to a state university in most states for very little, and private college tuition was also much lower than today, even adjusted for inflation. But no federal loans or Pell grants, although there were various other grants and scholarships from private colleges and other sources.

[@pawpatina]

Rudolph Hess, Editor of "Mein Kampf", The First Grammar Nazi.

[@aaronwilliams6989]

Those were some NEAT cars.

[@kasmanien]

Its also the fact that if a door is not latched when the vehicle is in motion the wind,instead of pushing the door closed like it does in standard auto doors,instead pushes it wide open.

[@phdt12]

kasmanien they are called suicide doors for a reason.

[@ericchinquist8354]

Simply the best!!!

[@nsidor1234]

Truly one of the most beautiful designs ever to grace Lincoln showrooms. Stunning in it's simplicity & uncluttered adornment...

[@tbougre]

Beautiful car. The live oaks, Spanish moss, palm trees and coast scene make me think this was filmed in Louisiana/Mississippi.

[@bluelipbeaver]

South Florida near West Palm Beach

[@wildbillfold]

My mother had a 61' white convertible with red interior. It would be nice to have it now.

[@det3134]

Kennedy liked it in dark blue & convertible

[@pawpatina]

and custom made limo...

[@azeleapark]

Yea, he lost his head over it

[@robmastro8620]

the Kennedys always had Lincolns back in the day

[@VeritasVeritas]

Thank you so much for sharing this wonderful commercial! I have searched here frequently for something on the early Continentals-what a thrill to finally see it! Thanks again.

[@buddywayne1]

The BEST looking Lincoln since the original Mark.

[@MultiHLH]

STILL THE BEST LOOKING CAR EVER MADE!

[@Paramount531]

When I hear the term "luxury car", THIS is it!

[@JxT1957]

'61 to '69 had those gangster doors, i had a '67 four door back in the day, drove it cross country when i was only 20 using a rand mcnally map. its the doors that really make that car awesome. i always thought the two door model was ugly. i think it was just '66 to '69 that it came in two doors in the 60s. '61 to '65 were all four doors.

[@robertpace901]

I've seen a video on the early 60 models that had a 4 door hardtop model, that didn't have the center support bar between the front and back side door windows. It never went into full production though.

[@blasemessina3711]

Great Classic AMERICAN Car!!!!

[@TheVagolfer]

All car collectors, of any type, appreciate you uploading this. A rare find indeed !

[@reijerlincoln]

Thanks for posting Jim. What a cool find. "Enter into luxury, through Continental doors". How very apt. But to think these huge cars were marketed as 'smartly sized' cars compared to the previous model.... amazing.

[@huascar66]

It was a very beautiful car for the time. It still looks elegant and a solid piece of work. I remember that a gentleman I knew who had a business in my little town bought one. I got to ride in it one afternoon with the top down. It was a real treat!!

[@ravercabbie]

What a beautiful car ! Great commercial! Thanks for posting

[@k3nblock66]

"The only doors on an american car that open, not here, but here!" Fact check--- Cadillac had "Continental" doors starting in 1955 on the Eldorado Brougham prototype, which was a function that made it a the way through to the production 1957 and 1958 models...

[@jimalinc]

Yes, the script should have read: "The only doors on an American car currently produced that open not here, but here. However, I think they assumed that the buying public would know what they meant.

[@erichanson3961]

The caddy versions were no lo longer in production at that time.

[@petermcdonald1744]

The French, Chrysler powered Facel Vega Excellance also used pillar-less "suicide" doors. Very rare, and had problems with chassis sag. Ava Gardiner had one.

[@gregt8638]

@@petermcdonald1744 Ava had chassis sag???!!! 🤗

[@petermcdonald1744]

The 1961 Lincolns had been proposed as Thunderbirds, Check-out the front end of both the '61 T-bird and Continental. I'm glad they weren't! We had to wait til 1967 for a 4-door Thunderbird, with suicide doors, which I think are very elegant and underrated. I believe there were also plans for a 4-door, 68-1/2 Mark III?

[@califdad4]

such a improvement over the 1960 Lincoln, this is gorgeous

[@richardmorris7063]

That 60 was a big ugly albatross compared to this.But they grew in size again in the following yrs but never quite as big as those late 50s models.Those cars were close to 20' long!

[@califdad4]

@@richardmorris7063 I've always thought about the person who saved up and bought a new 60 Lincoln and then the 61 came out and was so sorry they didn't wait a little longer

[@RCSky7711]

ahhh back when commercials were 2 minutes long, ahhm before KZbin I mean

[@lasuvidaboy]

Gorgeous 'Continental' size. The luxury compact of the era!

[@TheBerkleyBoy]

Beautiful car..!!!!! Loved it then...love it now..!

[@spencersmith2798]

It gets my vote for the most understatedly distinctive American luxury car...how comfortable they were with a quiet, smooth ride.

[@19553129]

Classic Beauty no wonder it won an award for style.

[@eddevelo9269]

Every Lincoln Continental in the 1960.s was test driven for 250 miles on a special track prior to being delivered to customers. The quality of these vehicles was pretty good for that era.

[@italy4blktop]

LOVE THIS FILM...its funny how that continental symbol seems to be hanging from some sort of crane.....it sort of rocks gently in the wind.....today it would be super imposed in post production....

[@ilistentoshoegazeandimdead8014]

Design was 7 years ahead of his time

[@sgomez64]

Thank you for posting this video!

[@MultiHLH]

What a great commercial----I have my grandfather's 1961 convertible and it is being restored. I remember riding in it and how beautiful the car seemed even back then, This was an era when great taste ruled--in these cars, clothing, music, etc.---before assassinations, Vietnam, and really terrible clothes. Oh, well maybe it will come back some day!

[@fordwagonnut]

Simply stated: rolling art.

[@bluelipbeaver]

Not many of these ever sold up in Aroostook County, Maine. Oscar French had a gold one with red leather interior in 1965. He had a sister, Jane. A little on the "odd" side. Always looked so unhappy. Kind of sad. Oscar ran the pharmacy and she watched over the magazine rack to make sure nobody read anything for free. She wanted to be famous and went to NY a few times. It didn't work out for her.

[@markvaughanhenderson7844]

Great work Mr Ayres I have always loved the 1961 Lincoln it was a huge departure to what had been manufactured previously and it became an instant classic icon. Best of the Lincolns IMHO. Came at just the right time as well couldn't think of a better limo for JFK.

[@plymouthcolt]

Thank you so much for sharing this

[@nickk7769]

I Love The 1961 Lincoln! The Luxury Style Is Really Fantastic! The Comfort Inside Is Really Fun!

[@ed9492]

Does the two year warranty cover damage from being driven on the beach?

[@ms.sonshine8878]

Multiple design award winner. On my wishlist.

[@Lanceisabeach]

I drove a friends 1961 Continetal from San Diego to Bakersfield and back Many may years ago, What a great ride! It was baby blue with pale blue leather, handled like a dream!

[@flight69twa]

Thank you for sharing this is awesome. I had one.

[@TheAMJ1613]

This is the sort of cars we need. Not boring crossovers.

[@PatFrenchLeafsFan1]

I guess Lincoln should revive that version of the famous star logo.

[@ButterflyDragon9]

Wow, thank you for sharing this. Awesome.

[@chip599XX_VGRLeader]

This Car was used in Port Aurora

[@jerrylee351]

I thank God everyday.....that I don't own a brand new car. Mine is almost 50 years old.....not perfect, but dependable! And always gets compliments everywhere I drive it. Thank you Lord....for making me into a simple man. Amen.

[@Kevin-ps9yf]

True American automobile

[@jamesslick4790]

1:32 is not REALLY accurate. This car rode on the same platform as the 1961 Ford Thunderbird, and was built on the SAME assembly lines. The ONLY American car that had a "bespoke" platform, AND its own plant! (And thus, built to a different "standard") in 1961 would have been the (Chrysler) Imperial. Every other Chrysler product was unibody in 1961 EXCEPT the Imperial. GM could make such a claim, But only for the CORVAIR! Even the Corvette was still riding a shortened 1950's platform from the "regular" Chevrolet in 1961.

[@bd94s10]

Thanks for uploading!!!!

[@Mrtriumphchopper]

These magnificent automobiles almost didn't happen.The '61 Lincoln was to be a redo of the lackluster '60, and poor sales almost caused Lincoln to be dropped per Bob McNamara's orders,forever!What became the production Lincoln was originally to be the new '61 T-bird,same body but with two doors.I'm glad things turned around,because Sixties cars were far better off,style and qualitywise,because of this quirky bit of fate.I've loved the '61 thru '69's since new when I was but seven years old!!

[@dougfinlay7528]

The Chrysler 5 year warranty came later. These Lincolns were quite advanced. All were individually road tested and had sealed electrical. They were a more efficient use of space and even had curved side window glass--later dropped in 64. Very clean styling when fins--big fins, were still the rage. Compare with Imperials and Cadillac as well as other GM and Chrysler makes. These Lincolns were even respected in Europe. Along with the 63 Stingray and 64 1/2 Mustang, the best designs of the early 60's.

[@gregory747]

This is great my father had a '64. It was able to handle 6 passengers, pull a boat up hills, in summer scortching heat with the air conditioner on full. Great cars were the continentals.

[@chieftp]

"Lincoln - if we could make a bigger car, we would."

[@kennixox262]

Looks like that was filmed on Jekyll Island, GA or similar venue. Does anyone have any information and the big question, does a harp sound play every time you open the doors?

[@laurentgriffon698]

The most ultimate cult car. It's a motorised dream.

[@laurentgriffon698]

What a gorgeous car!!! =: ) )

[@EYEBZTRIPPIN]

My 99 Lincoln.town car.has 430k and counting the only thing that went out was the controll arms

[@jimalinc]

You're right Chris. I'll look into it. Do you have a suggestion as to where I should take it? I'm in Orange County, California.

[@jacobwallach9419]

It’s a great car, I miss the rides me and my grandpa took in it

[@richardmorris7063]

The 61 Conti & the 61 Buick were 2 of my all time favs.Ill take the white convertible..thanks!

[@HollywoodEastTV]

thank you for uploading this, very ccol

[@mherna7435]

Great video I own a 1961 Continental

[@badname8501]

Lee Harvey Oswald just had to ruin this car’s image this is the car jfk was assassinated in btw

[@chip599XX_VGRLeader]

SS100X?

[@Johnnycdrums]

Better than a Rolls by far, but that didn’t take much doing either.

[@chris24hdez]

You should have this video profesionally rescanned in 1080p and get it stabilized. The interlace tore it up, unfortunately.