1967 Lincoln Continental Custom Luxury Car with Suicide Doors and Air Suspension

The Iconic 1967 Lincoln Continental

The Lincoln Continental is an iconic luxury car that has been around since the 1940s. However, one of the most famous and recognizable models is the 1967 Lincoln Continental. This car encapsulated the very essence of American automotive styling in the 1960s.

With its sleek, clean lines, suicide doors, and understated elegance, the 1967 Continental made a huge splash when it debuted. Even today, it is still considered one of the most beautiful American cars ever designed.

The History of the 1967 Continental

The Continental was first introduced in 1939 as a personal luxury vehicle for Edsel Ford. For nearly 30 years, it existed as a high-end trim line under the Lincoln brand. However, in 1956 it was spun off into its own unique model.

The fourth generation Continental debuted for the 1961 model year. It featured a striking slab-sided exterior with minimal ornamentation. This design was a major shift from the ornate styling and elaborate chrome trim used on American cars in the 1950s. It previewed the simple, angular look that would dominate the 1960s.

The redesigned 1967 model retained the iconic linear look but added subtle curves for a more sculpted appearance. It also grew slightly in size over the previous generation. Under the hood, a massive 7.0L V8 engine provided effortless power. The 1967 Continental oozed refinement, sophistication, and presence.

Details and Features

The 1967 Continental is defined by its commanding profile. It sits low and wide, with clean lines that sweep back from the prominent front grille. The car measures a lengthy 220 inches long and 79 inches wide. It weighs in at a hefty 4,800 pounds.

Distinctive styling features include the rear-hinged back doors, also known as suicide doors. When open, they give entrance to a spacious interior finished in soft leather. More unique touches include the covered headlights that flip open with the turn of a chrome ring. Lincoln also offered a hydraulic system that would lower the car at the touch of a button for easier entry and exit.

Under the long hood resides a 462 cubic-inch V8 churning out 340 horsepower, teamed to a 3-speed automatic transmission. While not overtly sporty, the big Lincoln can cruise effortlessly at highway speeds. The Continental sits on a coil spring suspension that delivers a soft, quiet ride befitting a flagship luxury automobile.

Special Editions and Models

Within the 1967 Continental lineup, Lincoln offered several variations to suit different customers. The base model came nicely equipped with power accessories, automatic transmission, and a leather interior.

For more luxury, the Continental Executive adds rear seat foot rests, reading lights, and other amenities targeted at back seat passengers. At the top of the range sat the exclusive Continental Town Car, featuring special leather upholstery and unique trim.

Collectors today highly covet the limited-production 1967 Continental Convertible. Just 2,044 drop-top Continentals left the factory in 1967, making them quite rare. With the all-power top down, these cars provide open-air motoring in stately American style.

Pop Culture Icon

Beyond its innate good looks, the 1967 Continental entered pop culture lore as the car in which President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. The vivid imagery of that tragic event cemented the fourth-generation Continental's place in history.

This car has appeared in countless films over the decades, often associated with figures of power, prestige, and luxury. More recently, the '67 Continental has starred in movies like The Matrix and The House Bunny as symbols of 1960s Americana.

The 1967 Continental Today

Despite its size, the 1967 Lincoln Continental handles surprisingly well thanks to the smooth ride suspension and powerful V8 engine. Classic car collectors and enthusiasts appreciate the effortless cruising power and inherent charisma in these iconic Lincolns.

Values on pristine, low-mileage Continentals have risen steadily in the last decade. According to Hagerty, a #1 condition car is valued around $55,000. Even examples in good driver condition command respectable prices.

The 1967 Lincoln Continental represents a uniquely American take on luxury. These cars draw attention wherever they appear thanks to the striking profile, suicide doors, and sheer presence on the road. For many, the '67 Continental defines the Lincoln brand and remains an automotive design icon.

Key Details on this Custom 1967 Continental

This incredible example has been fully customized by Branded Customs. It features an ultra-low air suspension, massive 22" Forgiato wheels, and a truly jaw-dropping paint scheme.

Slammed on Air Suspension

Rather than the stock coil spring suspension, this '67 Lincoln Continental rides on a fully adjustable air suspension system from AccuAir. The owner can raise or lower the car by inflating the airbags located at each corner.

When fully dropped, the Lincoln sits just inches off the pavement - so low that you have to step over the sill to get inside! The ultra-low ride height gives this Continental an aggressively slammed stance unlike any stock examples.

Massive Custom Forgiato Wheels

Providing even more attitude are the enormous 3-piece Forgiato wheels. Measuring 22 inches in diameter, they fill out the Continental's wheel wells for a baller appearance. Up front, the wheels are a staggering 12 inches wide to fill the long front fenders.

The intricate forged aluminum design features brushed faces and polished lips. Custom lime green accents on the spokes and edges provide just the right contrast against the exterior paint.

Custom Mixed Metalflake Paint

Tying everything together is the stunning paint scheme applied by Branded Customs. The base color appears black at first glance. However, on close inspection it reveals rainbow flakes throughout, like raw metal poured over black velvet.

Over 200 hours of work went into applying the special paint containing iron, fuchsia, teal, and other metalflakes. When viewed from different angles, the color shifts like a mirage - a stunning achievement.

Luxurious Interior Upgrades

While customized on the outside, the Continental's interior remains true to Lincoln luxury. Plush leather seats, trim panels, and carpeting all appear stock. However, the upholstery has been re-stitched and renewed for a flawless presentation.

Modern conveniences like power windows, climate control, and a high-end sound system have also been neatly integrated for an enjoyable driving experience. Smoked glass house windows maintain the '60s gangster vibe.

Restored drivetrain

Underhood, the original 462 V8 engine has been resealed and tuned to deliver smooth, reliable power. It exhales through custom exhaust tips peeking out the rear valence. The transmission was also rebuilt to factory-fresh specifications.

Thanks to these mechanical refreshments, the Continental performs as good as it looks. It can be driven and enjoyed both on the show field and on the street.

Closing Thoughts

This extensively customized 1967 Lincoln Continental demonstrates just how cool and relevant these cars remain today. While recognizably classic on the outside, updates like the air suspension, wheels, and paint make it fresh and exciting.

The instantly recognizable profile combined with modern drivetrain components result in a head-turning custom that takes the Continental tradition to the next level. This Lincoln deserves to be driven and appreciated for years to come.

FAQs

What engine does the 1967 Continental have?

The 1967 Lincoln Continental came equipped with a 7.0L (462 ci) V8 engine producing 340 horsepower and 485 lb-ft of torque. This large, naturally-aspirated powerplant delivered smooth, quiet operation perfect for a luxury cruiser.

What made the 1967 Continental so iconic?

The fourth-generation Continental's clean, slab-sided profile with subtle curves epitomized American luxury car design in the 1960s. Distinctive suicide doors also contributed to its iconic status. This generation Continental became instantly recognizable after appearing in President Kennedy's assassination.

How many 1967 Continentals were built?

Lincoln produced a total of 57,359 Continentals for 1967. Of these, only 2,044 were convertible models. Survivors are highly sought after today by collectors and enthusiasts.

Did the 1967 Continental come stock on 22" wheels?

No, the original 1967 Continental rode on 15" steel wheels with hubcaps and trim rings. The 22" Forgiato wheels on this example are a modern custom touch that fills out the wheel wells for an aggressive stance.

What special editions were available in 1967?

Lincoln offered the 1967 Continental in Executive and Town Car trims with additional luxury features over the base model. The Convertible with its power-operated top was also a special model - and remains extremely rare today.