What do you do to shake up a model that was introduced in the late 1930s? How about making a bold statement based on the Thunderbird unibody. In 1961 Lincoln continued the trend used since the MKII using less chrome, simplified the design, further lowered the already scant profile, introduced a sleek body and returned to the 1951 model rear doors hinged at the back of the car. The iconic fourth-generation Lincoln Continental was born with what came to be known as "Suicide Doors". Despite the ominous name, the doors were so cool that ever since 4th generation was retired in 1969, Lincoln engineers have been looking to bring the unique rear door configuration back. So in 2019, they did just that with a limited and special edition Lincoln Continental.
Car enthusiasts of each generation can recount the moment when they first encountered the luxurious, modern design. For me, it was seeing that door open the WRONG way revealed the ever-elegant Jacqueline Kennedy. Her husband John loved Lincolns even before he was our president so it is said Jackie had a white convertible and John preferred the black model. Eventually, the Secret Service would custom order a pair of Lincolns to transport the first family. Who can forget that faithfull day in Texas with Jackie and John in the back seat of the black convertible Lincoln? That day, the iconic car became firmly etched into American history like no other. It is only fitting that to date it was the last American 4-door convertible to be manufactured.
For today's featured owner Scott Maizlish, his memory was a bit lighter. "I have always wanted a Lincoln Continental, (Suicide Doors) since I saw Animal House as a kid. I finally started researching them about three years ago, and I acquired this car from a builder in central Florida who told me the car was 'rebuilt'."
Scott found his Lincoln was anything but restored. Like many of us who think our new classic ride is roadworthy, this example needed attention, lots of attention. Scott soon discovered the car had issues with the electrical system, engine and more. He went from thinking he had a car to drive and maintain a full-on project. The next decision may not sit well with fans of the blue oval, he decided to ditch the Ford MEL 430 cu in (7.0 L) V8 and go with a Chevrolet LS3 6.2L V8. But he did not stop there, he partnered with Brad Morton of
BR Performance and make a plan for a full resto-mod.
For readers who may be unfamiliar with the term, a reso-mod takes a car, uses it as a platform and imposes modern technology to remake the car into something much more drivable. Sometimes with little or no change to the looks of the car and in some cases, like this example, to tweak the look with a change in suspension and wheels.
Scott and Brad decided to replace the front and rear suspension with the
Devious Customs Continental Air Ride Kit, can you say low rider? As you can imagine, much more would have to be added. The fuel delivery system would need to support the high pressure needed by the LS engine, cooling beefed up, breaks upgraded, air compressors for the active suspension, bodywork, electrical, gages and more would need to be touched. And because 535 HP hot-cammed LS3 is "not enough" they decided to force the air with a
ProCharger Supercharger.
His final ride takes the 1961 design and makes it sleeker, lower and more importantly much more reliable. There is something about a modern, fuel-injected, supercharged, ECU controlled V8 that easily starts and runs with power. I guess that is why the LS swap is such a popular choice.
The result is a very cool ride that looks more like the Continental featured in The Matrix than the one from Animal House. I'm sure it turns heads as it takes to the streets and maybe the owner should consider renting out his services as a Sundance chauffeur. Wait - no snow needed for this ride, it is already too cool!
Details
Make and Model: 1964 Lincoln Continental Sedan
Engine:
Chevrolet Performance LS3 Hot Cammed, ProCharger Supercharger with
Devious Customs Lincoln LS Swap Kit
Suspension:
Devious Customs Lincoln Continental Air Ride Kit
Exhaust: BR Performance Custom
Wheels:
Bonspeed Palisaides Custom
Gauges:
Dakota Digital
Interior:
JS Custom Interiors
Exterior: Original
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