1964 Lincoln Continental

Sedan

8 - Cyl.

Automatic

4Y82N411975

Gasoline

Meet "Doris Chantilly"The story is as sweet as the car itself. It concerns a California Highway Patrolman from San Jose, California named Gerald and his wife, Doris Lucy. To celebrate his retirement from the CHP, they decided to reward themselves with a new car. Not any car, but one that represented the height of style and luxury- a brand new 1964 Lincoln Continental sedan in Chantilly Beige (Code Z) with Honey Beige leather. Being a Lincoln, it was loaded with standard equipment such as power steering and brakes, automatic transmission, power windows and vent windows, power seat, remote driver's mirror, front and rear armrests and even vacuum activated locks, but they added even more to the car. Among the options they selected were Factory Air Conditioning, AM/FM Radio with Power Antenna (very rare for '64) and a trunk release. The Lincoln came in and they took delivery on March 8, 1964. The state of California assigned black license plate number DGR-491 to the car, which it wears to this day. It is the only license number Doris Chantilly has ever known. It must have been a very special car indeed, for they kept it for many years and it accumulated only minimal mileage. The car was willed to their nephew and it emerged from their estate with mileage in the low thirties. The car was in excellent condition and obviously 100% garaged but their nephew kept it only a short time before deciding it should have a more appropriate home with a collector who could properly care for it. The current owner purchased the car from Gerald and Doris' nephew in 2003. It was in excellent cosmetic condition but did require some deferred maintenance tasks to be completed, including new tires, a new exhaust system, and an overhaul of the a/c system. The mileage was around 35,000 then and affirmed by the nephew as actual. The engine performance was not entirely satisfactory, these 430's can gum up in extended periods of storage, so the engine was fully rebuilt two years ago. It now looks runs, and performs exactly as it was designed to do. So who is Doris Chantilly today?She's a remarkable lady. I've experienced Continentals with even lower miles, but never one in better overall condition. The mileage now shows just over 38,000, and everything about the car testifies to its authenticity. The cosmetic condition is exceptional, especially considering how it is mostly factory original. The paint is believed to be over 90% original and in very fine condition with no dents or scratches, and only slight fading on the horizontal surfaces. It shines up very nicely, and any patina is so minor that it would be a crime to repaint it. The sides are straight with no dents or dings. We were told by the nephew that the left front fender was repainted at one time, and there is a slight color variation at certain light, but for a forty- seven year old finish it's pretty remarkable. We see no other signs of refinishing. The chrome and stainless are exceptional, with NO pitting and NO imperfections on the bumper ends. The rear grilles and bright and have NO fading that is so typical on the textured paint finish- a further affirmation that the car is 100% garaged and properly cared for. The honey beige leather is very fine with only the slightest creasing on the driver's seat- not had for almost five decades of use. The textiles are exceptional overall- lovely dash, perfect steering wheel, perfect door panels, excellent carpets and even a perfect heel pad under the pedals. The headlining looks brand new but is almost 50 years old. The interior chrome is as outstanding as the exterior chrome- and the rubber moldings are still soft and supple. Look carefully at the door edges- there is not a speck of rust anywhere. The trunk has been relined and looks brand new. The original jack appears to have had minimal use, if any. The only change inside is a CD player control secreted in the ashtray compartment. The original unused ash tray is included as well, and the original radio and antenna are working, but tunes are important, and so that addition was made. "Doris Chantilly" is a dream to drive- smooth and powerful. She starts easily and idles smoothly. The transmission shifts beautifully. The air conditioning is ice cold. All of the controls operate as designed. She's VERY powerful when you step down on the accelerator, and still has that wonderful "ball of silk" feel that these Continentals are known for. All in all, an extreme pleasure to drive. And this is not a restoration- it's a forty-seven year old original! There's no way to do her justice with twenty four pictures. It's just impossible. So please cut and paste this link to view 220 pictures: http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldojeff/sets/72157626333971458/ If you are in the market for a truly outstanding original example of the mid-sixties Continental with only the very slightest patina, you owe it to yourself to consider this one. Of course you can find one for less money but you could easily start with a lesser car and end up spending much, much more. This is a rust free car, with superb body (including floors and trunk floor), and original California black plates, that has been used lovingly and sparingly its entire life and has traveled less than a thousand miles per year. Of course it has been 100% garaged and properly cared for, and is ready to be driven and enjoyed. It's a delight to have this car in Palm Springs- pull up to the Riviera Resort for Martinis and you'll look like you stepped off the set of "Mad Men"- sorry to say, however- January Jones is NOT included. I'll be keeping her as a souvenir to remember it by. The car is located in Palm Springs, California and is located nearby the DAS Shipping Port in Cathedral City (for trucking), and about 100 miles from the Port of Long Beach (and I can recommend a reliable trucking service if needed) for International Buyers. You are welcome to inspect it yourself or have it inspected, please email me for an appointment. I reserve the right to decline test drives at my sole discretion. Remember, a bid is a commitment to purchase, not an invitation to kick tires. And she'll kick you if you smudge her clean sidewalls. Thanks for looking and happy bidding! "Doris Chantilly" is looking forward to meeting you! On Apr-17-11 at 18:01:43 PDT, seller added the following information: Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. On Apr-17-11 at 18:25:40 PDT, seller added the following information: Your browser does not support JavaScript. To view this page, enable JavaScript if it is disabled or upgrade your browser. Click Here. Double your traffic. Get Vendio Gallery - Now FREE!