If an unusual 1:1 car comes to your notice, and you fancy a model of it, but the likes of Automodello or Matrix or Avenue 43 don’t think it’s interesting enough for them to produce, you are pretty much stuck unless you want to try your hand at scratchbuilding – something I regard as a step too far for me, modelling-wise. But now and then you can get lucky.
Lincoln introduced new styling for the 1966 Continental, with a touch of “Coke bottle” on the rear quarters and (to my eyes at least) a rather more “tinny” look compared with the carved-from-solid styling of the ’61-’64 models. As part of the launch they decided to produce a “show car” designed to highlight their new styling direction. Well, that’s what they said, although I don’t really see how it highlights the new styling any more than the standard car did.
The modifications were actually designed by Ford studio stylists, and carefully (and expensively) built into a standard Lincoln by their favourite limo builders, Lehmann-Petersen. They christened it the Lincoln Continental Coronation Coupé. Whose coronation they were celebrating? I have no idea.
You would normally expect a show car to be at least a little futuristic, previewing styling themes we might expect on the standard product in years to come, but this looked more like something that could simply be a top-of-the-range option for the 1966 Continental. It’s main distinguishing feature (apart from the exterior trim) was the very heavy rear pillars which took rear-seat privacy to the point of claustrophobia. And beyond.
The car did the round of shows but was never offered for sale. Ford (who ultimately held the purse-strings) possibly felt the handbuilt conversion was so expensive any realistic selling price would put off potential buyers. Still, there are always some well-heeled individuals out there who want exclusivity at any price and you might have expected somebody to ask Lincoln to build them one. But either they didn’t ask, or Lincoln said “No”.
It is not a design of earth-shattering beauty and exquisite good taste, but I have a number of Continentals in 1:43 and thought it might at least make an interesting addition to the fleet. So I took an Ixo limo . . .
. . . and cut out the middle 20 millimetres of the body, floor, seating unit and glazing. The remaining sections were butted together and fixed with thin brass strips epoxied in place. The rear pillars were also cut from thin brass, padded out and shaped with body filler.
The wood side trim is self-adhesive shelf liner. The original adhesive was far too “grabby” to allow the trim to be slid into position, so it was removed with white spirit (mineral spirits) and the trim was laid on to clear model varnish and edged with very thin strips of BMF. But not quite thin enough, now that I think about it. Too late now.
The vinyl roof is a single layer of Kleenex, again attached with clear varnish. Ivory white enamel was applied then rolled with cotton buds while still wet to give a semi-matte textured look.
The grille on the Coronation had some extra vertical bars added to the stock ’66 grille, and to be honest I didn’t even notice that detail at the time. However, the Ixo represents a ’67 car which did have extra vertical grille bars (though not quite as many as the Coronation) so I reckon it’s close enough.
I thought the result was quite a reasonable representationof the original and an interesting conversation piece, but to tell the truth, nobody has ever engaged me in conversation about it. Ho hum. Story of my life, really.
This topic was modified 2 years ago 2 times by Graeme Ogg
I thought the result was quite a reasonable representationof the original and an interesting conversation piece, but to tell the truth, nobody has ever engaged me in conversation about it
It happens. Don't take it personally Graeme, after all, you built this for YOU, no one else.
At around the same time, (I don't have precise dates nor, sadly, photograph to hand) Ford built a Sedanca De Ville Lincoln Continental and in a book I have on Lincoln the two projects are discussed together as explorations into reviving 1930s body styles. The present Lincoln is an update of the Victoria style which was a five passenger convertible with no rear-seat windows to give the impression of a sports coupe. As things transpired, the 1969 model year Continental MkIII - released in 1968 - did have a retro feel, with its classic-era radiator grille, and set a decade's long trend of retro styling queues, from opera windows and even exterior exhaust pipes. So this work was a practical exercise.
I can well imagine you wanting a copy in your car collection and I think it works well.
I must tell you that I'm very impressed! That was an extensive modification that required an enormous amount of work. And to do it in 1:43 scale is even MORE impressive! The finished product is great! Well done, sir!
The prototype you did reminded me of the late 60s Thunderbird 2drht with its very bulky C pillar. They should have called it the Blindspot Special. Just imagine how many crashes were caused by this design feature.
The prototype you did reminded me of the late 60s Thunderbird 2drht with its very bulky C pillar. They should have called it the Blindspot Special. Just imagine how many crashes were caused by this design feature.
Jack, I mentioned above that Graeme's car along with a contemporary sedanca de ville Lincoln Continental were explorations on Ford's part to revive 1930s design cues, who's results did in fact set a decade's long trend in retro styles. I wish I had thought of the '68 Thunderbird Brougham as it is the ideal example. Especially with its faux cabrio' irons. I post a Solido Packard with Victoria body.
There was a video done years ago that apparently showed how to adjust all three mirrors (inside, left and right) so that there were no blind spots and, if used correctly, gave a driver full panoramic rear view.
Thanks, Mike. I've been using this system for years...no blind spots regardless of how the C-pillar is configured. It takes about a week to get used to not seeing your flanks in your side mirrors but it is much safer.
This post was modified 2 years ago by John Kuvakas
Thanks, Mike. I've been using this system for years...no blind spots regardless of how the C-pillar is configured. It takes about a week to get used to not seeing your flanks in your side mirrors but it is much safer.
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That seems like a good system, John ! It does take a bit of getting used to, but can be very effective.
@jkuvakas Thankyou I'm going to give it ago, there is an entrance to a Motor way I use all the time and there has been a number of instances I have nearly missed the car in the lane and nearly collided with them
