1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible RESTORED

Description

1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible, VIN 5Y86N421496

429 cubic inch V-8 engine, Colonial white paint with white vinyl top and turquoise leather interior.

In 2012, the Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park purchased a 1965 Lincoln Continental Convertible from a Charlotte, N.C. automobile collector. The vehicle was chosen for its good overall condition and similarity to President Johnson's personal cars.

Through the years the vehicle has been maintained and used by the national historical park in a wide variety of ways. The vehicle has appeared in parades around the state serving as a "calling card" for the national park. Wherever the car was used it has drawn crowds enabling park staff to share stories and advertise opportunities to explore Texas and American history in the Johnson City and Stonewall units of the park. It's hard not to be drawn to this gleaming white twenty-two foot long beauty with its turquoise leather seating.

The car became well known in the Texas Hill Country region and was regularly used by the park superintendent for VIP tours of the LBJ Ranch. The car has carried movie and TV personalities, appeared in films and documentaries, and allowed guests from around the world to experience the LBJ Ranch in ways similar to those provided by the president himself.

The vehicle is maintained in good condition. The original dash board was replaced in 2014 due to dryness and cracking. The vehicle has been stored inside and covered since it was received by the Friends and park. It has not had a ground-up restoration and most parts and components are original equipment. The park installed below-dash air conditioning making for enjoyable year-round use.

The Friends donated the Lincoln to the National Park Service for use in and outside the park. There was a specification made in the donation that should park management not want to continue use of the vehicle, ownership would revert to the Friends. The Lincoln Continental was returned to the Friends and the board of directors have decided to sell the car using proceeds to support other worthwhile programs and preservation projects in the park.

We hope there is a good and devoted owner in our Lincoln's future. We have cared for it, shared it with thousands, and enjoyed having a vehicle similar to the president's own cars that we could drive providing unique experiences for many.