Spoilt for choice - restore or preserve?
06/09/2014
The buyer of the 1959 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Executive Limousine, auctioned at the Oldtimer Galerie auf dem Dolder on June 7, 2014, now has a choice. Should he just technically repair the "barn find" and then drive it with its lush patina or go for a complete restoration?
Compared to the cost of a restoration, the four-figure purchase price should be a piece of cake. However, the car itself would certainly be worth a complete rebuild, as it is a very exclusive model with every conceivable comfort feature. In addition, the Mark IV Executive Sedan was produced in small numbers and, at over USD 10,000, was the most expensive series-produced car in the USA at the time. The history of the auctioned car is also interesting, as it was delivered to Switzerland in 1959, used until 1970 and then put away.
The ravages of time and probably not entirely appropriate storage over the last 40 years have left impressive traces on the bodywork, interior and technology, which have developed their own charm. This means that, even with its refreshed technology, the car could cause a sensation at classic car meetings as a memorial to decaying luxury.
We are definitely curious to see where, when and, above all, in what form we will see the Lincoln again.
