1962 Lincoln Continental: Executive Demo
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- čas přidán 9. 07. 2024
- Growing up in Pittsburgh, Rich Plavetich became a car enthusiast in his grandfather’s garage while the two of them worked on the white Lincoln Continental featured in today’s film. It came to the family in a roundabout way-the original Continental sold to his grandfather as a new car was in fact a used car, which was replaced with this “executive demo” example-but it set Rich on a path from an early age. At just 19 years old, he landed a job at GM Design, moved to California not long after that, and has been designing cars ever since. His grandfather’s Continental, the one that started it all, is still with him.
See the photoshoot and read more here: petro.li/ContinentalGallery
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Hi Folks, Rich here. I have to admit that I'm kinda blown away by the kind and overwhelming response. I agreed to do the video with an audience of one in mind (my mum), but it seems that so many of you can relate to the story and how our personal relationships intertwine with our car addictions. Thanks so much to you and Petrolicious for allowing me to tell the story.
Thanks Rich for sharing this beautiful Continental and your emotions. Anybody who gets the car from their grandfather would feels the same.
Loved every minute of that Rich. It’s been a bucket list car of mine for as long as I can remember.
Damnit, now I’m tearing up lol. Thanks for sharing mate and cheers from Australia.
Great tribute to your Grandfather, thanks for sharing.
Your story was very touching to me. In particular de old family and car photos.
I wish I had one of my late grandfather's cars. He had a dealership for decades, here in Portugal. Thank you also to Petrolicious, you made another epic video.
A fittingly remarkable story for a remarkable car! Thank you Rich for sharing your amazing account with us.
That design is like a classic suit. Sharp design and timeless. Great video.
Well said! It indeed is an automotive Armani men's suit
Well described
What a great car. I've always loved the '62 Continental: The almost minimal sculptural shape, The clean horizontal lines, the careful application of chrome, the suicide doors... What a car. And a great story too. I don't have children either, so I can relate to how you feel. I really hope you find the right person to become the custodian of this masterpiece. Both your family and the car deserve it.
Rich, you are so fortunate to still have your grandfather's car. My Dad had a 1961 baby blue Continental that he drove for 5 years. That was forever to him. He got a new car every 2 years without fail. This one was different it was his favorite car until his 97 500 SL. He too trailered the family boat and unfortunately while launching it into the river the brakes failed and it went to the bottom. Fishermen in a boat came by plumbing the depths with a paddle caused my Dad to tell them not to hit the top too hard, "it might scratch the top". The car was pulled out by 2 truck wreckers and was completely restored except for correctly drying the interior. It mildewed so my Dad was forced to sell it. He sold it to a man who smoked cigars continuously. I look at your survivor car with lust. I remember getting blown out by the wonderful center air conditioner, the smell of the leather, the glove box door that served as a tray, going on a cross country trip to California with the other Lincoln my Mom drove, a 63 baby blue to mention just a few. Can you imagine the fuel costs! Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I would get one but I don't have enough room. Cheers Robert D Marx MD
What a very touching story. I bought my 1964 lincoln after saving enough to purchase it for over a year. I was 24 years old in 1975 when i purchased it from the original owner in Orville Ohio. This kindly Gentleman had purchased this beautiful convertible Lincoln brand new, back when there was actually a Lincoln dealership in Orville, (home of Smuckers Jelly’s). He kept this car and would not sell it to anyone else because he had promised to keep it until I had enough funds to purchase it. He had taken beautiful care of this car and it had never seen any salty Ohio road conditions and as a result, this car was rust free.
I am not MUCH older, and I do believe the car has aged better than me. Ive owned this beautiful car for almost 45 years now, and even though I have Sons, they have never shown any interest in this car. Maybe maybe one of my Grandsons.
My parents had a 1962 Continental. My dad worked for Ford Motor Co. & bought the 62 from the Ford Executive Resale lot. Ours had under 3,000 miles. I drove it to my prom in 63, feeling like a big shot. Ours was white with Lt.brown brocaded interior . When you started yours It reminded me how quiet it was. They had duel exhaust one muffler & tow resonators on each side . We had it until 1965, after the exhaust system had to be replaced. It cost over two hundred dollars to replace front to back system in 1964 My dad said it had to go, we could not afford the cost of replacing parts at those prices. in 1964, 200. dollars was a lot of money I dearly loved that car & the memories of how much my parents loved it, and how much I loved them. Like you are reminded of your grandfather, I am reminded of my mom & dad and growing up in Detroit. Thank you for sharing your car & memories with us.
I've seen a lot of stories,about a lot of cars,but so far yours is the best.Some of today's kids don't even get a license,they uber,ride a skateboard or think a Honda civic with a loud muffler is a desirable car.When someone rides your grandpas car that you are keeping alive,they are experiencing the warm embrace of a classic timeless comfortable luxurious mode of travel.No boring slab of melted plastic soulless auto.Your Grandpa spirit is in that car,and the wisdom and knowledge he imparted to you were well spent.Youve done a great job being a caretaker,he would be so proud of Baby Blue.Beautiful car,Beautiful story,"the cats meow!"May you have many more smiles,with every mile,and good health for you,your Mom,wife,cat and Baby Blue.Great video.Well done.Thanks for sharing and caring.
My father had a 1963, 66' and 69'. All were hard tops and all were red or maroon. Your story brought tears to my eyes. My late father was a lawyer, too. God bless and thank you for posting this.
5th generation Pittsburgher here.
Beautiful car and story.
I had a '71 Lincoln Mark III.
Haven't driven a finer vehicle since.
She knew the way to every gas station in the city!
OMG! I had an identical 63, same color, same interior only all leather. Had to let it go, but still miss it terribly. Thanks for bringing back wonderful and bittersweet memories. They were a real work of art.
Rich, thanks for sharing your story. It's crazy how much it sounds like my own. My grandfather bought a '63 Lincoln Continental which he drove sparingly throughout it's life. When I was I kid in the late '70's/early 80's my grandfather (whom I absolutely adored) had a few "weekend cars" and so on Saturday mornings he would pick my older brother and me up to take us to his house for the day. I can still remember the smell, the sound of the turn signal, etc. These were significant memories of my childhood.
Fast forward 20 years and my beloved grandfather decided it was time to pass down the "weekend cars" to my brother and me and make them family heirlooms. In 1963 he bought a Porsche 356SC (the same year he bought the Lincoln aka "Connie") and bought a new 911 in 1972. Being older my brother got to pick which Porsche he wanted and thus chose the 911. So obviously I got the 356 and my grandpa kept the Lincoln for the meantime but said we had to co-own it when he was ready to pass it down.
Unfortunately that day never came because a couple years, in the late 1990's, after he gifted us the Porsche's he took the Lincoln out for one of its rare days out of the garage. A school bus driver had a medical issue of some kind and ended up smashing into the Lincoln while it was parked on the street (my grandpa had run back into the house to get something he'd forgotten.)
I'm so thankful my grandpa took great care of the two Porsche's and the Lincoln and always wanted to make them family heirlooms. I think about him every single time I get in the 356. But I also think of him and the sound and smell of that '63 Lincoln every time I see one!
(BTW, Is that an Aurelia in your garage? You really are a "car guys car guy!"
Yes, an Aurelia . . . and we also have a '64 356SC coupe like you, plus a few obscure French sportscars . . .
@@richp9305 Ha! Our families really are the same. My brother has an Alpine and my grandfather on the other side had an obscure French sports car called the Matra (So obscure even French people haven't heard of it!) Thanks Rich!
No Alpine, but we do have a Matra Bonnet Djet, Deutsch Bonnet and Simca 8 Sport.
Nothing wrong with owning a classic car. Just as good as new / and they weigh 1000 lbs less 🚗
Rich P oh my god.. you have my absolute dream garage down to the exact details
I drive my grandmothers 84 300SD. She sold it to my dad when I was in jr high, and my dad taught me how to maintain it, and ended up giving to to me after high school because he said I was taking care of it better then he was. I've been driving it now for 18 years. Sadly my grandmother passed away at 97 last year. I drove her car to her funeral. It was very sad. But also made me very happy to have a place I can go be with grandma. When I drive the car now its like I'm a kid again going for a ride with her. In the glove box I have all the service history. Its fun looking through it and seeing her hand writing.
Rich, I envy you so much. I too, had a grandfather who drove Continentals. He was a Ford executive, and lived in Dearborn MI. Whenever I saw him, it was always a special occasion (holiday or birthday). When I was very young, I didn’t know what a Lincoln was, I just knew my grandpa drove one, and I always thought it was the most beautiful car on the road. My aunt had one as well, and I loved being on the back seat, the arm rest is where I’d perch to see everything around me.
I ate lunch at home when I was in grade school. Every day as I walked home, another car would catch my eye the same time, every day. I told my mom that I’d picked out the car I wanted, the pretty brown one I saw everyday. She asked what it was. I didn’t know, but it was what I wanted. She asked me to draw it. I was trying to tell her there was a “bump in the back”. She asked if it was in an accident. I said no, it’s a bump on the trunk. She said “I think that’s grampa’s new car”. My grandfather had taken delivery on a new Mark III lease. I guess I could pick ‘em.
My mother told my grampa about my interest in his cars. He was flattered and had an idea. He was able to get Ford box seats at Tiger Stadium for a game. He said he’d take my dad and I as his guests. The night of the game arrived, and he drove to our house in his new Lincoln. My dad followed us downtown so I could ride in grampa’s car, and when the game was over, my dad and I would go directly home. I was more excited about grampa’s car than my first Tiger game. Driving downtown, he let me play with, and push every button I wanted to......... except the truck release. It was a night I’ll always remember.
My grandpa retired in 1976. His last exec lease was a dark green Ford Thunderbird. It was very eye catching, but it wasn’t a Lincoln.
Great story and memories. I've loved the suicide door Continental since I was a kid in the 60s. Our next door neighbor in Philadelphia was a Cadillac salesman, and often brought home a recently traded car from a customer who had just gotten a new Cadillac. The Continental was frequently in the driveway, along with the occasional Benz or Imperial. My mother fell in love with a 66 Buick Riviera he was driving once, but ended up with a new Caprice coupe instead. My grandfather was particularly partial to big Buicks, and had a 64 Electra 225 sedan for years before he died. I loved that car, he used to sit me in his lap and have me steer through the neighborhood, while my grandmother fussed in the passenger seat. Happy memories of loved ones long gone. Their cars are a way of keeping them close. Thanks for sharing your story and the Continental, Rich.
Would luv 2 have either a '66 Riviera or '66 Caprice coupe today!
Still loves grand dad. Got me thinking of my grandparents now.
My wife and I graduated from high school in 1962. My nickname for her is “Baby Blue,” by The Echoes, 1961. Her eyes are crystal blue. I would love to drive this beauty to our next reunion. - Pete
Timeless. 60 years old and still sublime line and length. Fabulous Ford Lincoln.
Rich.... I had a '62 Lincoln sedan for 29 years: from Jan., '79 through Apr., '08. I had always hoped to restore the outside... so that it would match the incredibly nice inside, of walnut and aromatic red leather. But my career went bad in the 1990s, and I never got to a point whereby I could have commissioned a proper restoration. I was the 'caretaker' for a while... but no regrets, in totality.
I bet grandpa is in the passenger seat smiling on every ride. What a great story.
Always loved this era of Lincolns. Thank you for sharing this story
Great video. My grandfather gave me my first car as well. Grandpop had a 1955 Ford Customline that he drove until he was no longer comfortable behind the wheel. In 1966 when I was 17 he gave me the car. It was special to me for many reasons. First of all, it was my first car and what young man cannot tell you in detail all about his first automobile? For the year prior to being given the car I rode a little Ducati motorcycle to and from school and work if it wasn't raining or snowing. I grew up in Philadelphia so riding a motorcycle year-round could be a bit uncomfortable but heck it beat walking.
I am glad you were able to keep the car all these years I wish I still had mine but fate conspired against me there. I was in a terrible accident that totaled my car but to this day I still think of it and how proud I was to be given such a memorable gift from a person so important to me. My father passed away when I was 14 and Grandpop was there to help me through that difficult time.
Thanks for sharing this story and I hope you have many more years of enjoyment from your car.
Great touching story. What heritage !
Now they'll keep calling you about the car Rich....
Be like Karl Lagerfeld ... leave it to the cat.
What a wonderful connection to your Grandpa, the original owner, and it is such a beautiful car
Sounds like you loved your grandfather as much as I loved mine. It made me a little Misty eyed thinking about him. I miss him and my grandmother so so much.....
What a beautiful, genuine and touching story! Every single detail in this film is just as elegant and graceful as the car itself, from the pipe smoking lawyer, to the impecable Kodachromes, to the way his grandson cherishes his memories while explaining this hommage, and states the car is still to this day his grandpa's car! Gentlemen, this is one of the very best Petrolicious content I've seen. Mr. Richard (Esq.) would have been so proud. Godspeed, Rich!
There are plenty of videos that show these and talk about their origins, but they don't show it being driven. Grace in motion. Thank you!
One of the most iconic car designs ever made.
Just goes to show you simple elegant body lines withstand the test of time… never will another one as simple and sweet as these ever be produced again
Rich,
That is a wonderful story. I whole-heartedly agree; driving is much more about the journey than merely arriving at the destination. How fortunate you are to drive your grandfather's car! I've had my mind set on a 1962-64 Continental for years now.
I actually inherited my own grandfather's 1990 Mercury Grand Marquis (white over gray leather). I kept his back pillow, sunglasses, and other accessories. You're absolutely right---I got to know my grandfather much better by driving his car.
Thanks for such a loving tribute to your grandfather and his beautiful car. Here's hoping you find a deserving person to pass it on to!
Best,
Mark H.
What a wonderful car and story. The car is one of the most beautiful 62's I've ever seen. You're so lucky to have and drive a true piece of American history, and luxury as your Lincoln is and always will be. " Lincoln, What a luxury car should be. I've owned 3 Lincoln's. But my dream is to find one like this one day to own. So I envy you. Your Grandfather had impeccable taste.
Your story was vary touching. I had to see the video twice. I own a 1989 Lincoln Town Car seigener series and a 1979 Ford LTD 2 door Landau 351W. The Ford LTD is my parents only new car they ever bought. It now has over 500,000 family miles.
This is totally my dream car. Loved the story and history behind it too. It would have been a dream to have something like that left behind by a grandparent.
Makes me miss my dad. He’s been gone 4 years now. Great story, Petrolicious.
I'm an aspiring car designer (studied at Art Center College of Design, Academy of Art University and Concept Design Academy, all located in California, which you probably know this, being a car designer yourself) and guys like you inspire us future designers! This Lincoln is one of my favorites (I owned an '87 Town Car, but really want a Lincoln Mark 3)! Great story! Beautiful car!
“This is his car...”
Really great story.
Excellent video. I sold my Dad's '65 continental convertible with a whopping 42,000 miles on it about five years ago to a collector. Dad like your father used to just go to the garage and sit in the car when he could no longer tinker with it. I became afraid to drive the car as it was a huge target for some teenager using their cell phone. It has a very good new home. I still think the '61 thru '67 Continentals are among the best looking cars out there. Thanks for sharing.
Lovely automobile.
I've been in a Lincoln since 1971.👍 I'm 97, still drive daily in my Community.
BTW, he's riding in that car with you.. You can count on it.
Enjoy that car young man.
From Beverly Hills
That's a wonderful message, sir. Take care!
I bought Bob Petersen's old suburban GMC, there in Beverly hills. At the Hot Rod museum. After he passed in 2007 (RIP).
I'm only 51 years old and still have the GMC but drive Uber car in an old Buick. Hope to still be able to drive Uber fer another 40 years 🚗
Good for you, Mr. Hahn!
The 1961 through 1965 Continentals are still my personal favorite style of Lincoln. The others look over-done. Although I've never had the pleasure of owning one, I once drove a black 1962 Continental for a dealer trade from Omaha to San Francisco. I felt like royalty during the drive down Interstate 80.
Beautiful person, beautiful story, beautiful car.....
In a way it is a simple boxy design but somehow it manages to be one of the most Elegant cars ever produced . My uncle had one and as young child I just loved it. There was something about the cars from era modern cars are amazing but they lack the style of the cars from this period .
The dashboards of this era are also absolutely beautiful. Back in the days when artistic expression in cars wasnt quelled by safety concerns.
Wonderful story and Lincoln. The pipe is the cherry on top and definitely belongs there forever.
I had a '64 Mercury Comet. I will live in my heart forever.
What a fabulous car, beautifully, lovingly cared for!
What a fine example of an era of American car/auto design, which today reminds of us of those times, life, music, of the 60's into 70's. Just as Richard's designs will be a statement of contemporary design, now and into the future.
Great Lincoln,great story =great video = Petrolicious
Such a beautiful and heartfelt story!! I love that your grandfather gets to go with you everywhere you go! I have a ‘74 Lincoln Mark IV that my dad (a lawyer also) bought brand new the year I was born. He only put 50,000 miles and saved it for when I turned 16. As a toddler I would sit on the armrests between my dad & mom. I loved the car so much I later bought a ‘69 Mark III to not drive the IV that much. Almost done fully restoring the III. I too can relate because I don’t have children of my own and wonder what will become of my 2 Marks? Enjoy your beauty and safe cruising!! Cheers!
Great story. Thank you, Rich, for your raw emotion and love for your grandfather.
Amazing video as always. But damn petrolicious, i couldn't resist laughing at 1:49 when I saw who the letter was addressed to.
am sorry dick, but i was giggling. but again awesome video as always
Me too ! Especially that at the time, Tricky Dicky Nixon was making all the front pages with his long time demeanors. LOL !
👏😂 oops
My first car was a 1962 Lincon Continental sedan. It was black on black. I also had a white one with red leather. Love these cars. They were quality built cars. Enjoyed your story.
You are sooo lucky to have been so inspired by your gramps...just barely knew mine as my twin and I were born later in my parents life...Mom was 38 and Dad was 35 way back when in '59. Today I'm a car lover as I saw how poorly my Dad treated his cars...Influence comes in many forms I guess.....
Just a beautiful story and car. I'm here because I'm rewatching Mad Men and Betty's father has this Continental.
My grandparents' '62 Continental was black cherry over pearl beige. No electric eye and no A/C though. When I finished college I moved across the country and had to leave it behind, eventually selling it. Most memorable was the short, stiff accelerator travel and the J78-14 tires it had.
I have a 1973 continental since I was 17 and have a similar story.
This was inspiring. I love how your grandfathers legacy lives on through you. Glad you cherish his memory and kept his car running all these years. Time flies and all we really have in the end is our memories and material possessions pass on. I hope you will leave it to another who will appreciate it
Indeed it is
I watch a lot of classic car videos. I will have to say this may have the best camera work, cinematography and , of course emotional impact of any I can remember.
I volunteer to be adopted by them in order to inherit this glorious car.
After the nonsensical "preserved" unpreserved rustbucket 911 last week, this episode is a welcome return to the interesting and well told stories Petrolicious usually produces. Thanks for that. The ugly background bokeh in some cuts and the CA in others makes me curious about which lenses/gear was used.
Your Grandfather did a great job teaching you the deep appreciation for beautiful designs! Love that you’re keeping his memories alive with that car, beautiful!!!
An absolutely perfect car, and a perfect story.
What a beautiful car and story!
Nowadays you can't be too sentimental
Your best bet's a true baby-blue Continental
Well done.
Cruising d miracle mile!great car great comment.
CRA_55 it's still rock and roll to me.
This is the story of an extraordinary car, and an awesome man who infused a lifetime of love in his grandson. This is exceptional.
Love the boat photo at 1:37, reminds me of my youth.
Beautiful and moving story. Timelessly gorgeous car. When American craftsmanship was the envy of the world. Amazing. I hope that car finds the home it deserves when the day comes. A home that will honor its place among automotive history and one that will pay homage to it's intimate personal history. Great story here.
Possibly consider an authorized automobile club for that type of car. Members of the club would make sure that it would be well taken care of. Thank you for sharing your very touching story
So nice to see an original condition LC so loved. I can vouch for how amazing these cars are - I restored 4 of them during the 90's and used one as a daily driver for seven years. The quality of the construction, the use of materials, the detail in the dash fixtures, the HUNDREDS of available color combinations all contributed to how special these were. The suicide door Lincolns went away about the same time Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and The Beatles called it quits. All three events signaled that we had reach a crest in time, followed almost immediately by The Detroit Dark Ages ( circa 1973-2000 ) and a decline in American quality, ambition, manufacturing and vision.
My dad had a gun metal grey Continental with cherry leather seats. I still remember the smell when I got in the car. He was a doctor and I used to go on house calls with him. I would work the flashlight so I could see the house addresses when he stopped to make house calls. The car floated over the road.
What a touching & interesting video of this fantastic car and your grandfather. Thank you so much for sharing. WOW
I’d just finished writing about how I’d always thought of this car as the Kennedy Lincoln when he says that very thing, so I guess I’m not alone in that. It’s a handsome car, an automobile of its time, the Camelot era. Nice trip down memory lane. Great story.
That was a wonderful story. That car belongs in a museum if you have nobody to leave it to it should be at Henry Ford. The story is what makes the car so interesting.
Thanks for this Rich. What a wonderful story. You're lucky to have had this experience. Thank you for sharing it with us.
thanks for sharing the story of your grandfather's Lincoln. It's a beautiful and heartwarming tale of family, love and possessions being passed down to be appreciated and admired and used!
Cats are an excellent judge character,your cat knows you as well as you know yourself and that cat really appreciates you!
Beautiful car, beautiful story! Thank you for sharing this.
California climate is so good to cars and it looks even more beautiful surrounded by The CA landscape. A lucky man who truly deserves his Grandfather’s car.
I'd like to throw my hat into the 'Direct inheritance" status if I may. What a spectacular automobile.
That Mitsubishi concept car was so sweet. It had the right proportions windows two sheet metal and it look like the greenhouse was moved forward. I was so hoping the real one looked like that
A '62 Lincoln, a Lancia Aurelia and looks like not one but TWO Deutsch Bonnets? What an interesting stable.
The man has great tastes in automobiles !
Such a big heart and Ive went through so many cars myself I cant even relate to how close of a bond that car must have with yours, its beautiful
Great family story, Rich. Thank fot talk about your grandfather and your memories with the Lincoln ;)
My stepdad had a 1965 Lincoln Continental that his Parents brought brand new. Solid black with black and white interior, 430 V8 and 72,000 actual miles. Unfortunately when he got sick will cancer instead of offering it to someone in the family for spite he put it in a national wide classic car magazine and someone from Oklahoma offered him $6,000 for car flew in and drove it back to Oklahoma 😥
Your grandfather taught you well and wasn't a fool to be messed about true brilliant bit of American auto motive engineering big respect to you and your love for the car and family tradition of working with your head and hands in the future a custodian will hopefully carry on the job you inherited looking after the car heart warming story
Whole thing is beautifully shot. But that first shot is fucking insane. Love your work Petrolicious!
It’s good to see that people keep their old cars
A beautiful story. And the opening speech hit the nail on the head, I couldn't have worded any better myself.
Now this is sentimental value
one of the best stories in awhile
Love this film. Thanks Petrolicious.
Thanks for sharing this smooth ride and the touching story!
A homerun Petrolicious! This video just vaulted to the top of my list of favorites that you have released to date.
Great car, and great story. Thanks for sharing, Rich!
Finally - a classy classic car.
What a genuine story, thanks for sharing this.
Rich that is a beautiful car, thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Beautiful car, cute cat. As far as I am concern, this car was not only your fathers car, but also a family member.
My friend you are truly a lucky man the 1962 lincoln is one of our finest in automotive history. I would not call it a Kennedy car i would call it a masterpiece . And I think your grand father recognized. that. In my opinion they created something timeless and they havent made a car since of its likeness . just beautiful!
Great story about an amazing car, thanks for posting!
Great video, my grandfather had a 62 as well, and traded it in for a 69. Oh the memories riding in both of those Lincolns, great cars.
Possibly the most handsome sedan ever produced.
All these videos on awesome cars and their passionate owners makes me happy to be a car/oldtimer enthusiast.