Lincoln Continental From ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’: More Than a Netflix Star
The second season of the hit Netflix series “The Lincoln Lawyer” brings attention back to the luxury car star of the series, a 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible. The convertible is an instantly desirable fixture on screen and an effective setpiece for establishing the gritty, decadent aesthetic of the show. Still, the long-body Lincoln is more than just a streaming star; it has a long Hollywood history and an impressive tenure as an American automotive icon.
What was the car in ‘The Lincoln Lawyer?’
The classic car in question is a 1963 Lincoln Continental Convertible. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s character Mickey Haller drives a drop-top model in what appears to be the automaker’s Bermuda Blue paintwork.
It’s a welcome departure from the noir 1986 Lincoln Town Car that actor Matthew McConaughey drove in the 2011 movie interpretation of “The Lincoln Lawyer.” Of course, both cars are true to the underlying influence of the film and Netflix series. According to Jerry Garrett, the Haller character derives inspiration from retired Los Angeles attorney David Ogden. Garrett asked Ogden if he was a fan of the American marque, to which he responded, “Yes. Or was. I’m still a Ford man. I owned, or leased, Lincolns for about 15 years.”
Moreover, the series’ name originates from Haller’s propensity to work out of his car. Given his affinity for Lincoln (he has a couple of Lincoln SUVs to compliment the classic Continental), the alliterative moniker works.
What engine was in the 1963 Lincoln Continental?
The 1963 Lincoln Continental offered two variants of the same engine: a 430 cubic-inch (7.0L) V8 and a low-compression 430 V8 for export. According to Automobile Catalog, the 430 cubic-inch MEL (Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln) V8 produced 320 horsepower and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque.
Of course, the Continental Convertible tips the scales at over 5,300 lbs, so owners shouldn’t expect accelerate with a sense of urgency. Instead, the Continental is a bona fide cruiser: big, slow, and stunning. Moreover, the Continental’s striking looks, larger-than-life dimensions, and old-school cool have made it a popular collector car. Hagerty says a 1963 model with a convertible top is worth around $52,500 in good condition.
What movies had a classic Lincoln Continental?
Beyond Netflix and “The Lincoln Lawyer,” the famed Continental has quite a Hollywood reputation. For instance, the big-body luxury car is featured in the following popular films:
- “Goldfinger” (1964)
- “The French Connection” (1971)
- “The Godfather” (1972)
- “The Matrix” (1999)
- “Hit and Run” (2012)
While many fans consider the Continental to be one of the quintessential gangster cars, the big-body luxury car is just as comfortable in the hands of the good guys. For instance, in “The Matrix” and “Hit and Run,” the protagonists do good while looking good behind the wheel of a classic Continental.
Unfortunately, the model’s most significant claim to fame is its use in former President John F. Kennedy’s final motorcade. Kennedy was famously assassinated while riding in a 1961 Lincoln Continental Convertible Limousine in Dallas, Texas.
What do you think of the classic Lincoln sedan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
