1959 Lincoln Continental MK IV Convertible/53 Motorama display at Mecum

[Dave Harris]

I've been watching the Mecum auctions in Indianapolis as broadcast on HD Theater last few days. It continues into the weekend. This 1959 Lincoln Continental MK IV Convertible Automatic was bid to 40,000 but no sale.

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0511-106485

Saturday they have a small 1953 Motorama-inspired display collection up for auction including a Buick Skylark, Olds Fiesta, Cadillac Eldorado and Corvette all from '53.

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/group_consignment_list.cfm?AUCTION_ID=SC0511&group_id=10057

[Shelly Harris]

The '59 Mark IV would have been a steal at $40K.

Any of those '53's would be wonderful to own. In order of preference I would chose:

1. Buick Skylark
2. Corvette
3. Cadillac
4. Oldsmobile

Many would change that order I'm sure. You're talking terrific cars.

[Dave Harris]

In regards to that '59, the announcers mentioned the tough competition with Cadillac. And it wasn't until the completely redesigned 61's that the nameplate really found it's market.

Judging by what I've seen in last few broadcasts, I think the market is coming back a bit with slightly higher bidding than the last few years. Some nice rare offerings too, not just Mustangs and Corvettes. My favorite of the show so far was this 57 Buick SUPER convertible. Announcers said it was a flawless restoration and just perfect. Sold at $150,000.

http://www.mecum.com/auctions/lot_detail.cfm?LOT_ID=SC0511-110984

[Shelly Harris]

Dave I like your "Special Riviera" better, although that Super has A/C.. yours in black is more attractive to me.

Contrary to what the announcers said I can tell you that the Lincoln Continentals did a good job in competing with Cadillac in the late 50's.

[Dan]

I thought I read somewhere that Continental never outsold Cadillac until recently (2010?)