Is there an award for the longest continental spare extension ever? If so, this ’57 Lincoln that William Oliver posted at the Cohort is sure in the running.
Here’s a better view, of its better end.
Note: a rerun of an older post.
1957 Lincoln With The Longest Continental Kit Ever? And on a Non-Continental Lincoln At That
– Posted on September 9, 2025
The tail lights are the best feature on those cars protected by a 30mph bumper, great derby car.
Brooklyn Crab, Redhook.
How the deuce does one reach into the trunk?
WOW. If size matters, then this Lincoln has it. I have attached a picture of a 1956 Lincoln Premiere convertible with Continental Kit and JAYNE MANSFIELD. One of my favorite photos.
Look up Brooklyn Crab in Google Maps and in street view you will see the same vehicle. Must be part of the decoration.
Some accessories should just be left on the shelf, not fitted.
That can’t be factory. Digging through an image search for ’57 Lincolns doesn’t show anything with a continental kit, and it looks a little cobbled together to my eye. I think the continental bumper was to the 50s what the vinyl roof was to the seventies, although with less market penetration and even more drawback.
That said, this about as “good” a choice of car as you could pick (slight edge to the 58-60 Lincoln, being even bigger). You’re obviously not being practical, so you maximize the effect on an already impractical car; it’s obviously someone’s cup of tea. The T-bird was mentioned, and I think that’s something Ford should have punted on (seems it was mostly a 56 thing). Seems like Ford felt the same way, since that was the one and only year for it.
By the way, searching “Thunderbird continental kit” brings up a kit for the retro revival (was it 02-05?) T-bird. I wanted to love that car when it came out, but never really did. And the continental spare is – not surprisingly – no help on that…
Continental kits are an abomination.
Gee, I sure hope it has fuzzy dice hanging from the inside rear view mirror!
“Continental kits are an abomination.”
Quoted for truth.
So are fender-skirts.
Parallel parking must be an adventure.
Just beyond the pale .
-Nate