I first got contact with a slab-sided Lincoln when I was six or seven years old and became proud owner of a Lincoln Continental made by Matchbox (#31, scale 1:64). Real Lincs in Germany are quite uncommon, suicide-door Lincs you see once in a blue moon. Therefore, I had to concentrate on books and die-casts for a long time.

Many years later, in September 2002, I got the chance to purchase this car. She was not as good as I wanted, but I could not find a better one. And it was love at first sight: Preferred model year and color scheme. So defects were ignored and heavy wear became minor. Considering the fact, that I had never done any car repair or restoration before, this was a complete false estimation and severe experience: Repair shops in Germany are not amused working on cars they have never seen before, requesting impertinent space for months while waiting for spare parts.

Meanwhile, my car is up and running most time. I use her all-season except on salty roads to avoid rust and oxidation. Sometimes, I take the Linc for a trip with my family (wife, four children and I) over the weekend. If the car is willing, it brings us back home. Once, in Italy, the transmission broke down and the Lincoln had to be hauled off about 500 miles back to Germany.  

Usually no incidents occur and I enjoy riding one of the most beautiful American cars ever made. Road performance really is up to date, except the brakes, which are a lot too weak at any speed for today's traffic. It is amazing how breezing the car accelerates even over 100 mph. The ride over all types of streets and roads is absolutely superb. High speed stability is excellent. Power steering and perfect all-around visibility (you can see the entire top of all four fenders) make it easy to park unless you find a parking lot large enough for the car. But, do not even think of entering a parking garage in Europe, you will never ever leave it with your slab-side.

Every trip with this car is a travel in good old times, when cars had to fascinate, drive well and look good and when security, efficiency or air-pollution were no issue.