Jacqueline Kennedy’s 1961 Lincoln Continental To Auction

The Mecum Auctions company is bringing an eclectic set of classic and collectible automobiles to its annual Monterey event this August, held concurrent with the world-famous Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.

One of Mecum’s offerings this year even served as the personal car of a former First Lady of the United States.

The car in question is a 1961 Lincoln Continental drop-top; the First Lady who drove it was none other than the late Jacqueline Kennedy. She was loaned the car sometime after her husband, the late John F. Kennedy, took office. Perhaps it was hoped that the ever-stylish First Lady would lend the car a highly-visible image boost.

At any rate, the classic Lincoln Continental served as her personal car in the White House Garage, just as soon as the requisite Secret Service equipment was fitted (it’s since been removed). After performing that duty, it was purchased by Steuart Ford in Lanham, Maryland, and received a full restoration.

Photo: Mecum Auctions

Ms. Kennedy’s 1961 Lincoln Continental is powered by a 430-cubic-inch V8 producing around 300 horsepower, mated to a 3-speed automatic transmission. It features a white exterior, and a starkly contrasting black and white interior. It’s expected to fetch between $100k and $125k when it crosses the block.

For more photos and info, check out this 1961 Lincoln Continental’s listing on the Mecum Auctions website.