Limousines have been a staple of automobile production since the early 1900's, although making up a very small percentage of total production. Nearly all early cars were custom coach built is small numbers all usually special ordered for well-heeled clientele. As decades passed, and manufacturing processes improved, limousines started to be honed by premier suppliers, mainly Cadillac in the post war era. Ford Motor Company had exited the luxury limousine market altogether as executives in Dearborn found themselves plenty busy with other automobile segments.

This absence of Ford-Lincoln in the niche limousine market hadn't gone unnoticed by two savvy, young Chicago entrepreneurs by the name of George Lehmann and Robert Peterson. In a chance meeting in 1962, both being race car enthusiasts, Lehmann met chief mechanic Peterson to help him repair a damaged race car he had owned, and the two instantly connected. During their early friendship, the idea of converting the luxurious Lincoln Continental into a proper limousine was born, with their first prototype was created using a brand new 1963 model year sedan. It would be cut and extended 34” at the center creating a 160” wheelbase, with a plush rear passenger compartment with seats facing one another for easy conversation, a proper refreshment bar with hidden ice bin, center divider window, and rear controlled air conditioning.

Lehmann had arranged for the finished prototype car to be delivered directly to Dearborn for Ford executives to review and test for consideration of going into full production. The executives were initially concerned about the overall integrity and safety of the new frame section, so testing was thorough. And after extensive use and over 40,000 test miles, all concerns were put to rest. Ford was very impressed with the conversion and a contract was signed with Lehmann-Peterson for immediate production, and the prototype sent for showcase at the 1964 International Auto Show in New York. Sales orders would be taken directly through Lincoln dealerships.

It nevertheless remained a very exclusive product, with production over the next 7 years totaling approximately 600 units. Owners included celebrities Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Spencer Tracy, Robert Vaughn, Victor Borge, business magnate Aristotle Onasis, and even Senator Robert Kennedy. When the Pope toured the United States in 1964, he rode in a specially configured Lehmann-Peterson Lincoln Popemobile! Rock stars included the Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and Elvis Presley, all private owners as well! Even the movie screen showcased one in the James Bond movie, Thunderball, in 1965. They were not inexpensive, as the traditional price tag of a Lincoln Continental was approximately $6,000, and the limousine conversion by Lehmann-Peterson increased that investment amount nearly three times! They were produced into early 1970 before the contract with Ford-Lincoln came to an end. Known survivors total less than 150 examples today, so finding one can be quite challenging.

Offered here is a near final year Lehmann-Peterson 1969 Lincoln Continental Executive Limousine finished in a traditional Raven Black over Black Leather upholstery. Powered by its original 460ci V8 producing 325 horsepower, with a 3-speed automatic transmission. Amenities include front and rear air conditioning, heater, 8-way power front seat, power windows & vent windows, power locks, remote outside mirrors, AM radio with power antenna (inoperable), partition divider window, center console bar cabinet with provisions for bottles and 6 pieces of glassware, armrest ice bin, and “Secret Audio” FM radio receiver. On the ground rest brand new Coker American Classic 235/75R15 1.6” whitewall radial tires with full wheel covers.

This wonderful piece of automotive history has been part of our collection since March 2022 after its acquisition directly from Lehmann-Peterson in Arlington Heights, Illinois. It has been meticulously serviced since its arrival to ensure confident use at a variety of local events and weekend shows. This included a complete, professional rebuild of the heads with new valves, springs, & seats, machined mating surfaces, new lifters & pushrods, timing set & cover gasket, front crank seal with water pump gasket. The intake and exhaust manifold gaskets have been replaced; oil pan gasket & oil pump; carburetor rebuilt with flushed & sealed fuel tank & new fuel pump and fuel sending unit, all new fluids with annual oil changes; transmission seals with new fluid & filter; radiator flush with new cap & coolant hoses; reconditioned air conditioning system with retrofit to R134a; rebuilt power steering pump, front coil springs, sway bar bushings, front & rear shocks, and a 4-wheel alignment; brake master cylinder, rear wheel cylinders, all brake hoses, new front brake pads/turned rotors, wheel bearings, fresh brake fluid; complete ignition system with new spark plugs, wires, cap & rotor, condenser, & coil; drive belts, complete exhaust system, starter, alternator, air filter, & battery. Even the wiper blades are new!

It is a terrific road-going example once again and shows just 89,629 miles on the odometer. Only 6 units were produced in 1970, before Lehmann-Peterson sold their assets to Moloney Coachbuilders (still in business today), so these 1969 executive limousines are the last full year production vehicles ever built. It is exceptionally rare and not easily found again! We hope the next owner enjoys it as much as we have. Serious inquiries only please. We look forward to working with you!