1958 Lincoln Continental Mark III 2-dr

1958 Lincoln Continental Description

I bought this car thirteen years ago in Chicago, and drove it 370-odd miles to Columbus without incident. I had some minor touchup done to the interior, drove it about fifty miles, then parked it in my driveway and lost interest. It has not been started or turned over in somewhat over seven years. I do not intend to turn it over, to verify that the engine is free, for fear of doing damage. The fuel system should be drained and flushed, the battery replaced, and the cylinders lubricated before any attempt is made to start it. The LF tire is burst, but the other three tires hold air. I'm not aware of any rust-through in the body. I just discovered I can't get in the trunk or glove compartment. I have the keys but they no longer work. The ignition key is okay. The 2-door for this year is a rare and beautiful body style - much more desirable than the 4-door, in my view, and more rare than the convertible. It would be a striking show car if restored.
I'm reviewing the eBay listing of the previous owner. He says "The brakes have been upgraded to 1975 Mercury Brakes making sure this 3 ton car stops on a dime. . . Transmission was rebuilt 12 months ago, engine is 430 with 375 horsepower-runs great numbers matching."
The only uncorrected problem I can think of is a slow leak somewhere in the power steering. Because there's very little reserve capacity in the fluid reservoir, it can be driven only 15 or 20 miles before it begins to make noise. I'd suggest the fluid be drained and flushed, in case there are any minute metal chips that could cause premature wear.