Donald Miller Describes 1977 Lincoln as a Connection to His Father

A legacy on wheels

In a personal essay shared through Hagerty Media, Donald Miller describes how a 1977 Lincoln Continental became a profound connection to his father and a lifelong piece of family history.

The story traces back to Miller’s childhood, where his father’s passion for automotive design shaped his early memories. Miller recalls the vivid impression of a 1960 Ford Thunderbird, which he described as looking like “a bullet on wheels” due to its black exterior and red interior.

The vehicle wasn’t a static relic but part of a changing collection. Miller notes that his father frequently traded in his cars every three or four years, moving from the 1960 Thunderbird to a 1963 model, and eventually a 1967 version.

As tastes shifted, so did the garage contents. Miller writes that his father eventually moved away from the Thunderbird body style, opting instead for a 1970 Lincoln Continental coupe.

The preservation of a 400-cubic-inch V-8

The transition to Lincoln marked a period of longer-term ownership. Following the 1970 coupe, Miller’s father acquired a 1973 model and, ultimately, the 1977 Lincoln that would define their shared legacy.

To ensure the car remained viable, his father maintained a strict maintenance routine. Even as he stopped driving the vehicle, he would start the engine occasionally to keep the 400-cubic-inch V-8 running properly.

Maintenance extended beyond the engine. Miller notes that his father replaced the tires in later years, specifically because they had become unsafe, rather than because the tread was worn down.

The car eventually spent years sitting in the garage. Miller explains that he eventually approached his father about purchasing the Lincoln because he feared the vehicle might be lost to another owner.

A birthday gift of ownership

The transfer of the vehicle was not a standard commercial transaction, but a sentimental milestone. In 2015, when Miller turned 60, his father presented him with a birthday card.

Inside that card was the title for the Lincoln. Miller continues to drive the car today, noting that it serves as a constant reminder of the time spent with his father and their mutual interest in automobiles.

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