1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

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Shelby#18
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1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Shelby#18 » Tue 23. Dec 2014, 20:41

Here is the newest project. Only 96 21' Continentals were made, 26 had hard tops, of those only 11 were configured with the 430 M.E.L. Engine. Because of the amount of photos taken, and the fact that most of them are not of the engine, the link below will be updated a few times a month.
http://www.marineserviceunlimited.com/P ... -Continen/
Currently there are three Continental Hardtops being restored at the same time from three different restorers. All of them are in contact with each other helping out with parts needed to complete these boats.
Here is what they looked like.
1961 CCC brochure.jpg

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Shelby#18
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Re: Restoration 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/4

Post by Shelby#18 » Tue 23. Dec 2014, 20:50

The motors just left for a rebuild last week. Here are the photos of them. There are two because after the hardtop a softtop will follow.
IMG_1756.JPG
IMG_1755.JPG
IMG_1754.JPG
IMG_1753.JPG

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Theo
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Re: Restoration 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/4

Post by Theo » Fri 26. Dec 2014, 17:26

What a beautiful boat. Ride on.
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Shelby#18
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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Shelby#18 » Fri 31. Jul 2015, 13:57

One more motor left the shop last week (for a total of 3). I'll be going up there in August to visit. I'll post some photos of the motors after I get back. Hopefully some of the work will have started.

As you can see from the link above in the first post, the boat work is well under way. Though it will be about 1-2 yrs before it hits the water.

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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Chris Craft crazy » Tue 10. Nov 2015, 19:16

I love that model.... I'm sure it will be a fabulous restoration ... ;)
MEL Marine division... and if you thought MEL car parts were scarce....

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Shelby#18
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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Shelby#18 » Tue 4. Apr 2017, 19:24

Completed motor photos soon! What a chore. I think we had to go through 5 maybe six motors to complete two good ones.

Anyway the build goes on. The link in the 1st. post is still active. Boat will be complete this year!

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Shelby#18
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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Shelby#18 » Wed 4. Oct 2017, 21:00

Motors are now on the first link! You'll have to scroll down the photos to the end.

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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Theo » Thu 5. Oct 2017, 00:41

Absolutely stunning Rick.
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Shelby#18
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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by Shelby#18 » Fri 21. Sep 2018, 10:34

After almost 4 years the project is complete. It won Best of Show restored at Port Huron ACBS 2018.
The link at the top has all the pictures of the restoration and the trophies.
Got to give a big thanks to my restorers Dave & Scott at Marine Services Unlimited!
I still have not even had time to go out and see the boat.

Sorry I haven't been on in a while. Ailing parents, relocating, and setting up a new factory has really taken a toll on my time. But I thought you guys would like to see the completion of this project.

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Re: 1961 21' Chris Craft Continental Hardtop w/430

Post by mercs4fun » Sun 9. Dec 2018, 01:50

It's a long time since my last visit here, but let me say this, you Chris Craft looks absolutely fantastic. Congratulations on the trophies, they were well deserved.
Mercury - Built to lead - Built to last

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