Vehicle Description
1983 Lincoln Mark VI Sedan
The Lincoln Continental Mark Series debuted in the 1956 model year
and ran until 1998, with a hiatus for most of the 1960s. The Mark V
was absolutely enormous, weighing well over two tons, but certain
geopolitical events conspired to jack up fuel prices to the point
at which a somewhat smaller Continental Mark made sense.
Enter for consignment the 1983 Continental Mark VI. Initially owned
by an elderly lady who used it to go to church and run errands,
(yes, I know, but it is really true!), then picked up by the
current consigner in Montana from her son and driven to NY. It has
its faults and will need some TLC on issues presenting, but
meanwhile I can tell you what I know!
Exterior
Early 80's square and rectangle design abounds on this car with its
Rolls Royce-esque grille, hidden headlights, opera window C pillar,
vinyl padded top, and rocker wide stainless steel trimming. You can
be rolling in style with just the turn of a key. All metal is
bathed in French Vanilla Metallic and the padded vinyl top is
silver rattle can painted with some wear off areas. The long hood
culminates with dual hidden headlights, (currently not hidden due
to covers being in op), a large chrome bumper and some corner
running lights/turn signals on either side of the corners of the
front quarters. Some venting is just behind the front wheel well,
gaps on the 4 doors are fair minded, and on the rear of the car is
more vertical corner lights this time in red with some horizontal
marker lighting next to the spare tire bump out on the trunk lid,
(let's call that the original Continental bumper!). Wire spoked
wheel covers are on all 4 corners and wrapped with thin white
sidewall tires. On the rockers is a wide trimming that goes from
the bottom of the car to just below the first bump out of the doors
and panels. Some paint in the French Vanilla respray is cracking,
and paint is definitely wearing thin on the rattle can silver
painted vinyl. Also, a plastic trim highlighter on the rocker
stainless is wavy and faded.
Interior
A swing of the heavy but well balanced well appointed doors shows
some molded vinyl in tan, some faux wood grained applique, gold
carpeting and plenty of convenience toggles and joysticks. Gaffers
tape covers some cracking that has occurred on the molded vinyl
panels. Slipping inside we see some well worn velour broadcloth in
darker tan, overstuffed and tuck and rolled in the inserts and in
large wide bucket form. In the center are dual folding down
armrests. In back, another velour broadcloth bench in darker tan
fairing better than the front buckets, presenting clean and
buttoned and very nicely preserved. All this is floating in a sea
of gold carpeting which shows a few smidgens and light fading. The
original dash is a mixture of more molded vinyl in light tan, wood
applique and a trio of lined up square gauges for the cluster in
front of the driver's wheel. More toggles, pulls and another
joystick along with temp sliders and an aftermarket pioneer stereo
unit mounted in the dash's wood applique panel in the center.
Headliner is fuzzy broadcloth and is tight and tan.
Drivetrain
Under the large, in charge, long, and strong hood sits a 302ci V8.
This unit is fairly clean and most other parts seen within this
engine bay are clean as well, with little corrosion or surface
rust. This mill is fed by EFI, and on back is an AOD 4-speed
automatic transmission. The rear axle is an 8.8 inches Ford, and
has a 3.08 gear ratio.
Undercarriage
The first notice of any trouble is on the passenger's side behind
the front wheel well there is some extensive frame invasive rusting
going on. Other areas show some surface rust, in particular the
brake lines are very rusty. I can note the rear axle shows a leak,
and amazingly stamped floor pans are black and un-rusted. Coil
springs and rear axle as well as some of the frame is showing heavy
surface rusting. Power disc brakes are in front, and power drums
for the rear. A somewhat rusted but still intact exhaust system
snakes its way rearward from the engine bay.
Drive-Ability
Hopping in it started right up and off to the test track I went. It
handled well, accelerated smoothly, and brakes were fair. The power
windows are in operable, and I needed to jiggle the switch to get
the dash lights to come on. This is some of the TLC which will be
needed.
A 2 owner example, square and rectangle design, fair paint, decent
interior, and some non working convenience functions and we can
call this car a small project to get it back to perfection, but
patience will be necessary with the electrical issues.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
