Vehicle Description
1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III 2 Door Hardtop
By now, most people know that Elvis Presley loved cars. Outside of
the pink Cadillac and a few others, he once professed there are
only two colors for cars, black and white, and most of his fleet
followed that prescription. In the rockumentary "That's The Way It
Is" he arrives at the studio in a purple, high-colored shirt, gold
aviator glasses, blue/black hair, and driving one of his favorites,
a black on black Lincoln Mark III.
For consignment, a black on black '70 Mark III that the King would
approve of. It has a title verified 54,119 actual miles. These are
stately cars and with the two door configuration, cool cruisers or
as Lincoln marketed them, "personal luxury cars". Less than 80,000
were produced and in 1970, just 21,432 left the factory.
Exterior
Bathed in inky Black paint from stem to stern, the car has a
presence standing still. The long hood connects with the straight
shoulder line of the car which continues to flow over the flat rear
quarter. The trend at the time was square edges and the wheel hump
adds a distinctive curve flanked by taillights that are red blades.
The roofline is long and sleek, the rear pillar is wide and traces
down to the rear vent grille in the window filler. The chrome
bumpers are in good shape while other metal bits could use some
restoration including the side mirror and door handle. The epic
grille is in good shape surrounded by hidden headlights that will
forever look cool. Close inspection reveals some general finish
scratches, bubbling at the base of rear window, (common for this
model and others), swirl marks, red paint showing through on the
lower body and the polished rocker panels could use a
re-polishing.
Interior
For 1970, wood appliques were replaced with real walnut and that's
what appears on the door panels which, combined with the metal
backing plates and decorative band, are luxurious to say the least.
The black leather bucket seats have a simpler stitch design than
previous years but no less classy. These appear to be in great
condition and the rear seats look virtually unused and would be
right at home in a fine steakhouse. The original steering wheel has
been replaced with a wood rimmed, three spoke model. In keeping
with the shape theme, squarish gauges line the dash separated by
wood partitions. The Cartier clock with Roman numerals is
especially noteworthy. A simple AM/FM radio is also in the dash and
the passenger's view consists of rich wood and a padded black dash.
Plush, high pile black carpet covers the floor, and the black
headliner is in perfect condition. Four round indicator lights on
the overhead console are absolutely classic. The trunk is clean and
finished in gray flannel mats.
Drivetrain
A 460ci V8 is under the hood, and they were rated at 365
horsepower. It is fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and tied to a C6
3-speed automatic transmission sending power to the For 9" rear
with 2.80 conventional gears. Power disc brakes cinch the front
while power drums augment by slowing the rears. The engine bay is
very, very clean and we would not hesitate to open the hood for car
shows.
Undercarriage
Overall, a clean underside. Typical surface rust is seen
throughout. The dual exhaust travels all the way to the rear axle
where it meets two stainless steel mufflers then routes over the
axle to exit discreetly under the rear bumper. Coil springs are
housed up front while 3-link coil springs and panhard bar are out
back. The only dampness of note is on the rear differential.
Drive-Ability
I'll never be as cool as Elvis but sitting in this car instantly
increases your cool factor. The big grille leading a massive hood,
the low roofline, the tapered rear, it's just so good! The big 460
sounds great and runs well. These cars are soft riding and a bit
floaty and despite high speed chases on 70's detective shows, you
don't want to take turns too fast in these, at least, not without
your seatbelt snugly cinched. Meanwhile we must note some things
that will require attention including the inoperable power antenna,
power locks, rear power windows, rear defogger, and oh no, the
Cartier clock!
You can question his style of clothes and criticize his life
choices, but the King had great taste in cars, and black Lincoln
Mark III's were among his favorites. Long, black and considered one
of the best Mark designs, we're thrilled to have one in our
Hallowed Halls and welcome your call before you hear the words,
"the Mark has left the building...".
0Y89A828115
0-1970
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
89-Continental Mark III 2 Door Hardtop
A-460ci 4bbl V8
828115-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
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Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
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