Vehicle Description
1976 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe
"Lincoln Continental Town Coupe, a handsome embodiment of sheer
elegance and quiet good taste for those who prefer their luxury
with a two door look. Formal roofline styling and large fixed
quarter windows with gold Continental laminated into the glass are
distinctly individual Lincoln Continental Coupe' features." From
the 1976 Lincoln sales brochure
For consignment, a 1976 Lincoln Continental Town Car with a title
verified 76,966 actual miles, a two owner car owned by the
consignor since 1977 when the car was purchased with 6,000 miles on
the clock. It was retired from family use in 1989, then used for
car shows and special occasions only.
Exterior
Our land yacht is covered in Silver Diamond Fire, resprayed in
2007, and surely lots of paint was needed to cover this 230 inch
cruiser. Design wise, it's a sign of the times with right angles
everywhere and a shoulder line that is straight from the tip of the
nose to the tail. The fixed quarter window was touted but your eyes
are drawn to the enormous landau top with coach lamp, this one is
black vinyl, which crowns the rear quarter panel where a fender
skirt somehow streamlines the enormous side panels. If you get lost
walking next to the car, simply follow the black pinstripe that
runs the length and eventually you'll find your way back to the
door. Attention to detail is seen in the body side molding where
scroll design runs the distance including over the skirts. In back,
the wide flat reflection bar connects the protruding tail lights
while the front copies the shape but fills it with marker lights,
covered headlights, and a vertical grille. Imperfections include
some fading on the landau trim and some pitting on lower fender
trim, otherwise the paint, panel gaps and vinyl top are ingreat
shape.
Interior
Right angles and luxury appointments start on the door panel that
is scaled up with the use of faux burlwood trim, a diamond stitched
insert, and a carpeted bottom. Seat and window controls are on the
door, a big deal in the 70's, and we note some fading of the
labels. Big black velour seats are essentially Lazy Boys on wheels
with pillow topped padding and ornate embroidery on the seat back.
The rear bench has the same nap-inducing comfort and provides a
limo-like cocoon behind the fixed window and massive B-pillar area,
complete with its own wood trim, courtesy light, and ashtray. A
proverbial forest of plastic wood trim greets the driver and
surrounds the instrument panel, gauges, and switchgear. It even
runs across the steering wheel and alternates with black textured
plastic throughout. The original AM/FM radio is in place and the
dash is clean and unmarred. Down below, toe deep black carpet
covers the floor and shows a touch of wear while the headliner
above is in good shape. Black carpet lines the enormous trunk.
Drivetrain
Clean driver quality conditions prevail under the giant hood where
we find the 460ciV8, fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and backed by
a C6 3-speed automatic transmission, rebuilt less than 100 miles
ago, routing power to the Ford 9" in back with 2.75 gears. Front
disc and rear drum brakes are, thankfully, power assisted.
Undercarriage
Surface rust covers most major components including the springs,
driveshaft, wheel components, and exhaust. We note some residual
oil on the rear differential but the oil pan appears dry and the
transmission is spotless thanks to a recent rebuild. A single
exhaust is supplied running through a stock style muffler and
suspension consists of coil springs in front and a 3 link, coil
springs, and a panhard bar in back.
Drive-Ability
No matter how big you are, sitting in this big car will make you
feel like Lily Tomlin on the rocking chair, it's a football field's
worth of steel around you. But all this luxury translates to a
smooth ride, however we note the front suspension will need some
attention. The 460 runs smooth and quiet and turns are purposely
wide and slow as we navigate our test loop. The brakes are a bit
soft and the speedometer is stuck at 30, even as we accelerate
beyond it. Other items that are not working include the A/C, the
high beam switch which is stuck, the clock, and the power antenna.
Outside of these things, all other operational items check the
boxes for functionality. While Classic Auto Mall represents that
these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
While this era is most associated with the gas crunch and malaise
period, it continued to create cars with ultimate luxury in mind,
and this Town Car is a shining example of such lofty goals. For
some of you, it may conjure up such cultural icons as Kojak, Shaft,
or perhaps Goodfellas. It's bigger than life, and possibly bigger
than your garage so take measurements before bringing this
locomotive home. But when you do get it home, you'll find it's a
fine well preserved example.
6Y81A917058
6-1976
Y-Wixon, MI Assy Plant
81-2 Door Continental Hardtop
A-460ci V8 4bbl
917058-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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
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