1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Cartier Edition in Charlotte, NC

SUMMARY

Only 2,415 miles

Cartier Designer Series

Correct 460 cubic inch Ford 385-Series V8

Correct Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission

Correct Versailles interior / Factory air conditioning / Power moon roof

Correct Dove Gray paint / Correct Valino Grain vinyl roof / Correct outlining stripes

Correct 15-inch forged alloy wheels

Correct power steering / Correct 4-wheel power disc brakes

Correct Ford 9-inch rear axle / 2.75 gears

Sale includes the car's original Window Sticker

Until you've been behind the wheel of a 'Motor City Behemoth' from the disco era, you just don't know what smooth cruising truly is. Lexus has made a fortune selling isolation, but classics like this 1976 Continental Mark IV, a Cartier Designer Series car, take that mindset to an entirely different level. A special treat for Lincoln gurus, this fantastic full-size is an extremely well preserved survivor that's driven only 2,415 miles in roughly 40 years. And if you've been looking for a collectible that's not only pristine but original, and not only original but unique, you'll have a hard time finding ANYTHING cooler!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Mid '70s metal features some of the most ornate styling from the Malaise Era. And this coupe's classy gray-on-gray color combination is the perfect canvas for far-flung detail. In fact, the car's luxurious yet traditional pigment is decidedly stately, proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. With that paint comes vast sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of spending time in a dry garage, appears straight, clean and as crisp as the day the Motor City stamped it. That solid fuselage lines up beautifully, featuring wide doors, which open and close with ease. Spears of red and white outlining stripes stretch 19.5 feet down the sides of one of the longest profiles ever built. And overall, this Lincoln's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.

Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Detroit creation is exceptionally well planned. And the car carries just the right amount of ostentatiousness to make an impassioned first impression. At the front of its massive body, a broad bumper frames folding, "Continental" branded headlights and an oft-imitated grille that centers a sharp Lincoln emblem above a vivid "MARK IV" badge. A characteristically linear profile complements modernist parking lamps, flush door handles and clean cornering lamps with optional door guards, premium bodyside molding and polished rocker guards. Like-new glass, including an electric moon roof, rides between classy mirrors, a correct Valino Grain roof, designer opera windows and polished metal fairings. And at the back of the car, a second broad bumper frames spotless taillights and a requisite Continental decklid that's dressed in full Lincoln regalia.

ENGINE

Motivation for this 5,300-pound beast is provided by a proven Ford 385-Series 460 which, according to the factory, twists 202 horsepower into 353 ft./lb. of smooth torque. Highly original, the massive engine bay is in great condition throughout, featuring many correct components and factory markings. All major service items are 100% functional, including factory air conditioning. Bright Ford Blue skin covers the mill from its unique air cleaner all the way down to its deep oil pan. The car's Satin Black fenders are clean, its firewall straight, and all the places you'd expect rust to hide are essentially solid and untouched. And overall, this Lincoln looks every bit as road ready as it was in 1976.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Bottom-side, this Continental is equipped with Ford's reliable and sturdy C6 3-speed automatic transmission, which drives a 9-inch axle and mild, 2.75 gears to effortless highway cruising. That powertrain hangs in a heavy duty suspension, which mixes fresh KYB Gas-A-Just shocks with power disc brakes and requisite power steering. Exhaust is handled by factory Ford converters and "Ford" branded mufflers, which are balanced by a familiar H-shaped crossover. Like the car's engine bay, that undercarriage is clean, honest and certainly not afraid of wet weather. And everything rolls on gorgeous forged wheels, which spin 235/70R15 Vogue Tyre radials around a combination of gold lines and white walls.

INTERIOR

Naturally, the plush Versailles interior is just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in exquisite '70s luxury. Pillowy seats, featuring a reclining option for the front passenger, are nicely padded pieces that feel every bit as supple as they look. In front of those mitts, a wood-trimmed dash hangs an optional Quadrasonic 8-track player and requisite Cartier clock amid factory climate control and conservative factory telemetry. Below that dash, monochromatic floor mats ride virtual acres of shag carpet. At the sides of that carpet, padded and wood-trimmed door panels found an array of power accessory switches. In front of the driver, an attractive steering wheel spins factory Speed Control around around a tilting column. And behind the cockpit, a massive trunk features correct Cartier carpeting.

HISTORY

It should come as no surprise that a car this well maintained is also fully documented. Here's a breakdown of this Lincoln's original Window Sticker

CONTINENTAL MARK IV
ASSEMBLED AT: WIXOM ASSEMBLY
SOLD TO: BERENS MOTORS INC. OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Continental Mark IV/65D ($11,060)

Cartier Model Designer Series ($2,000)

- Versailles Interior

- Landau roof

- Forged aluminum wheels

- Premium bodyside molding

- Color-keyed trunk carpeting

- Illuminated visor vanity mirrors

- Unique paint and tape stripes

- Designer signature in opera windows

Dove Gray paint ($00)

Dove Gray vinyl landau roof ($00)

Power operated glass moon roof ($885)

Dual exhaust ($67)

Engine block heater ($19)

Headlamp Convenience Group ($101)

White sidewall radial tires ($00)

Tilt steering wheel ($69)

Speed Control ($117)

Reclining passenger's seat ($76)

Electric rear window defroster ($81)

AM/FM radio that's complete with a Quadrasonic 8-track player ($387)

Interval windshield wipers ($28)

Power Lock Convenience Group ($87)

Power vent windows ($80)

Transportation and Handling ($118)

TOTAL VEHICLE PRICE: $15,175

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

The aforementioned Window Sticker

Now that they're over the AACA's 25-year age limit, '70s luxury cars are becoming increasingly popular as both show queens and road kings. These days, it seems everyone wants a high-strung curve carver, making this Continental's superlative road manners, full-size comfort and smooth V8 the fruits of a bygone era. There simply can't be many Malaise Era cruisers that are nicer than this, and a classically themed Lincoln is most definitely the one to own. If you're looking for a spectacular classic that also happens to be a rather unique survivor, this opulent coupe will not disappoint!