Comments: 1-15, 16-23
- Door Armrests begin to crack.
- Right exhaust manifold replaced due to a crack.
- Several rubber parts replaced due to age.
- A-arm bushings worn.
- A/C discharges over time.
I bought this dream on a vacation trip to Michigan and had it transported to Germany, where I live.
The car still looks like new after 32 years and the previous owner cared well for it. You can look at every detail of this beautiful car and see with how much love and quality it was made. No plastic parts on body, everything is very solid. The car is truly heavy due to the bulk of steel used to build it, but when you drive it, it is not comparable to anything else.
The big 460 engine is service-friendly and service parts are economical in price, its fuel consumption is not. Performance is not bad for such a heavyweight, but also not spectacular (except for a top speed of over 120 mph!)
The Mark IV has a lot of space in its passenger compartment and a lot of convenience features are provided.
I am most impressed, that the car is still original inside and out after 32 years now. No rust anywhere (and believe me, I used an endoscope to look everywhere)! Ford has done a great job. I feel very sorry, that cars like this never will be built again. But I am sure it will be one of tomorrow's classics.
Yes, these were great economy cars!
With an average annual mileage of less than 700 miles and probably covered all its life, it's no surprise that it's in good shape.
Ford did a terrible job with this car.
Shoddily built, no rustproofing.
In Montreal they rusted out in a couple of years.
Nice looking, outrageously styled "Cannon" car.
It will get you noticed.
And upset the environmentally conscious Germans.
Put it in a museum.
Yes, these cars are very economical to operate!
What is wrong with keeping a classic car in good condition over a very long period of time?
Of course, this is no economy car, it was not even intended as such, when it was new. At least it was also not purchased as such and it still is not a daily driver. I simply was fed up with all those mega-priced, ultra-high-tech junk you can buy at any car dealer. I had a lot of trouble with most expensive new cars (European and American). After three years, half of your invested money is burned and you break your fingers when your try to change the spark plugs. Regarding service part prices of a new car, the Mark is very economical.
The Lincoln will double its value in 10 years if it can be kept in this beautiful condition. The fact, that I do this in Germany does not influence this. Germans love historic automobiles, no matter which origin they have.
Due to experience with other American cars of this era in my possession, I can say that they all survived much longer than any other, later built car of any nationality (although, I performed some corrosion protective measures). The reason for this is in my opinion their simplicity of construction. Any part can easily be repaired and is usually very solid and reliable.
And most important: It is very cool to drive!
There are very few domestic cars from the '70's that are considered true "classics" yet in the US... the Mark IV is not one of them.
You have so many cool cars to choose from, cars that we never had and never will be able to have in the US, and you picked this old Lincoln over those?
Oh well, if you like it, that's the important thing...
Of course, there are classic automobiles of European manufacturers.
But they all have one thing in common: they are not very special, even in top condition. You will find five Jaguar E-Types, five Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, even more other old Mercedeses and a handful of Rolls-Royce on the smallest classic car meet. Japanese cars do not have any collector car status in Europe yet. Perhaps they would have if they had not all rotten away. Because of this fact, classic car potential of American cars has grown in the last years. Compared to European cars, they are easy to maintain, parts are mostly cheap and easy to get.
I agree with you that the Mark IV has not yet the status of a collector car in the U.S., but I am sure it has in 10 years from now. Same for the Cadillac Eldorado. Prices for the Eldo Convertible have doubled in the last years. In Europe they are very rare and special cars with a lot of "wow" potential.
Why do I buy American cars? (I have more than one)
1. My grandfather did, my father did and does and I do. It is in the genes...
2. American cars always sat the pace in any decade of the last century (electric light, automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric seats, power steering, ABS,... - 20 years before others did)
3. You get a lot of car for your money.
4. The cars ride in a very unique way. No one else builds cars like this.
5. Nothing beats cubic inches.
6. They have bold statement.
I could list some more reasons.
I was raised in the seventies. Maybe this explains my affinity to the cars of that decade. So among the first 6 places of my favorite (classic) cars you will find only Americans.
1. 1978-1981 Chevrolet Camaro (owned)
2. 1935-1936 Auburn 851 Speedster/Replica (distant dream)
3. 1975-1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (next on schedule)
4. 1972-1976 Lincoln Mark IV (owned)
5. 1968-1975 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Coupe owned)
6. 1971-1973 Ford Mustang Fastback (on schedule)
3.
Modern cars are of no interest for me, because they lack style and personality. I do not buy German cars, because I do not like them. When I get into one, I can't wait to get out again. That simple.
Keep it up.
There are many reasons to admire the older American cars:
Lots of space to work on the simple mechanical parts, as you say, cheapness of spare parts, extravagant styling, spacious interiors, and as you say, a lot of car for the money.
Unfortunately, (to me) only a few of the current-model cars are desirable, like the Mercury Grand Marquis and Crown Victoria, apart from special cars like the Corvette, Viper and affordable Mustang.
Most others are compact, cramped under the hood and annoyingly cheaply built. And lacking in reliability and durability.
However, other countries made significant contributions to technical advances in cars, but the USA is unique in bringing them to the mass-market at an affordable price.
In the seventies, when electric windows and air conditioning were available only on upmarket cars in Europe, they were widely used in American cars.
I looked a few things up, just for fun:
First V8 to go into series production: 1910 De Dion-Bouton CL. (France)
First all-independent suspension: 1914 Cornelian (USA)
First Power Steering: 1903 Columbia Motor Truck (USA)
1951 Chrysler Imperial was first car to be offered with hydraulically-powered steering as an option.
First Air-Conditioning: 1938 Nash (USA)
First Fuel Injection: 1952 Mercedes 300SL (Germany)
First Anti-Lock brakes: 1967 Jensen FF (UK)
First Aluminum Wheels: 1924 Bugatti Type 35 (France?)
First Electric Windows: 1946 Daimler DE36 (UK)
First Servo-Assisted Brakes: 1919 Hispano Suiza (?)
First 4WD petrol-driven car: 1902 Spyker (Holland)
First Disc Brakes on all 4 wheels: 1956 Jensen 541 (UK)
(Also first to have seat belts as standard)
First steel-chord radial tyre: 1949 Michelin X (France)
First pneumatic tyres: 1895 Peugeot L'Eclair run by the Michelin brothers.
All-aluminum body as standard: 1902 Napier (?)
First automated windshield wipers: 1916 Willys Knight (USA)
Aerodynamic Bodywork: 1921 Rumpler Tropfenwagen (Germany)
OK we know you like the Grand Marquis and Crown Vic.
Must you say how great they are EVERY time you post a comment on these reviews. You know who you are...
Den.
I have the 1976 Lincoln Mark IV. it has just won first place in Concours D' Elegance 2005 in Los Angeles. I believe the Mark IV helped define the 1970's in America as the 'Mark of success' to see a Mark IV today, in mint condition, the way it was when first rolling off the showroom floor is truly a site to behold. When the Mark IV made it's appearance in 1972 there had been nothing like it before. The 1972-76 Mark IV set America apart from the rest of the world... Joe Nemec USA.
I never owned a Lincoln, but I always liked their styling. The hidden headlights and the tire curve on the trunk were wonderful touches. I remember reading (I was a 19 year old boy at the time) Tom McCahill's review of the 69 Mark III in Mechanix Illustrated. He rated it highly.
I currently own 2 old cars: a pristine 78 Eldorado, and an ailing, aging 76 Dodge. The Dodge still looks decent, although the old girl is showing her age. I don't know if I will ever restore it to original condition. Probably not, it would cost several times its restored value to do.
All I can say, like our friend in Germany, those 70's American cars were great. American cars of all eras are the greatest cars made. It's too bad that the American automakers choose to copy from the Europeans and Asians, instead of developing totally American design.
DPC.
Just the word Lincoln Mark IV brings warmth to my Heart. Just before my Uncle past away and we were talking about cars, he told me his one regret was not keeping a 1933 Lincoln Mark III. When I first saw the 1972 Mark IV it was awe inspiring and as a result I have owned 6 of them. This latest one (6) is dark tobacco Brown inside and out and my youngest Daughter loves it as much as I do. We have owned it for 20 years and it is part of the Family. Classic is in the eye of the beholder and that is my position with this car. I just want to extend to all those who Love cars as much as I do, have fun with what you consider a classic as much as I am with mine.
OK, I promise not to keep going on about the Crown Vic & Grand Marquis anymore.
That's because I've now bought a new 2005 Lincoln Town Car which is the same mechanically as the other cars, but with different body styling and a nicer interior.
Yes, I know who I am.
As the original writer of the topic, I just wanted to inform you guys that the Mark still runs fine and went to its winter quarter in my garage in the first December week. It will be back on the road in March when all salt has washed away.
Let me tell you I very much enjoyed your comments and associations with this great automobile. I am very happy you like your cars as much as I do mine. Thanks.
I forgot to tell, my Mark IV is also Tobacco brown inside and out with a brown vinyl top in cavalry twill grain. Unfortunately, it does not have a moon roof.
And like your daughter, my nearly 3 year old son loved it from the day I brought it home. It is his absolute fav to ride in (he also likes to nap in it in his child seat, because it has a very smooth ride and is very quiet). Any time he is outside, he asks me to have a look in the garage to see whether "Linkin Conninentel" is still having has winter sleep. He peers around the front fenders to find the headlamp doors closed. This makes him satisfied and sneakingly leaving the garage with the statement: "Still sleeping!"
He is not so happy with the Mazda 323 which I bought as a winter car. Even worse he found the new Mercedes A-Class (rental car), I used for a business trip a few days ago. He did not even want to enter it...
So, I can only say: listen your kids! ;-)
Grandma's Car
In 1972 my Grandma bought a new Lincoln Continental Mark IV and it still lives on today. Grandma has gotten to old to drive it around and asked if I would like to have it. At first I looked down at the old car. Did not see much potential. Now after driving it for a year with no problems, no replacement parts of any kind I have fell in love with it and realized what kind of respect driving a car like this demands. It is a great car and grabs lots of attention. Congratulations to Lincoln for such a great car and also to anyone who owns one.
The Continental Mark IV is, in my opinion, one of the most gorgeous cars ever built. Maybe I'm just biased, afterall, I own a 1973 moondust metallic Mark IV with original tan vinyl roof myself. The car, before I bought it, was owned my two elderly people that garaged, waxed, and cared for it deeply. The car is in near mint condition and continues its legacy to this day of being one of the most comfortable and eye-catching cars on the road. The car regularily gets about 9 mpg, so being light on the gas pedal is a smart idea. During the winter I drive my 93 Camry, which I also love, so that the Mark IV can be garaged during the harsh Montana winters. I may only be a 16 year old, but I know how to appreciate things, especially an old dinosaur like the Mark IV.