Every time I see one of these I can only think of Frank Cannon on T.V. practically falling out of his Mark 4 trying to run/waddle after bad guys. One of my favorite shows as a little kid.
Yes! It was always hilarious. I am sure they needed to have EMTs on the set just in case. Does anyone remember what car Barnaby Jones drove?? I am guessing it was probably an LTD.
Wow,you guys must be as old as dirt! Yeah,so am I. But,man,ol’ Barbecue Bones! Ain’t thought of that show in years,either. But,I think you may be right about the LTD. Was it brown or gold or something? Or,was that Streets of San Francisco with Malden and the Douglas kid?
Those 6 piston Frigidaire A6 compressors were about as good as it got - even Rolls Royce used them. I had all kinds of GM vehicles with this compressor and they always made ice cold air, one of the best compressors ever made.
I was born in 1964 and first saw this car in the driveway of a neighbor. It was dark brown with a brown leather interior. I fell in love! Nothing has ever taken her place. Absolutely beautiful!
I was born in 1965 and had a similar experience, my neighbour's was bright red with white top and leather, simply stunning, I sat on the wall for hours staring at it, I never got over it and now own my own '72.
I had the same car, same color, in I believe the late 90s to early 2000s. In fact I was prepared to discover that _this is_ the car I had, but at this point, I kind of doubt it. I don't see any aftermarket Edelbrock components on the engine, so... I bought mine on eBay. It was a genuine "barn find," having literally been in a barn for decades. I don't recall the miles, but I think it was 10-20k original miles. I kept the car factory original, with the following exceptions: a performance Edelbrock intake manifold and carburator, with dual exhaust. And a powerful modern sound system. Although I did change out the head unit, all of the speakers, amplifier, and subwoofer were completely concealed. And that was it! Aside from the stereo head unit, the car presented as original, the dual exhaust was quiet, but really allowed the 460 V8 to run at its full potential. This car was an absolute monster, and was a rocket as far as performance. And it was a monster as far as gas mileage as well -- especially with my lead foot in the equation! When I was asked about fuel economy, I would answer that it burns slightly less fuel than the space shuttle on lift-off!
I know this video is 2 years old but I have to say I am impressed by how everyone has their lawn mowed and in sequence. My mouth is wide open in amazement.
Best looking year of Mark IV - V series w/o the big bumpers. Agree the front bumper guard takes away from the prominent grill effect. Great color it really pops in the sunlight. An amazing low miles survivor example.
No comment, he got a pint . Like the -62 torino the grill was sunk in. So obviously on the markey 4 , the grill was exposed. They shouldve done it for '73 as well n my opinion. Hey I'm more of a '70 mark iii
1972 was definitely the best year of the Lincoln Continental Mark IV's, this is one car I wish came out earlier than 1972, I also thought 1972 was the best year of the non Mark Continental's.
I love this channel! My mom bought a new 72 in white, black vinyl top, and navy blue leather. It didn't have the cross bar, so I wish she had not traded it in on a new BMW in 1974. I inherited her 1969 Riviera. My first car! I wish I had her now. She was the most beautiful car that I ever owned. Dad hated the BMW and traded it for a new 76 Black Diamond Mark IV....another long story. Thank you so much for sharing these personal luxury gems!!
So informative and brings back a lot of memories. I had a 1972 Mark IV without the front bumper guard. White with white leather interior, black carpet, cruise control. Great ride.
Gorgeous car as are all Adam’s cars! I have same taste love the mid 60s-70s Luxo cruisers. FYI fact the 72-76 mark IV was the only of the Lincoln Mark series that had a single vacuum headlight motor with linkages connecting both covers. The prior Mark lll and Mark V and Vi had two headlight vac motors, one for each door. That’s the reason why the mark IV is the only year that both open and close in perfect unison!
The 72 was my favorite continental of ALL TIMES. This is just such an elegant vehicle. The opera windows, like wow! The flush door handles, the sublime front before the 5 mph bumper ruined the design of this and most cars (even the 72 gran torino v. the 73, the 72 was beautiful, the 73, too squared off). This one is very special. One issue I had heard was the 460 engine did have issues, I have heard, can't recall which issues. Keep the bumper guard, it is unique. Would be fun to find a factory radio with the 8 track, I believe it was offered.
@@RareClassicCars I keep hearing about this issue with the heads on the '72s but I haven't noticed a problem with mine, this is an extract from a website detailing the history of the 460 engine; "From '72-onwards Ford tinkered with the motor and choke output considerably. Fitted with a new camshaft and a lower compression ratio, Ford's biggest mistake was a head design for that year that would virtually eliminate the quench area, which lead to numerous problems with reliability and detonation and forced a complete redesign for 1973"
My dad let me drive his Mark V to a "party" my girlfriend invited me to. We went off the highway and down a gravel path, then into a grassy field where about 200 Hell's Angels and other really scary bikers were. Luanne had friends there. I'll never forget the shock of those guys when they saw this huge white car gliding down the hill. They all turned out to be nice people and I had a good time - but I was happy to get back into the car and go away. I never told Dad where his car and I were that day.
Nice! I got a 72 model in Ginger Moondust Metallic, dark brown vinyl top and leather but without the bumper guard. I love this landyacht. Very comfy an€ relaxed to drive around.
@Pierre Hubel That's an attractive color combination! I'm curious, is the leather's color Medium Ginger (med. brown; order code=BF; it's also the same upholstery color as the one in this video, by the way) or Dark Tobacco (dk. brown; order code=BZ)? To prove what I'm talking about, visit lincolnlandinc.com.
1972 was the most beautiful Mark IV. Definitely keep the bumper grille guard on. Great video! One of these days I will join a Metro Detroit event that you’re attending, must see this amazing Lincoln in person.
I had a 72 T-Bird with the 429. I learned a lot about working on cars from owning that T-Bird. So, seeing this brought her back to me.... I do miss that old car.
Im 61 and I used to work as a mechanic on all cars of the 60's and 70's at a large chain garage thats no longer in business and every time we got a Lincoln in that needed exhaust, suspension, brakes, engine maintenance parts etc etc you would look in our book and it would often say "see Thunderbird section" on many parts - not all but quite a few. Almost identical interior and dashboards, dont recall if all the thunderbirds of this era came with the 460 or not. Basically Lincolns of this era were fancy Ford/Mercurys - the MKIV was like an upscale T-bird and the Town cars were like upscale Mercury Marquis Broughams of the same era, but either way I sure miss these great old cruisers you could take a thousand mile trip in without getting beat to death like todays cars that all seem to ride like gokarts in comparison.
It's really quite amazing how much the Torinos and Montegos at this time shared with the Lincoln. Park them next to each other and they are very similar to one another in side profile and the interior materials. My mother had a fully loaded navy blue Mercury Montego and if your swap out the square dash gauges for oval ones and take away the waterfall grille, trunk hump and hideaway headlights its the same car. It had the faux burl wood trim like the inserts you have on this Mark 4 and the same dash top over the gauges. That car was a literal tank and if it wasn't in an accident, it's probably still out there somewhere on the road today, or on the show car circuit.
My close friend was a black car affecionado, owned a Mark IV since new, that was driven only on special occasions. He kept it polished with a Pours-O-Lacq finish that made the black paint appear liquid, like it was one inch deep. Hand washed only, it was dried of with Turkish towels.
Really enjoy this video. I've always admired the Mark IV, particularly the 1972 model year. The in-depth review you give of this car is excellent. Also the videography is first class.
That color combo brings back some memories for me. I had a 71 Mustang Grande Coupe in the very same color combination, but the seats were in a gold fabric. So I guess you could say I had the poor man's Mark! It was a fun car though! Thanks!
I'm really enjoying your video series. Informative presentations with personal anecdotes about each car, like chatting with a neighbour about their classic car. Growing up in the 70's these were the cars that I noticed; the Lincolns and fully loaded Mercurys were not nearly as common on the road as all the more affordable Plymouths, Chevys, Fords, etc. I like all the cars you've featured so far, hard to pick a favourite.
you would have to had serious loot to own this car back in the day...3X what those other cars cost, and low milage on this one? Some grandmother probably owned it
Where are all of these 1970s Lincoln's hiding in mint condition like yours LOL?? I can't find any where I live in Massachusetts. My mom always had Lincoln's when I was growing up & I would love to have the she had at one time it was my favorite. It was a 1978 or 79 Lincoln continental town car edition 4 door. That was a beautiful car and my mother was only 4ft 11 in driving these cars like a champ. I would love to own one myself one day 🙂
Just found your channel - LOVE IT! Old 60’s 70’s Lincolns and Chryslers are my favorite but not always featured in videos. The walk around plus the amazing history and then the drive all perfect. I’ve been emailing all week to friends that they need to check out your stuff. Thank You for the lessons and the amazing cars! Not sure how many cars you have to do videos on but will be disappointed when you run out. Hopefully there are collectors that will let you into their collections and you can keep going.
beautiful! luv the colors, so emblematic of the 70's, at least the top end of 70's cars. I've only heard of the Tbird connection, never heard of a Torino connection...maybe, tho, as Torino moved from unibody to full frame for '72. Ford definitely shared assemblies across the product lines, much more than GM, so a lot of commonality between them, like the column shift, the knobs, certainly everything under the hood. I can even see things similar to my '78 Ranchero in this Mark. also, you have a great speaking voice and style.
It was still seperate from the torino as in bigger. The T-bird of 77 was definately a true torino based car to downsize from 76. The Mark 5 Lincoln however still used the Mk4/72 Tbird platform, but the body was squared up a bit. In the same fashion than 77 t-bird was to the 76 Elite.
They've built some all time classic badass American cars since 1972, but I think I understand what you're getting at. You mean overall they changed for the worst. They did go through a period in the 80's that is considered a low point by gear heads, but they made a conscious effort to come out of that, and did by building some great cars. Generally, the opinion that something started getting worse at some point, is a generational thing. I'm 47 so I understand, I just accepted change is normal and some of these new cars are badass machines, and they absolutely are.
Beautiful cars from that period. At that time in my life, I really did like those big, luxurious, quiet cars that felt like the floated from point to point. Only years later did I get an appreciation for performance cars (though I still appreciate quiet interiors).
I had the SureTrak power brakes in my Medium Brown Metallic 1971 Thunderbird Brougham 2 door & they worked well. Never were a cause of trouble or maintenance, even after sever break jobs. Kept me from a couple accidents. The limited slip differential kept me going in muddy and snowy conditions too.
My parents had the Mark111. That car was amazing! Hard to beat (their Cartier clock also failed early). My '77 Ltd 2 door rode a lot like yours, and was a slush boat in corners. But an extremely reliable one. Yours is amazing condition!
I love your vehicles and taste in cars. I am right there with you in enjoying them. I grew up in the 60’s-80’s and rode in some of these cars when new. But I definitely have a dual personality when it comes to vehicles; I like a nice sporty drive sometimes but also love the nice soft pillow ride of the older big cars as well. Several times throughout my life I have owned both. I sold my last cushy riding car last year and I’m already regretting and wishing I would’ve kept it. The large Cadillac I have now just doesn’t have it. I am so happy that I have found your page!
My dad had a 70 marquis. I remember the horn on the rim. It was so cool. I remember learning how to drive on that car. What a boat! Not an easy car to learn driving.
@Gary Crawford That 3-spoke steering wheel is an indication it was not equipped with speed control. For the 1970 model year, Lincoln introduced that steering wheel design on their restyled Continental sedan and coupe models and was among numerous interior upgrades for the Mark III. That design remained the standard steering wheel of all 1970-1974 Lincolns WITHOUT speed control. ALL 1970-1971 Lincolns equipped with speed control had the set button on the turn signal stalk (while I'm not quite sure about the standard Continentals, I do know the Mark IIIs also include a switch, located under the instrument panel pad, that say 'SPEED' on it that you pull to the left and a small light to the right of that switch will illuminate, indicating it's activated and then, of course, you just push in the button and you're all set). That changed for the 1972 model year when ALL Lincolns (the new-for-'72 Mark IV included) equipped with speed control had control buttons mounted in the steering wheel spokes using a 2-spoke design, which would also be standard on all 1975-1979 Lincolns with or without speed control (ok, the steering wheel would be redesigned for '75 but it still used a 2-spoke design). Anyway, that's how to know if a '72-'74 Lincoln left the factory with speed control or not.
Wow, what a fantastic example! My grandmother had one of these when I was a kid. Silver on burgundy crushed velvet. What a car. It was like riding on a magic carpet. Great memories.
I think the Mark’s of this era were more elegant than the corresponding Eldorado models. The Eldo’s were beginning to look like gussied up Coupe DeVille’s. The Mark’s styling was very unique, and more of a personal luxury car. You’ve mentioned that build quality wasn’t quite what the earlier Mark III was. I wonder if part of that was that more components were being shared with the more pedestrian Ford line? Perhaps the quality didn’t feel as “substantial” as the earlier vehicles? I’ve always been a Cadillac enthusiast, but to me in the years from about ‘71-‘79, Lincoln Motor Division was taking it to Cadillac. Ride, styling, accoutrements, build quality, and exclusivity tip the scales toward Lincoln and the entire Ford line in my opinion. I wouldn’t turn down a Cadillac or Buick from that era for sure, but there’s something special about Lincoln’s and Mercury’s from that time.
I agree. I once owned 5 Cadillacs made from 72-78. I sold all of them, yet I kept all my Fords of that era. Enough said. And, I worked for GM and collected only GM for many years. Each OEM has its pinnacle years. To me, it’s 1965-68 for GM and 1967-74 for Ford. Outside of those years, they aren’t as special in my mind.
I agree. The Eldorado '74 through '78 has a very bloated and heavy overhang the front wheels. Too, damn big! In my opinion, the '70/'71 Eldorado has the best styling.
But the Lincoln's handled horrible, like steering a big box around. Ford's handled awful in this period. I would take a Cadillac or Buick Electra or Riviera over one of these
Gorgeous car, and that light mustard gold color was popular during the seventies, along with olive/avocado greens and earthtones. One of my uncles had a white '72 Mark IV with white leather interior back then. Like yours, and as seventies US coupes were notorious for, the interior of his had surprisingly limited headroom and rear seat space, but it was otherwise a great car. The Mark IV's are my favorites of the Mark series. To my eye, they had smoother lines than the crisper Mark IIIs, Vs, and VIs.
Thank you for showing us the dash and controls. When I was young a old man who was sick was selling all his stuff. He offered us this 76 black car in his backyard. of course we had no money or place for it. He said it had auto dimming headligths which I was sceptical of his claim. I appreciated you for your time in explaiming the controls. As for the column shifter my dad told me those fords were kind of hard to adjust and would start to work "on the edge" maybe thats what you said. Anyway I love the faux wood grain and that gold yellow color is rich and beautiful.
Thanks > I hope you keep making these videos. I love these cars you feature. It takes me back to a time when they were commonplace. You sound like you really have the low-down on each one. This is what it's all about !
That’s a beautiful car my favorite mark 72 and the 1974 too 76 were beautiful cars I had a jade black on black 1975 mark iv the only thing with the 72 460 was a poor head design that caused the engine too ping they were one year only design I almost bought a mark iv but instead brought 1974 ford Torino and restored it installed a 460 V8 with c6 trans from a 1973 Lincoln town car added power windows cruse control air conditioning lighted vanity mirror and painted up like starsky and hutch car that 460 moves that car around very well even in stock form your right about the ride off the mark iv smooths riding car I ever owned and they were built pretty sturdy .✌🏿
Adam, thank you for sharing a look at this Mark IV. I love the way the paint glows in the sunshine! And it's much quieter than the '74 Colony Park -- clearly a Lincoln, through and through.
I'm glad you've focused your collection on these big American cars of the early 70's. They're spectacular cars that represent the end of an era: huge vehicles with big powerful engines. They also are a lot more affordable than the big cars of the late 1950's, many of which are obscenely priced. The value of your cars will only go up.
Excellent. I thought I knew everything about these baroque beasts, but I learned a lot (esp the lame back windows). The color combo looks like my grandfather’s delicatessen and is authentic. Well done.
Best year of the IV - the original bumpers were integrated with the design (the full round 'tire' impression in the rear), which overall had what I'd call a puffed fabric over wire effect. Agree that the III was a higher quality vehicle - certainly in the interior - but this is somehow more iconic. And at least until the 88-92 VIIs, and then the VIIIs, I think this was probably the quickest Mark. I've always looked for one without the opera window; not many! The 70's earth tones, which at one point I hated, have grown on me too - especially brown leather for some reason - think late 70's Chrysler products. Having praised the 72, however, I do love the Mark V Givenchy for its painted rear roof quarter.... but I don't like the fact that by then you've lost opening (sort of) rear windows. Another very nice car, am enjoying these.
I met Bob Hopes wife when I was working on her new home in Palm Springs. She had a gold one that I believe was a 73. I ask her with all of your monies why don't you buy a new one. She politely stated because I love it. Same color as that one. She took us dirty Iron workers to lunch. I said mam we are dirty. She said I'll have cleaned, don't worry about it. Such a doll.
I have to say you own some awesome vehicles. Thanks so much for sharing. I am thinking about purchasing a 70s personal luxury car as I am recently retired. Its a toss up between a GM product like a Grand Prix or a Tbird Mark series. Your videos are informative and well put together. Keep em coming!
Both good choices. Just depends on what you’re looking for. If you want a wallowy barge with excellent and quiet ride, Tbird/Mark are where it’s at. If you want something that handles well for its size and is still refined, perhaps the Pontiac.
Back in the day in 1979 I recall having liked the Lincoln 1v and the new V. I debated the purchase of a used 1V or a brand new Grand Prix. Considering my age at the time I thought most people would see my ownership of a Lincoln as pretentious. Yet throughout the years my love for this model has never deminished. As for the land yacht references, most cars of the day had had a tendency to feel floaty and not handlers. When driving my Grand Prix I had similar experiences and on corners steering into the corner didn't mean you weren't aware of the car feeling it wanted to float in the opposite direction, often this resulted in the driver leaning into the curve unintentionaly.
You are correct about the Torino platform as being the base. I had 2, 1972 Gran Torino Sports (both with engine code Q 351 CJ) and a friend of mine had the Mark IV and on the hoist you could see they were built on same platform.
Love the colors of that car.. it takes me back.. the "Brick" houses all looking alike in a neighborhood.. Hmm..... I couldn't get used to that being from So Cal. We have cookie cutter houses, but they are all different colors. LOL.
Just watched this again. Really like these cars. I caught more info from this second viewing. I'll remember the tip on the 4300 carb when I rebuild the unit on my '71 T-Bird 429. I think the T-Bird has the same... Interesting info on the A/C compressor, electrical shorting, and auto park brake issue. I actually have experienced a full highway speed panic stop while driving a 1970 Lincoln Continental with Sure-Track (occurred about 1977). It was the kind where you just know you're not going to make it. But it did stop. At the time I was not aware of any tell-tale chattering from the unit. But the stop was amazingly sure-footed, smooth, quiet, no wheel lock-up, and no pull to either side. Huge G-forces lol. The brake systems from any of my 1960s and 1970s FoMoCo products seem to have been superior. I always appreciated how the pedal in the Lincolns was very well modulated with good feel. Great video.
Hey Jeff talking about the brakes on the Ford motor car motor cars from the '60s and '70s my dad owned the 61 to 62 in the 63 t-bird my sister owned a 64 t-bird convertible and I own the 65 landau and a 66 standard model of Thunderbird every one of those the power breaking unit the the booster failed on all of them at one time the original ones and it's pretty hairy when that happens happened like it on my 64 and my 66 the ones I owned I'm sorry my 65 and 66 and driving him home with a trip I'm in the brakes still work but there was no power to them at all you had to use two feet to come to a slow stop I own the 74 Mark 4 and my dad owned which I bought used in 77 and my dad on the brand new 79 Lincoln Town car four-door and never had any problem with either of the brake systems on those so this thought is kind of interesting one if anyone else whatever other product that shared that booster had those same experiences considering it was from six cars all one year after another it couldn't have been coincidence it had to be a floor in the design or a Florida manufacturing once the new boosters put in never had a problem again I'll tell you that the sensitivity on those Thunderbirds I know on mine they both came stock with disc brakes they were extremely touch sensitive I never drove the 61 through 64 I was too young at the time but yeah I mean if you weren't used to the car and you stepped on the pedal like you would I guess you know other cars you go through the front seat wind chill I'm sorry you go through the windshield that's all sensitive you know how they were and drove them accordingly they were very very good breaks and extremely good stoppers for the weight of those cars anyway I'm just babbling on sincerely about the blind bedroom guitars PS I also owned the 57 two-door ranch wagon small small block V8 with three on the tree and never had any problem with the brake system on that car
Love these Mark IV (4) Coupe’s, For me its the Canon Car, Frank Canon’s (William Conrad) 1974 Continental Mark lV, finished in silver with a black vinyl top, with contrasting red leather or Corduroy interior trim. A beautiful personal luxury car. And quite heavy, about 5366 pounds.
You're are correct. The trunks are SMALL. We used to take friends to the airport in their 74 Mark. We always ended up with at least one huge suitcase in the back seat. That HUGE car & hardly any luggage space. But who cared cuz it was so GORGEOUS. (And no one had soft luggage back then)!
Great find to discover your channel (already subscribed). Your Lincoln is stunning! It takes the term "survivor" to a new level. I, for one, love the color as it's very period correct. BTW, that $8,640 base price equates to $55,600 in 2021 dollars.
The back side windows are similar to the smokers windows on the front doors of some two-door Ford cars. This allowed people in the back seat to smoke and be able to crack a window and smoke.
my neighbor in Houston, Tx was Samuel Maverick - he was a salesman for Scottsman Ice machines and Airtemp - starting in 1956 he bought a new Lincoln every year - in '68 he bought a Mark III - he looked at the Mark IV and came to the conclusion that you did - not up to standards set by the Mark III - he bought a standard Lincoln coupe instead . He died 3 years later still regretting trading off his Mark III.
My dad had a '73 Thunderbird that was very much like this Mark IV, but if memory serves, it was only $6600 new. It had a very numerically low rear end and consequently took a while to take off, but once moving and at highway speeds, it did quite well. I remember dad once crowing about getting 17MPG on a long trip. As if that was fantastic. Nice car. Very quiet. And yes, handled quite poorly - the front end was too heavy.
My grandfather bought a 72 brand new and immediately had the dealer living up the engine for him because it didn't perform like his mk 3 or any of the other previous Lincoln's hed owned, but they got it running much better and he kept that over 20trs it was a silvery blue or blue ish silver color with the white top and white leather interior with black carpet and dash, it was beautiful and in later years I put a set of KYB gas self adjusting shocks front and back wow did that take the walow and pitch and dive down under breaking, my uncle has had it garaged since grandpa past and I'm about to buy it and preserve it, bye the way the anti lock brake system works great on these cars
A very interesting blockiness to the instruments and all dash functions, is so reminiscent of the era, not something that would recur in later vehicles to this day.
