Lincoln Continental Mark IV – Today’s Tempter

By: Alex Affat, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 08.05.2018

Right-hook converted, ex-US Diplomat’s car looks the goods after recently being dragged out of storage

The Lincoln Continental has long been the natural rival to Cadillac’s own luxo-barge, the Eldorado.

The Mk IV Continental was produced from 1972 to 1976 and shared much of its drivetrain and roofline with the 1972 Ford Thunderbird.

To differentiate the more luxurious Continental from the Thunderbird, the Continental received the trademark moulded spare tire boot lid and the hallmark Continental hidden headlights.

Originally rolling off the line with a 460ci Ford 385 V8 mated to a C6 three-speed automatic, the Mk IV was capable of 158kW when new. While slightly less powerful than its Eldorado contemporary, the Mk IV weighed a whopping 200kgs less.

With a cab-rear proportions, long bonnet and short rear deck, the car wafts of 70s charm and class. The Mk IV was also the first Conti to introduce the signature "Opera window" in the B-pillar, a hallmark that would remain in the Mark series until the end of the Mk VI in 1983.

This particular car supposedly was imported to Canberra in the 70s by a US diplomat, who had it converted to RHD and used it as their personal car. The seller claims the car disappeared for a number of years, until it was uncovered in a South-Eastern Melbourne garage.

The ad states the car’s paintwork and brown leather interior is in excellent condition. The car has a new 460 engine and genuine ‘knock-on’ wire wheels.

The ad does not list the manufacturer year of the Continental, but it appears to be a later 1974-1976 model given the notorious "5 mph" bumpers on the front and rear.

The owner’s reason for selling is, at 78 years old, he states the car is too big for him to enjoy.

He is offering swaps with a $20,000 cash adjustment either way for a smaller American: Mustang, Cougar, Corvette, Hawk or Pontiac etc.

If you’re interested in getting into a one of the ubiquitous American luxury land-yachts, check out the full listing here!

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