1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III

1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III Description

A little something different compared to our usual, diesel import offerings.

This is a low-reserve auction.

Please note that this vehicle does not have a 17-digit VIN as it was manufactured prior to 1981.

The following is the actual VIN stamped on this Mark III (a photo is also included in the picture gallery):

1Y89A853686

Overview:

Here is a 21,148 mile, 1971 Lincoln Mark III, Two-Door Coupe finished in Light Grey Metallic with the optioned black vinyl top and nearly flawless Medium Green Cloth and Vinyl interior. On the mechanical side, this Mark III is fitted with Ford’s big-block 460 boasting 365 horsepower with its 4-Barrel Motorcraft Carburetor and Dual Exhaust System. Its also upgraded with the optional C6 SelectShift Automatic Torque Converter and 3.00:1 rear axle. It’s not the fastest car on the road, but factoring in it’s massiveness in both weight and length, it’s a pretty impressive piece of petrol powered, raw American muscle - hidden under luxury.

The suspension creates a very smooth ride - it has Cushion-link with spring-loaded ball joints, deep coil spring and link-type stabilizer bar in the front and coil-link with double acting hydraulic shock absorbers in the rear. This, and the long wheel-base make it a very comfortable cruiser.

A Little Known History:

This Mark III was purchased in December 2002 by my Uncle, owner of Turcotte’s Used Cars. He has collected many classics since he started his business 53 years ago and this is one of the many, “big-body,” classics he has stuffed in his barn. Overall, this is a very beautiful Mark III and that really shined through after giving it a quick bath/dusting. It definitely needs more cleaning and a full detail will be performed before this is shipped off to its new owner. The car comes with a clean Idaho Title with Dealer Reassignment to the purchaser accompanied by our standard Bill of Sale. The original Owner’s Manual is also included. All I have to say is, there’s more where this came from!

Exterior Details:

This Mark III was repainted to the optional Light Grey Metallic at an unknown time; it was already this color when purchased in 2002. According to the info plate located on the driver’s side pillar, the original color was white. The paint has a brilliant shine, however, it is beginning to blister, which is detailed in the photos around two of the fenders, top of the driver’s door and a small amount on the trunk.

The vinyl roof covering is in great condition with no rips, tears or imperfections. If you look at the photos detailing the top, you’ll see there are signs of blistering underneath the vinyl located right behind the driver’s door.

All the chrome is intact and in very good condition, but please note the front bumper has some minor blistering chrome plated finish pealing off.

The tires are factory specified 225-15s white-walls. They have sufficient tread, but are beginning to show some cracking/rotting from sitting. They hold air, but should be replaced.

Interior Details:

This Mark III is fully loaded with its high-grade interior finishes, power windows, power seats and factory A/C.

In terms of imperfections, there’s just one. Detailed in the photos, you’ll notice the driver’s side seat top shows some wear on the center button - this is really the only spot within the entire interior that needs to be noted. The rest is in impeccable shape from the green, shag carpeting to the matching headliner. It’s truly unbelievable. The Mark III also is one of the few luxury coupes at this time to have real wood grain dash and door trim compared to other manufactures who used a simulate.

All functions work on both door armrests, which include window control and seat positioning. The passenger side windows (front and rear) do work, but the main window operates at a snail’s pace, believed to be a malfunctioning motor. It could either need replacement or just removed, cleaned and reinstalled. From my understanding, the window motors can sometimes be saved if removed and all contacts are cleaned as well as a thorough cleaning of the motor itself.

Chassis/Underbody:

The underside of this Mark III is solid with no rot-through. The floors and trunk are solid too. Due to the length of time this thing has sat, there is surface oxidation covering the frame, but also, in some places, there are still signs of the original black paint. There is a newer dual exhaust system that appears to have been installed from the manifolds back as it’s very clean and lacking corrosion.

I’d consider this Mark III a partial project, all related to cosmetics, however it can be driven and shown well in its current condition. As noted, the milage is original with documented proof, and mechanically, this thing is fantastic.

Please contact me anytime for more information/photos.