1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

King of the Hill

model | specs | options | condition | terms

The Lincoln Mark IV continued the great traditions of the 1960s Continentals and the 1969 Mark III.  The customers loved it: It set sales records.


The Mark IV stood alone in a world where individuality had all but disappeared.
 

Continuing at an unprecedented pace, the Mark IV would rack sales records year after year, leaving Cadillac's Eldorado behind.  Automotive writer Jim Brokaw, in a test report for Motor Trend observed that the car was so quiet that he could hear himself breathe.  Lincoln had finally put Cadillac in second place in the personal luxury car market.

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 is the only model year, where you get the Mark IV with the un-spoilt non-federalized rear-bumper, which gently underline the car's sleek features, whereas the front-bumper stresses the masculine theme.  It is a connoisseur's choice. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Two hundred and twenty three inches of American automobile perfection. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

This car has had its full-size vinyl top redone which gives it a perfect appearance as opposed to many with just a half coach vinyl top.  The color combination of red metallic body, black top and white interior, as you see, is extremely attractive.

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

The black top highlightens the opera window.  The oval opera window had been an option, but turned out to be so popular that Lincoln made it standard in 1973. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

The opera window treatment of the C pillar impressed other car owners so much that aftermarket kits were available to install oval opera windows on just about any car with a large enough roof sail panel to cut into.  Soon, LTDs, Coupe deVille's, Chevrolets, even Thunderbirds and Lincoln Coupés would sport the opera window.  

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
[lights on|off]

Lincoln also had the most elegant solution for concealed headlights.  Nothing else on the road, except Ford's Thunderbird, looked like the Mark.  And the Thunderbird, which shared many parts with the Mark, lacked the hidden headlamps, rear deck spare tire design, and classic grille.  More than a few Thunderbird owners had their Birds modified with the Mark grille, but this was not done by the factory. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

All of this did little to catch up with the prestige of the Mark.  As Lincoln said in its sales brochure, "The Continental Mark IV.  Quite simply, the most beautiful automobile in America."

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV
[click here for large picture]

The Continental Mark IV became one of the most desirable cars on the road, the 1973 being most striking in appearance  The ease of driving, the comfortable ride, the penchant for total quiet inside the cabin.  Hard to beat.  The Continental Mark IV was among the great cars of the world.  The car that had become a legend in its own time.

   

Specifications:

Engine:

460 cubic inches 4V V-8
Net horsepower:  208 h.p.
Bore x stroke:  4.36 x 3.85 inches
Compression ratio:  8.0:1 
    [i.e. no fuel additives required!]

Transmission:

Automatic, 3-speed planetary gears and 12" hydraulic torque converter

Dimensions:

Overall length: 223.3 inches  [majestic!]
Wheelbase: 120.4 inches  [smooth ride!]
Overall width: 79.8 inches
Overall height: 53.4 inches

Steering:

17:1 ratio  [requires one finger only!]
   

Options:

460 Cubic Inch V-8 Engine
Select-Shift Automatic Transmission
WSW 225-15 Steel-Belted Radial Ply Tires
Power Steering
Power Front Disc Brakes
Sure-Track Brake System
Automatic Parking Brake Release
Automatic Temperature Control
Tinted Glass
Power Side Windows
Twin Comfort Lounge Seats
6-Way Power Seat
AM/FM Pushbutton Radio with Dual Front and Rear Speakers and Power Antenna
Long-Shear Cut-Pile Carpet
Remote Control Left Exterior Rearview Mirror
Deluxe Color-Keyed Seat Belts
Black Cut-Pile Carpeted Luggage
Electric Windshield Wipers
Windshield Washer
3-Spoke Rim-Blow Steering Wheel
Opera Windows
Stand-Up Continental Star Hood Ornament
Front Bumper Guards with Rubber Inserts
Reversible Keys
Keyless Door Locking
Automatic Seat Back Release
Concealed Headlamps
Cornering Lights
Door Assist Straps
Curb Moldings
Visor Vanity Mirror
Triple-Note Horns
Trip Odometer
Cartier Chronometer
Full Wheel Covers
 
also equipped with Cruise Control

 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

The driver's power controls.

 

This is a two-owner car.  The first owner - of nearly thirty years - was a German-American mechanic, and meticulously maintained his prized possession in his own gas station's repair shop, until a stroke forced him into retirement.  During the last decade the car was stored in his garage, and it took some persuasion to have him agree to a sale.  The current owner is a German with a great affection for the American and German motorcars of the roving 1960s and 1970s.  With great regret, this car becomes available due to the dissolution of the owners' classic car collection, who move to a long-term assignment in East-Africa. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

This car has no rust.  The 1973 Lincoln Mark IV received a thorough inspection and extensive tune-up, before being put back on the road.  This includes, but is not limited to: Complete rebuild of carburetor.  New plugs.  New fuel pump.  New fluids.  New brake master cylinder.  New brake pads.  New front rotors.  NOS window switch assembly and new motor for driver's side.  Complete overhaul of the A/C, which now blows ice-cold.  The car starts immediately and idles smoothly, runs & handles excellently.  

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

New tires.

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Plush white leather in original soft condition with lovely patina.  Instruments, electronics and electricals work nicely (e.g. warning lights in dash, 6-way power seats, front power windows [driver side new], concealed headlights, windshield wipers [new] and washer, cruise control, automatic antenna, AM/FM radio, lights in opera windows).  No cracks in dashboard.  Otherwise good original condition, e.g. small ding in right front bumper, Mark-typical cracks in armrests, sticky rear-windows, slow clock. 

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

This car was chosen by the owner for his farewell trip to the United States, covering Alabama, Florida, Lousiana, and Mississippi.  The Mark embraces the interstate, preferring to fly at 75 to 80 mph.  2,800 miles were covered effortlessly, just needing fuel, oil, and ... one radiator cap.

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

The Josephine Guest House, New Orleans, Lower Garden District

1973 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

Plantation in the Mississippi Delta