Lincoln knew that the Continental Mark III was a tough act to follow, thanks to its sales success. However, the Mark IV proved a worthy successor, exceeding the company’s wildest expectations. This Mark IV rolled off the line in 1972, and it is fair to say it has led a sheltered life. It has rarely seen action, with its odometer showing 17,000 original miles. It presents superbly and is ideal for enthusiasts seeking a high-end survivor. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Lincoln listed here on eBay in Mesa, Arizona. Handing over $27,900 would allow you to drive away in this turnkey classic.
Lincoln released the Continental Mark IV in 1972, continuing the trend set by its predecessor of platform sharing with the Ford Thunderbird. It represented a canny business move, lowering the development costs for what was a prestige model. This Mark IV is a first-year example that presents beautifully. The original owner combined Pastel Lime paint with a Dark Green vinyl top, creating an extremely attractive vehicle. The seller supplies an excellent image gallery, with the close-up shots revealing only a few minor imperfections. However, they aren’t visible from a few feet away, guaranteeing that this unrestored survivor will receive positive comments wherever it goes. The dry location has protected this classic from rust, and a garage-kept history has protected the paint from deterioration. The trim is spotless, and the tinted glass is crystal clear.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” philosophy with the Mark IV’s mechanical specifications. Buyers received a 460ci V8, a three-speed C6 automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes with rear anti-lock. The V8 developed 212hp and 342 ft/lbs of torque when this car was shiny and new, with both figures quite modest given a curb weight of almost 5,000 lbs. Therefore, performance would be relatively leisurely, although the motor’s low-end torque delivery would have made city traffic and open-road overtaking relatively effortless. The seller claims this Lincoln has a genuine 17,000 miles on the clock, but they don’t mention any documentation. It retains its correct accessories, belts, hoses, and an older set of Michelin tires identical to those the car would have worn when it left the factory. This Lincoln runs and drives well, with no identified needs or shortcomings.
The positive vibes created by this Lincoln’s exterior continue into the interior. The Dark Green leather trim matches the vinyl top and is free from wear. It carries the wrinkles of gracefully aging leather and is consistent with the mileage claim. The carpet is spotless, as are the headliner, dash, pad, and woodgrain trim. Did someone mention luxury? This Mark IV covers those bases with air conditioning, power windows, power front seats, cruise control, a Cartier clock, and an AM radio/8-track player. It isn’t fully loaded, but life aboard this classic will still feel pretty special.
Lincoln rode the crest of a wave in 1971, with the Mark III setting a new sales record of 27,091 vehicles. The company must have thought that life couldn’t get much better, but the Mark IV raised the bar considerably. Lincoln sold 48,591 examples in 1972, with the tally peaking at 69,437 in 1973. Because it was based on the Thunderbird, the low development cost allowed Lincoln to make a considerable profit on every vehicle. This first-year Mark IV is a beauty, and would suit enthusiasts seeking a spotless 1970s luxury car from an era when fuel costs mattered little. If you fit that mold, this Mark IV deserves a closer look.
Very good analysis Adam on a very nice Mark IV. The Mark III was a quite classy car, but the Mark IV was also well-done. To me it carries a bit of a different “vibe.” Though AI tells me it was only seven inches longer than the Mark III (before the big bumpers added more length), it seems larger and more substantial.
The 1972 is my favorite. The period-correct colors on this one look great. Excellent ad. And yes, Ford probably made more money on each one than a whole bunch of Pintos.
Cruise in style in a type of vehicle no longer available.
I can hear Frank and the Rat Pack on the radio!
I hear the theme from Shaft. The Mark III was more Rat Packy…
This is an absolutely amazing vehicle! The very next year, Detroit would start building vehicle’s and satisfying government regulations, you know compliance vehicle’s. Year, after year of these compliance vehicle’s until finally all the soul was removed from automobiles. It was all downhill after that. Ford can’t even see fit to build a Lincoln automobile anymore. However, there is a Lincoln sedan in China. Isn’t that amazing?
Lincoln is still around?
A RWD Chinese TWO door Lincoln coupe with frameless side glass & hidden wipers would be amazin – but another boring lookalike FWD 4 door is not.
The “RatPac were a Kennedy-administration cultural touchstone.
By 1972 ‘wags’ were trying to recreate the magic by promoting the younger “BratPack”… Demi Moore, Emilio Estevez, Rob Lowe, etc.
Interestingly, there wasn’t ever an equivalent of Sammy Davis Jr., that is, a black guy.
Funny how times change.
Loved these Mk-IV’s when they came out. But the best these Lincolns ever got was when they adapted them to the FOX-Chassis.
In 1972, the brat pack were just that. 5 year olds.
Sweet looking car. 69 is my favorite year.
Lime green? Looks more yellow to me. Too bad it’s such an ugly shade, the interior and top look great.
I agree that the paint looks yellow. Reminds me of the Cutty Sark Cadillac Coupe DeVilles of 1967 & ‘68.
WAY too much money for this turkey. They Just Aren’t Worth That !
I’d rather get a 72-76 Thunderbird for about half of this asking price. Theyre pretty much the same car. This ones nice, but damn.
i am a bit confused. i see firestone tires on the car. not sure where the Michelin tires are. this 1 dam good looking Lincoln the last of the good bodies. super clean as well. it needs a snappier set of hubcaps though. the ask is high but if it’s a legit 17k originals mile it’s basically a new car. better than any newer used Lincoln for 27k. i would cruise it and enjoy some dino on the 8 track
These always looked, to me, like they came from the factory with a chopped top. Same for the Volvo 262c.
Great lines on this year Mark. Love these.
I’ve always been puzzled how/why this Ford 460-V8 could be rated at only 212-hp at this time Yes, I understand the change to net power ratings and the beginnings of emissions regs. But, the head-scratcher for me is that the 454-V8 offered in the 1972 Chevrolet Caprice was rated at 270-hp net. 212 vs. 270. That’s a big gap for engines that were essentially the same size.
I don’t know the specifics, but suspect it has something to do with tuning and exhaust. If I remember right, police versions of this engine were rated at 260-hp, so they could produce more power, but I suspect the were detuned for emissions/quieter running. Even by the end with EFI, they were running only 245-hp. Maybe Chevy was more liberal with their 454 setup.
A rare early in production example of the beautiful grille before the government mandated a bar extending across the bottom of the grille. Ugly color but was fairly popular back in the day. Needs to be triple white or triple black!!!
I loved these when they came out, and was sorely disappointed in 1973 when their lines were ruined by those grotesque bumpers. That said, I was a relatively young man still in 1972, driving a 1946 Ford Super Deluxe flathead V-8 tudor sedan which I’d had in daily use since 1967, and these Mark IVs I so admired then have not worn well with me over the years since. Most 1970s designs look rather grotesque to me now, and I have no desire to drive a sporty-looking thirsty beast of an impractical car with leather seats. But this might be one of the top 5 examples of a 1972 Mark IV left, if you want one. At this time in my life, I prefer a four door luxury sedan with classic lines, a more economical V-8 with fuel injection, and velour upholstery — something like a 1986-1989 Mercury Grand Marquis or Lincoln Town Car (wish their radios were better!).
Frank Cannon (a.k.a. William Conrad) used to drive one of these around in the 70’s show “Cannon”. Back when people could afford to pay for the gas in a 5,000 lb. personal luxury car. I’m nostalgic, just not for that color combo.
I watched CANNON every week. Loved it. Sorry that we lost Willian Conrad.
When I was just starting out in business in New York City, nearly broke and driving a beat-up Corvair convertible, I caught my first glimpse of a Mark IV—and it stopped me cold. Its yacht-like presence, porthole window, Rolls-Royce-style grille, and Continental kit radiated a level of cool, class, and confidence I’d never seen before. That car lit a fire in me. I worked harder than ever, and just four months later, at 27 years old, I ordered a brand-new blue Mark IV with a white vinyl top and white leather interior—a moment that felt like crossing a line from dreaming to arriving, and a car that remains one of the most fabulous I’ve ever owned.
I, too, longed to own one in late 1971 and in 1972. But the entire Thunderbird look if it, hidden by Lincoln’s luxuries, grew tired on me after awhile, and has not re-appreciated since. I never cared for the overall lines of the car, that long hood and stubby rear deck which began with Mustang, along with the middle-dip Thunderbird essence. It’s details were marvellous, but it still was a glorified Thunderbird which had only two doors. The 1980 Mark VI (the four door version only) was more LIKE it!
While I love the green interior, make mine a Mark III please. I think I probably still have the 8-track to cassette tape adapter a friend gave me way back when I had a 66 2 dr continental with a 462 in it. Sure a different beast but part of the lineage.
This 72 is nice but for that money I don’t think I could go 70’s luxo.
Frank Cannon would be proud. The P. I. that is
72 was a great year, the Mark, Eldorado, split bumper Camero, Torino and Ranchero all cruising on 35 cent gasoline, then came 73 and massive safety bumpers and the gas crisis tripling the price per gallon. Maybe it’s just age, but I can’t think of another year after 72 that was better.
I had a 73 continental w/460. I don’t know the hp but I did change the motorcraft carb to an edelbrock and noticed a giant change in performance.