Lincoln was on a roll in the 1970s. Between its Designer Series and its various Special Editions, the company seemed to have something for every taste. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Sam61 for spotting a 1976 Continental Mark IV that stands out from the crowd. I worked through the site’s archive, discovering that this is the first Desert Sand Edition we have featured. It is an unmolested survivor with a genuine 60,000 miles on its odometer. The seller admits that he doesn’t use the car as much as he would like, feeling that it deserves a new home with someone who will appreciate all that it offers. He has listed the Mark IV here on Facebook Marketplace in Ashville, Ohio. You could drive it away after handing the seller $8,000, which isn’t a huge amount for a luxury model with such an imposing sense of presence.
While many people focus on the four “Designer Series” models produced by Lincoln in 1976, the company also marketed a wide range of Special Editions. These included the Jade, Red and Rose, Diamond, and Lipstick and White Luxury Groups. One of the least recognized was the Desert Sand Luxury Group, which was introduced late in the 1976 model year. It brought unique Tan and Saddle two-tone paint with a Tan vinyl top, along with tape striping to match the darker shade. The seller has entered this classic in a few shows and has never seen an identical vehicle. Its overall condition makes it unsurprising that it has left those shows with a collection of silverware. The paint shines beautifully, the panels are straight, and the vinyl is in as-new condition. This gem is rust-free, and the trim and glass are excellent. Overall, this Lincoln appears to have no cosmetic needs.
As with every other vehicle within the Luxury Group range, the Mark IV received no mechanical upgrades. Lincoln offered a one-size-fits-all approach, with every car receiving a 460ci V8, a three-speed C6 automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. The 460 produces 202hp and 353 ft/lbs of torque, and with the Mark IV tipping the scales at 5,264 lbs, acceleration isn’t lightning fast. However, the performance was considered adequate for the period, with the Mark IV shining on the open road with the needle pegged at 70mph. The seller states that this classic has a genuine 60,000 miles on the clock, and although they don’t mention verifying evidence, the condition is consistent with the mileage. They recently fitted a new fuel tank, straps, tires, and brakes, and completed a complete tune-up. The Lincoln runs and drives perfectly, and is ready to be driven home by its new owner.
The interior is where the story becomes interesting with this Lincoln. The Desert Sand Luxury Group added a cool $1,525 to the sticker price of a Mark IV if they selected leather trim. However, should the buyer choose velour, that figure rose to $1,725. I am not sure if I am alone with this thought, but I was surprised that the leather didn’t command the premium price. This car features acres of dead cow in Saddle, which was the only shade available with the Desert Sand option. The condition is all you would expect from a car of this caliber, with no evidence of wear or abuse. The carpet is clean, and the sun hasn’t exacted a toll on the dash, pad, or plastic. Unsurprisingly, it is loaded with creature comforts. These include air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, remote mirrors, and an AM/FM radio “Quadrasonic” 8-track player.
Lincoln introduced the Desert Sand Edition late in the 1976 model year. As a result of the timing and cost, various resources suggest that only around 117 buyers splashed the additional cash to own one. Interestingly, neither Hagerty nor NADA acknowledge the existence of these cars in their online valuation systems. The seller’s price would be competitive if this was an ordinary Mark IV, but the rarity will increase its appeal to many. Do you harbor those feelings? If so, is this a Lincoln that you might consider pursuing further?
Whopping curb weight wow.
460ci required equipment to move all the heft.
It’s a featherweight compared to some new EVs like the new Charger Daytona! But yeah, it had a bit of a weight problem by this point. Ford downsized the Thunderbird version by moving it to the Torino chassis for 1977 and then ultimately downsized the Mark for 1980 by moving it to the Panther platform.
I remember some of the Special Edition models, but I’ll admit I don’t remember this one. I’m sure I’ve never seen one. It’s gaudy and in-your-face, but that’s the point. Take it to shows to illustrate how times have changed in the luxury car world. Could be fun, for not much money.
Times HAVE changed, IMO NOT for the better. This hits the MARK as a great Lincoln 👍. Today even LINCOLN has moved to bloated SUVS and crossovers at BLOATED prices, making this a Bon Marche! LINCOLN, what a Luxury CAR should be and once WAS!
Wow. Those seats. If I smoked I would be puffing on a stogie while motoring this beast. Except I would worry about burning a hole in all that beautiful leather. Beautiful Lincoln, and a couple hours from me south of Columbus, OH. Afraid I wouldn’t be able to afford the gas for this though.
I used to get/average 26 mpg with mine. Had the trip computer to watch it.
A lot of car for $8000. Look at what kind of modern car that would buy you today. A Kia with almost 200k miles.
Nice car! Looks like the owner painted the air cleaner then shut the hood before it had a chance to dry as evidenced by the blue paint ring on the hood insulation.
I had a Diamond blue 1975, beautiful car, but I’m not into brown, and the lack of astro roof really makes this a non interesting vehicle, now a White lipstick edition with white interior red piping and rugs, and roof now we sell our soul to the devil
This color combo was very popular in S Florida in the day. Ford extricate T-Birdcand Cougar as well but I think the flipped the design with the blue being more prominent. Wasn’t my cup of tea but it returns heads.
I had a 76 Continental in the light tan color. The car was so comfortable you thought you were in your living room owned the car for four years and hit a deer after dark one night. End of story and Lincoln. Would love to have another.
end of deer too I bet
Yup. Cop came and had to put it down all the way. Said it was his third one that week.
end of deer too I bet
Times HAVE changed, IMO NOT for the better. This hits the MARK as a great Lincoln 👍. Today even LINCOLN has moved to bloated SUVS and crossovers at BLOATED prices, making this a Bon Marche! LINCOLN, what a Luxury CAR should be and once WAS!
Never cared for the the Mark lV except for the ’72 version with the taillights in the bumper not above it.
Also never cared for the two tone paint from Ford or GM. What were they thinking? You can’t reproduce the 50s two and three tone paint. JMO
There are pretty and luxurious cars but my favorites were the Mark Vs.
The option package pricing makes me think the cost for a cloth-upholstered car included an upgrade over the standard cloth, and if you substituted leather *at the regular price for it as a freestanding option*, the package price on top of *that* was reduced on a prorated basis.
Good thing it is all plastic under the hood. Wouldn’t want the positive battery cable to touch anything grounded!
@Adam Clarke
Acres of dead cow? Hmmm…… I hope your side job isn’t working in a restaurant or selling cars. Reminds me of a sign I saw in a restaurant once. Definition of a heart attack: God’s punishment for eating meat. Lol