We’re often told not to judge a book by its cover, and doing so with this 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III would be a mistake. Look past the tired paint and aftermarket wheels, and you’ll find a remarkably solid driver that could be a rewarding restoration project. Of course, the new owner could address the relatively minor rust and leave the car cosmetically untouched, cultivating a “shabby chic” look that would turn heads. The seller has listed the Mark III here on eBay in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, for $9,800 OBO.
Launched for the 1969 model year, the Mark III sold through the end of 1971. Much has been written about Lee Iacocca’s vision for the Mark III, and it achieved the one goal he prized above all others: it outsold the Cadillac Eldorado, the acknowledged market leader in the luxury car sector. This first-year Mark III isn’t a pretty sight, with its Code A Black paint showing a wide range of imperfections. It is also peeling across several surfaces, and the buyer may have no choice but to strip most of the exterior to bare metal as part of a high-end restoration. That will provide an opportunity to address the minor dings and dents and the rust in both lower rear quarter panels. That might sound daunting, but the exterior rust is as bad as the news gets. The underside is rock-solid, which isn’t surprising given the car’s life in dry locations. It is missing a few small badges, and the bumpers would benefit from a trip to the platers, but the remaining trim is in good condition, and the tinted glass is clear. The feature that grates with me is the aftermarket wheels, which do the Mark III no favors. I would ditch them ASAP, and thankfully the sale includes the original wheel covers.
I would describe this classic’s interior as serviceable, but it has a few shortcomings. Trimmed in Black, I believe the seatcovers may not be original, because the cloth inserts don’t match those found in that year’s Sales Brochure. There are no holes or other nasty problems, though the driver’s seat outer edge may soon need attention to prevent problems from developing. The remaining upholstered surfaces, the carpet, and the headliner are acceptable for a driver-grade restoration. There is a gaping hole where the radio should be, and part of the driver’s armrest is missing. The new owner can likely source a replacement through typical online auction sites if they’re patient. The only identified functional fault is the air conditioning, which is missing the compressor belt. I don’t understand why the seller hasn’t fitted a replacement, because that would help confirm whether it needs any major work. Otherwise, this interior features power windows, power locks, power front seats, and a tilt wheel.
Every 1969 Continental Mark III featured a 460ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. Manufacturers sometimes won’t quote power and torque figures for luxury models, but Lincoln made no secret of the fact that this motor delivers 365hp and a whopping 500 ft/lbs. That made the Mark III an effective weapon on the open road that could hold its own in heavy city traffic. The seller doesn’t mention evidence verifying their claim that the odometer reading of 52,000 miles is genuine. The car’s overall presentation raises doubts, but potential buyers must assess it for themselves. The mechanical condition is beyond doubt. The engine has a new Edelbrock carburetor, and the seller recently installed new narrow whitewalls and a new battery. There are no fluid leaks, and the seller recently completed a few long road trips without missing a beat. It runs and drives well, and the seller states that they would drive it anywhere.
If I had a dime for every article ever written about the Lincoln Continental Mark III in automotive literature worldwide, I would probably have enough to buy this 1969 example, restore it to its former glory, and still have money left in the bank. The big question is: should it be restored? The paint-and-trim combination is one of the most desirable, and it would look stunning if the buyer restored it to a factory-fresh state. However, it is a proud survivor, with bumps and bruises that show it’s been driven and enjoyed. If it were pristine, it would draw attention at any Cars & Coffee, but I think it would command more respect as-is. Not every classic needs to be perfect, so I would address the rust but leave the cosmetics untouched. Do you agree?
That right there is a hot rod Lincoln just waiting to happen.