Many people view the First Generation Mustang as Lee Iacocca’s enduring legacy from his time at Ford, and that is a legitimate call. However, I have always believed the Lincoln Continental Mark III is worthy of that title. It demonstrated Iacocca’s ability to tap into the customer’s psyche and to develop a car for peanuts that sold in impressive numbers. This 1970 example is an exceptionally tidy survivor with 52,000 miles on the clock. Addressing its few minor cosmetic shortcomings would be easy and inexpensive, and could happen at the buyer’s leisure. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Mark III listed here on Craigslist in Orange, California. It could be yours for $17,950, although the seller indicates that figure is negotiable.
The Mark III’s development story is interesting, reflecting Iacocca’s vision of delivering a car that offered buyers something special, but which cost the company relatively little and delivered a healthy profit. The story goes that he contacted Design Vice President Gene Bordinat in 1965 and suggested that he “put a Rolls-Royce grille on a Thunderbird.” Although focus groups didn’t universally praise the design, Iacocca and Henry Ford II admired it enough to green-light production for the 1969 model year. What made the project impressive was that the company developed the entire package for under $30,000,000, a figure that was considered peanuts at the time. Our featured Mark III rolled off the line in 1970, ordered by its first owner in subtle Code M White with a matching vinyl top. The car’s presentation is extremely tidy. There are a couple of small paint and panel imperfections on the passenger side, but the rest of the exterior is in good condition. I can’t spot any rust, and the tinted glass and trim are in good order.
Perhaps this Lincoln’s most impressive feature is its interior. White trim is always a bold move, because it is prone to stains and yellowing. However, this car hasn’t suffered that fate, with the seat leather looking clean and soft. The remaining upholstered surfaces are equally impressive, the contrasting Black dash and carpet look excellent, while the walnut trim isn’t worn or damaged. Creature comforts include air conditioning, power windows, six-way power front seats, a Cartier clock, a rimblow wheel, and an AM/FM stereo radio.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” philosophy when developing the Mark III’s mechanical specifications. All buyers received a 460ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes. The Mark III was quite a heavy beast, but the motor’s ability to deliver a factory-quoted 365hp and a whopping 500 ft/lbs of torque provided surprisingly energetic performance. Some potential buyers may find the added engine bay bling disconcerting, but the seller says the deal includes the original valve covers and air cleaner. The listing text suggests that the Lincoln received significant recent mechanical work, but the seller doesn’t elaborate. However, they confirm that the car runs and drives perfectly.
Platform sharing is a common industry practice, but the Lincoln Continental Mark III demonstrated the possibilities of taking a largely unsuccessful model from one marque and adapting it to generate significant success wearing different badges and unique panels. The Ford Thunderbird experienced declining sales, but served as the foundation for the Mark III. Ford’s long-term ambition was to produce a Lincoln model that could outsell the Cadillac Eldorado, and the Mark III fulfilled that dream. This 1970 example is a beauty, and the seller’s price is realistic. If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a Lincoln, could this be a contender?
What a glorious looking ride! Ever so thankful it’s located on the wrong coast…that’s $1,500 of gas away, and I’d want to savor every mile of that drive…
As nice as this car appears, the best thing about it is it has beans to go along with those looks. The EPA regulations hadn’t castrated engines yet, so you got a 4-wheel Barca-Lounger (who needs bolsters? This ain’t a car for the race track) that could actually get out of its own way.
Tidy and clean Mark III. These were classy cars in their day, and are still impressive in their styling and presentation.
Read the craigslist ad for a chuckle. It has new “cooker” tires, and “WISKEY DENTS.” The seller wants you to keep your “offensive offers” (e.g. would you take $5000) and insane questions (e.g. does it go 0 to 60 in under 4 seconds) to yourself. The craigslist world…..
Good analysis and write-up Adam. Iacocca indeed has quite the resume.
Definitely not AI and entertaining.
I love it but it won’t fit in my garage. Front and rear bumpers are in different zip codes. Besides as already noted, it would cost a fortune in fuel costs to drive/ship it to Michigan. Looks very nice though.
It would look 1000% better with the correct wheel covers. The ones on it are 1980 and newer.
We had a ‘56 Mk. II for maybe 30 years. But the dang thing was a garage queen because our PrePortlandia weather was never kind to old black hardtops. A Midwesterner flew out and bought it. The car transporter loading was the last I saw of it.
Oh well. Live and learn.
Beautiful Mark…but at the supposed 52k why was the entire interior redone (maybe sat out in desert heat and baked it dry?)…where are the correct wheel covers and air cleaner? And the non factory body side mouldings need to go; ruins the beautiful sides of the car. And what the heck are wiskey dents??? Anyways, a nice piece of automotive history here for sure.
ad says he has the a/b v/covers ,side moldings are period corect,wire spoke wheel covers were hard to clean,i like the73 covers
Whiskey dents are caused when the owner is leaving the bar after consuming too many adult beverages and while backing out of the parking spot.. not seeing the car.. post..ditch or any other obstacle in the way. They normally are on old trucks and not nice Lincolns.
Wiskey dents are like tavern rash, usually occur while driving with a half a bag on.
There’s something just righteous about the white on white presentation of this grand machine. Damn!
As a Mark III owner, there are a lot of questions I’d like to ask but I’m sure the seller would consider them insane. I agree with everything that @NWMopar Man said. IMHO, it also would look better without the chrome exhaust extensions and correct whitewall width.
…nice Lincoln, for sure. I always found the (’72 (MK IV) to be much better looking, especially with it’s lower roofline and more curvaceous shape. Plus, the MK IV received the first opera windows…which would become so ubiquitous through the era.
Yes, Iacocca was an automotive marketing genius. Went-on to save Chrysler with the K-cars and related invention of the minivan.
“wiskey dents” Maybe on a pickup, those are Martini dents, the result of too long a stay at the club after a round of golf
Now this is frank cannon!
did he not drive a 73
He drove the Mark III in season 1. Starting with season 2 a fresh Mark IV was supplied each year through the show’s final season in 1976.
A white protective molding would’ve looked much better than black.
Other than that & the aforementioned air cleaner, beautiful car & not often seen.
Change the cheap side moldings , Wrong hub caps , and the extra wide whites. – they look a little too pimpy for me . Very classy looking car other wise.
you can buy it, all those things are easy to change
Back in the early to mid 80’s there was a company that went around to used car dealers and sold and installed cheap accessories like the body side moldings on this car. It was very cheap to have done but had huge mark-up potential plus it did help from getting door dents. The only problem with removing them is they drilled holes in the body to mount the metal part before installing the vinyl insert. Pin stripes were also cheap and quick so most cars got both.
I never desired to own one of these but this one could easily change my mind. Beautiful condition and I consider the price to be very realistic. I hope it gets a new owner that continues to baby it.
Wiskey dents are like tavern rash, usually occur while driving with a half a bag on.
In the mid 70s had 2 of these, 1 triple black (69) and 1 triple white (71) Called them ebony and ivory. Pre Stevie and Paul!