For all his flaws, Lee Iacocca was a master salesman. Who knew better than most that by adding some relatively inexpensive automotive “tinsel” to a less prestigious model, he could create a vehicle that would entice the public to splash their cash on a car that offered the company a healthy profit. Such was the case with the 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III. By taking a Thunderbird and making relatively inexpensive sheetmetal changes, the company produced a car that finally knocked the Cadillac Eldorado off its perch as America’s highest-selling luxury model. This Mark III is an original survivor with 59,000 miles on the clock. It presents nicely, and is a turnkey proposition seeking a new home. The seller has listed the Lincoln here on Craigslist in Webster, New York. It could be yours for $14,987, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gem.
Iacocca’s confidence was riding high in 1965 as the world realized what a hit the Mustang was. The man could do no wrong and turned his eye to devising a vehicle that could challenge the Eldorado’s market supremacy. He was aware of budget constraints, directing Design Vice President Gene Bordinat to “put a Rolls-Royce grille on a Thunderbird.” The process was more involved than that, but Iacocca acknowledged that the “Pantheon” grille utilized by Rolls was one of the most recognizable features of a car that many considered set the benchmark in luxury motoring. The original owner ordered this first-year Mark III in Medium Blue with a Black vinyl top. The seller doesn’t mention prior restoration or repairs, suggesting this is an original survivor that has led a sheltered existence. The paint shines nicely, with no evidence of patchiness or serious deterioration. There are minor chips and marks, but nothing that justifies a cosmetic refresh. The vinyl exhibits some wear on the seam edges, but I think it could be revived without needing replacement. There is no visible rust, and the panels feature consistent gaps. The trim and chrome are in good order, and there are no issues with the tinted glass.
The interior shots leave me slightly confused because the first impression is positive. However, close inspection reveals what appears to be some odd deterioration on both front seat backs near the top inner edge. The problem is clearly visible in the above image, and the passenger seat shows a similar potential problem. It could be nothing, or it may indicate deterioration in the Black leather’s tanned surface. Consulting a specialist quickly would be wise if that’s the case because an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure when the subject turns to replacing seatcovers. Otherwise, there is nothing worth criticizing. The remaining upholstered surfaces are impressive, with only a few minor scuffs and marks. The dash and pad are spotless, and there is no carpet wear. Luxury appointments abound in this Continental, with the new owner receiving air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio.
Disappointingly, the seller supplies no engine photos. However, ordering a 1969 Mark III brought a 460ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Lincoln may have based the Mark III on the Thunderbird, but at 4,744 lbs, it was over 200 lbs heavier than its more humble cousin. The V8 produces 365hp and 500 ft/lbs of torque, and this car needs every available pony to provide respectable performance. The Continental’s initial acceleration figures are marginally slower than an equivalent Eldorado’s, but it could match it for top speed while returning 20% better fuel consumption. That made it a worthy competitor to the all-conquering Cadillac. This Continental is in excellent mechanical health. The seller doesn’t indicate whether they hold evidence for the odometer claim of 59,000 original miles. They recently replaced the tires, filters, fluids, and spark plugs. The car runs and drives perfectly and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
The Continental Mark III was one of the most significant models in Lincoln’s history. Its sales success saw it topple the Eldorado from its seat of power for the first time. More importantly, it transformed the company’s fortune, with its bottom line showing a profit after years of losses. It seemed to seal Lee Iacocca’s reputation as an automotive genius, although many will question that due to developments in the 1970s. Our feature car is a tidy survivor, and my only surprise is that it hasn’t found a buyer after over two weeks on the market. Perhaps the wrong eyes have been looking, and it needs a knowledgeable Barn Finds reader to give it a new home. Are you a candidate?
Cannon, a Quinn Martin production. 1st time we saw a phone in a car. Wow, we thought, just think. In the series, Frank Cannon ( William Conrad) drove a ’71 Mark lll this color and was needed to cart his big frame around. These were the epitome of the Gentlemans Cruisers. Sorry ladies, the vintage car culture was horribly racist then. Nice cars.
Howard, actually the first time we (Or I, anyway) saw a car phone on the tube was in 1961 in the short run series Shannon.
Burkes law and the green hornet along with the batman all had car phones as did get smart.
The first time I saw a car telephone was on The Adventures of Superman. Perry White’s car had one in his back in 1951. Unknown model car.
Didn’t Broderick Crawford have a car phone (mobile phone) in his 1952-53 Buick on the early 1950s TV show “Highway Patrol?”
As the show continued and they upgraded to the newer year/s models those cars always had “Red” interiors (not blue) which I thought was crazy and I still do!
According to Ford’s “Car Buying Made Easier” books, they never offered Blue/Red combo.
Not racist. Sexist. And my Mom had a block-long T-bird while Dad drove a Datsun pickup.
Wow Cannon!!! That brings backs some memories!!! And the car phone too!!!. I remember a couple of Blue Lincolns. I also think he drove a couple of different Broncos in some episodes too if my memory is correct. These were classy cars, and Ford really had a great idea sharing the T Bird platform.
It makes me wonder why Ford doesn’t share the Mustang platform with Lincoln now and make a luxury tourer, a halo car. They could even make it a two seater to further distinguish it.
As a youth, this was the car that I wanted. Mustangs and Cameros never did it for me. My generation is dying now. I hope this car finds an owner who will appreciate it.
My favorite “Hot Wheels” car was a neon green Mark III.
The hood opens also…I have it
I thought 1968 was the debut of the mark 3? CRS and senility must be setting in.
Your CRS is just fine because the Mark lll was introduced in April of ’68 as a ’69 model. Now where did I put my keys?
It was!!
Adam my guess regarding the damage on the seats was caused by a neurotic pooch impatiently waiting for their owner.
These Mark IIIs (not 3s) were introduced as 1968 1/2s, without headrests. But, with big headlight dimmers, outside ON THE hood. Dean Martin’s campy “Matt Helm,” with ditzy sidekick Sharon Tate, introduced theseminor. to the public in a metallic apricot color. I think three were provided to the film makers. One was wrecked, and one came-up for sale, in Los Angeles, anout 20 years ago. An interior “mock-up” was also used, and turns up in other movies and TV shows. I.E. Anne Baxter in a “Columbo” episode playing a murderous movie star. Her character drives a rather pimpy Mark IV. Before Mercedes, BMWs and Lexus really took-over the luxury market, these Marks represented real aspirational prestige. My late dad said they were almost cheaper per pound, than filet minon.
My favorite “Hot Wheels” car was a neon green Mark III.
Gavin, no big surprise that you like green Marks, but I would have thought your favorite might have been the one you bought for your lovely wife Madeline.
Mady had a ’58 bronze Jaguar Mk. VIII, saloon. Midge had a Karmann Ghia. Scotty had a ’56 de Soto.
Scotty was a “mark” of sorts for you, as well. You knew he’d get “green” climbing those stairs.
Your CRS is just fine because the Mark 3 was introduced in April of ’68 as a 69 model. Now where did I put my keys?
“Hello, Frank Cannon. What? You want me to look into a bank robbery? Have Barnaby Jones look into it while I look into Betty. Besides, Barnaby drives a LTD and I have this Lincoln.”😆
Nice colors but I always thought Cannon drove a silver Mark unless it was in the later years. Only Quinn Martin can answer that one.
It was a shade or two lighter blue when I watched the show a couple nights ago.
Robert, I think you and Karl might need to check out the new RCA ColorTrak. Samantha Eggar’s eyes are green, her hair is auburn and her dress is vivid red, and Frank Cannon’s Mark IV is Silver Moondust.
Getting the color right is what RCA’s exclusive ColorTrak system is all about. It’s a remarkable development that actually adjusts color and keeps it on Trak.
Before you see the color, the ColorTrak system grabs it, aligns it, defines it, sharpens it, tones it and locks the color on Trak.
RCA is making television better and better.
Most were Blue in season one, episode #22 “The Torch” a Lt.Greeen/Black (?) then back to Blue.
You can if you have the D.V.D. box set!
You can if you have the D.V.D. box set!
Great looking cars and the one that prompted my dad to get a 73 Mark IV. This is a really attractive color combo and a great write up. The only thing that’s bugging me condition wise and maybe it’s my eyes playing tricks on me but the drivers door seems a bit off color wise compared to the fender and quarter panels? Could just be me though. Nice car and seems like a fair price.
Glad someone else noticed that. Looked at it for a long time trying to figure it out. Thought it was my eyes.
Even Joe Mannix had a car phone in his Dodge Dart convertible, at the start of his series, to speak to his beautiful assistant Peggy.
Really? Peggy his assistant? Joe Mannix worked for Lou Wickersham at Intertek, and had no assistant until later when he went on his own.
That was the first season when Joe drove that hideously ridiculous Barris Toronado.
That was the first season, before Lucall Ball stepped in and revamped the format to keep the show from being cancelled.
Guess the writer of this never designed, built, or did real bodywork to a car. Judging by the first part of the article. Or is this person a ford hater? Not an easy process to us a chassis from a car and make it another car. Ever hear of Lexus, Acura etc.?
IMHO, it appears a dog has decided to chew on the seat backs. Not a cheap fix.
On some of the Mark III’s that were sold in the north might have the KH anti skid system. I had one in Detroit and enjoyed testing when I found a fresh snow fall in the morning. It would maintain the Mark on a straight line every time. It saved me on the Ohio Turnpike when a woman who had stopped pulled out in front of me with only about 100 yards in front. I believe without it we would have collided. It was an extra $1,100.00 so not a lot of these Marks had it. If this mark has it there will be a black plastic box attached to the bottom of the glove box
It looks like animal damage to the interior… too bad.
We aren’t big fans of these, but Ford certainly took it to GM with this. We read old car magazines from the day, almost every report and comparison favored the Mark III over the Eldorado. We think the Eldo had the edge on looks, at least.
I’ll try to go you guy’s one better. Remember the telephone and television option equipted SSJ versions of the earlier Pontiac Grand Prix’s ???
Had a 70 Mark lll in 92. Paid $500 for it from a buddy’s dad. Wasn’t as “nice” as this one, but not bad either. Had the typical rust prone areas and electrical issues. It would out run most. Had the “Sure Track” anti-lock rear brakes…that of course didn’t work. Brown metallic paint matching Brown vinyl roof and Saddle tan interior. Sold it a couple years after acquiring it…for $500. I still have a picture of her along with the build sheet I found under the rear seat. Wish I could find her…if she’s still out there, but probably not.
Happy New Year folks!
My first Lincoln was one like this except mine was dark blue with a matching interior. Wish I still had it.
Very nice surviving example, I must say; very nicely-kept and equipped, too! I see it also has the electric-eye pod, noting the auto-dim option. Where the Marks are concerned, the humpback Mark III (as opposed to the ’58 Mark III, which Ford wanted to forget about), is probably my favorite, with the subsequent Mark IV a close second.
There are, however, some modest inaccuracies regarding the posted history, particularly where the comparisons with the Eldorado are concerned. First off, the Eldo didn’t have much of a history yet, being on the market for only a year-and-a-half by the time the Mark III debuted. Second, the Mark III never bested the Eldo in sales, although in ’71–its last year–it came close: In that year it fell off by only about 200 unit sales…but in that year Eldorado was also selling a ‘vert option. Coupe-for-coupe, the Mark III outsold Eldo by over 6,000 units in ’71. It wasn’t until ’72, with the Mark IV, that Eldo was finally beaten, and remained so for the rest of that decade.
There’s no doubt that Iacocca was a whiz salesman; he could make dreadfully-made cars very popular (think Pinto, though I still feel that car got more vitriol than was warranted). He had a good knack to sell stuff, which probably helped make sure the Mustang did not meet the same fate Studebaker’s Avanti did before it.
160k
2 different colors.
The early Mark III’s were produced in mid 1968. They did not have head rests . the eye for dimming the lights was an option and the ignition switch was on the dash. This is the model I purchased from KH and was the president’s company car when new. I had the light green with a black top. I never saw a Mark III without a cloth top.