The fifth generation Continental introduced in 1970 was the first new design in 9 years. They were built on the same platform as the full size Ford sedans but stretched to an impressive 127″ wheel base with a total length of 225″! The suicide doors were dropped, but it did get coil springs on each corner. This one, listed on craigslist in Norfolk, Virginia has been owned since new by the same family and is said to have covered only 29,000 miles. It appears to be completely original and complete. There’s no word on how long it was stored. Necessary mechanical work has been done and it is said to need very little work. They haven’t set a price but are selling for the best offer.
Things look pretty nice inside, at least in the pictures. It sure looks comfortable in there!
In 1972 the compression was lowered to 8.5 to 1, horsepower dropped from 365 to 212 HP. From what is visible in this picture, the engine looks clean and orderly.
The right side looks straight as well with matching paint and no signs of rust. Which do you think is longer, this Lincoln or the truck parked in front of it?
This Lincoln looks rather imposing in this picture. Is that a bit of rust on the bumper? If this Continental is as nice as it looks in the pictures, what do you think it might be worth (perhaps half what the owners think)? It looks like it’s ready to drive and enjoy. There are no doubt a few trouble spots and things like door seals likely need attention. Perhaps a brake or suspension upgrade might help keep this barge under control. Wouldn’t this be a great ride for cruising with friends and family? The only unpleasant aspects would be parking and fueling.
Soooooh comfortable. One finger steering yah!
My grandparents had the 1973 Town Car in white, with a dusty blue vinyl roof. ’73 was the year I was born, so it’s one of the cars I most associate with my childhood. They’d be backing out of the driveway after visits while we waved… and they’d “wave” back by blinking the headlight eyelids up and down, and flashing the brights.
Certainly not one of Lincoln’s best periods in terms of styling, but I have nothing but fond memories of these giant, lovable boats.
The biz – nothing, and I mean nothing rides like these 70s Ford’s
That’s not rust on the bumper, it’s a reflection of the grass below it
I bought a 77 LTD with 40k on it from my neighbors estate that past away. He only drove it about a 1/4 mile away to his bar, guy was 94. It took me awhile to get it to run smooth. It also had a 460 and the fold down headlights. Some of the vacuum hoses needed to be replaced and the break lines were dry rotted. Once that was fixed I was very impressed with the smoothness of the engine.
In 1973 I worked for Rose and Bench Lincoln Mercury in Dayton Ohio, (Yes, Pete and Johnny). There was a recall on these cars due to the plastic instrument panel would crack from the center A/C vent hole to the heater control opening or the radio opening. It was my job to replace the entire instrument carrier housing (the whole dash). The job paid 8 hours to do and often it would take all of that time.
These were very comfortable cars but, fuel economy was about 7~8 MPG I think.
Beeeeautiful car….and the seller didn’t put some ridiculous price on it…best offer…which my best offer would be 5K…..
Probably just me, but I tend to pass on the listings that have no price or “best offer”
I had a ’71 Coupe of this bodystyle in a mint green with dark green top and leather. Still had the original Michelin X tires in the late ’90s. Quite a torquey sled too. Nice, effortless, posi, burn outs on those old skins. Like a mega sized muscle car.
Funny thing. One of the lower gauges wouldn’t illuminate and it would blow the fuse. I got to tinkering and one of the original keys fell out and it worked fine after that.
This is surely a lovely car. I have fond memories of my father’s brown 1970 Continental (and wouldn’t mind finding one if the price were right). What I do remember about that car was that it sure had a whole lot of vacuum and electrical issues. I was still finding little blue Ford Motor Company boxes with D0- part numbers in the garage 10 years after he sold that car. Perhaps these aren’t as fragile as a M-B Grosser but if this is anything like the 70 that my father had in the early 70s, it might need a bit more than door seals.
Nice old Lincoln. I never have thought twice about a best offer listing. If the Seller is unwilling to put a price on something I’m sure not going to.
I really like these Continentals…handsome and substantial cars! I like the fuselage Imperials of the same era as well; I own a 73 2dr that is in beautiful condition.