The year 1973 was a point of realization in the domestic automotive biz. Cars were becoming bigger and heavier, with a focus more on luxury, while power output was diminishing due to federally mandated emission control regs. No worries, just stuff an ever larger engine under the hood to keep that outsized rig a rollin’, right? Well, not so fast, as there’s more to the story than that. But for now, in late ’72 as the ’73 models, such as this Lincoln Continental Mark IV, were making their way to America’s showrooms, everything was hunky-dory. The seller refers to this outsized personal luxury coupe as a “clean, well-maintained classic.” Hmmm, let’s give it a review and decide. Bentonville, Arkansas, is where you’ll find it, and it’s available here on craigslist for $10,900. Barney gets a salute for this tip!

So, what was the realization that I alluded to? Well, after the Arab Oil Embargo of October 1973, the basic reality was “we gotta make these things smaller.” While the run-up in fuel prices wasn’t extreme by modern standards, it was notable for the continuity and consistency that had been maintained before this surprising and unexpected oil shock came knocking. I clearly recall waiting in line, long lines actually, to buy gas in February of 1974, and at one point said, “forget it,” and I made tracks by other means. That bigger-engine-to-move-more mass model was suddenly a bad idea. The Continental Mark, having gotten a promotion from Mark III to Mark IV status with the ’72 model, sold well in ’73, ringing up sales of 69K units. Things would scale back by 18% for ’74 – a fall off that’s not as steep as I would have expected.

These Mark IVs are big cars; they stretch out 233.3 inches in length while tipping the scale at almost 5,100 lbs. Some of that poundage is due to the new five MPH federally mandated front bumper requirement. Some manufacturers pulled this trick off better than others – FoMoCo wasn’t one of them. Still, a jutting jaw on a car this size works pretty well; it’s miserable on something smaller like a Maverick or a Pinto. Regarding this car’s appearance, the seller states:

BODY & CONDITION
• Clean car for its age
• Minimal rust for a 1973 Lincoln
• Nice lines and trim
• Good glass and chrome

Yeah, it looks pretty good. The finish still has a nice shine, the chrome bits possess a luster, the full vinyl top (so much better than that half-stack Landau rug IMO) is intact and doesn’t appear to be ingrained with dirt – the entire presentation reflects a car that has been well cared for and properly stored.

Overcoming resting inertia is a 208 net HP 460 CI (7.5 liter), “385 Series” V8 engine that is said to “start easily and run strong.” So much for efficiency, however, I guess. The seller adds, “Rebuilt front steering components, new suspension all around (front and rear coil springs), new shocks, front brakes rebuilt, new rear brake components during recent service, new engine starter, and tires (that) are two years old with good tread.” The Cruise-O-Matic, three-speed automatic transmission is said to “shift smoothly.”

Inside is about what you’d expect in a car of this stature – white leather upholstery. From what can be seen, it looks good. The mileage reading is 35K miles, and while there’s no claim to that recording, the driver’s seat shows a bit more wear than the passenger side, but that’s to be expected. The exceedingly wide dash has its share of faux wood trim, but that too is to be expected. The great plain’s sized dash top is unmolested, and the door panels do not indicate permanent elbow indentations or ground-in grip grime. Speaking of the doors, note how the ashtray for back seat passengers is in the rear edge of the door’s armrest. The doors on this baby are so long, I’m surprised Lincoln engineers didn’t consider hanging these things with three hinges instead of only two.

Why the sale? The seller tells us, “I no longer have the time to drive or tinker with my classics, and I need the garage space.” Well, he’s going to free up a ton of real estate once this Mark IV departs its berth, and that should be the next owner’s concern. This Lincoln is in such nice shape that it needs to be garaged. And that will be the first question to answer: Will it fit?