1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III Coupe (LHD)

Description

After a gap of more than ten years, Lincoln announced a successor to the exclusive Continental Mark II in 1968, the new Mark III aimed squarely at wealthy customers who might otherwise have bought a Cadillac Eldorado. Based on Ford’s Thunderbird, Lincoln’s new flagship was assembled at the same Wixom, Michigan plant and featured model-specific styling elements such as hidden headlamps, a different grille and the characteristic simulated spare tyre in the boot. A stylish personal luxury car, the Mark III came with the long list of standard features found on regular Continentals plus individually adjustable front seats, Flo-Thru ventilation and rear lamp monitoring. Under the massive bonnet the only engine choice was the big-block 460-cid V8 paired with Ford’s C6 automatic transmission. Given how well the new Mark III sold in 1969, Lincoln saw little need to make wholesale changes in 1970, adding recessed windscreen wipers and new wheel trims, Walnut interior trim panels and the seat controls relocated to the arm rests. The 1970 Mark III was also the first American-made vehicle fitted with radial tyres as standard equipment. For the Continental Mark III’s swansong in 1971 – in what was its Golden Anniversary, Lincoln added high-backed bucket seats, tinted glass and automatic climate-controlled air conditioning, along with SureTrack anti-lock brakes. Horsepower remained unchanged at 365 but the 460-cid V8 engine gained a more sophisticated thermostatic air cleaner assembly with associated ductwork. Sales almost matched the Eldorado at 27,091 for 1971 before the all-new Mark IV arrived the following year. Popular with celebrities, notable Continental Mark III owners included Elvis Presley and singer James Brown, while golfer Arnold Palmer served as a brand ambassador for Lincoln.