The Legacy of a Classic: 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III
Picture this: a 1969 Lincoln Continental Mark III cruising through the streets of Los Angeles, fresh off the showroom floor. Fast forward to 1985, where it finds a new home with the seller’s grandfather. Over the decades, this beauty made its way to Canada, nestled safely within the family until the current owner took the reins in 2021.
A Timeless Appearance
Draped in a stunning Medium Blue Metallic finish, this Mark III exudes vintage allure. Complementing its blue hue, you’ll notice the chrome trim detailing the grille, rocker panels, bumpers, and window surrounds. The pièce de résistance? A white vinyl roof complete with a faux spare-tire rear decklid hump. However, it’s worth noting that the power antenna is a bit rebellious, choosing not to cooperate these days, and the chrome plating does bear some signs of age.
Roll in Style
The wheels—15-inch beauties, to be exact—sport aftermarket wire covers, all snugly fitted with Nexen N’Priz thin-whitewall tires since 2021. But let’s not forget the under-the-hood essentials: power steering and a mix of front disc and rear drum brakes ensure this ride is as smooth as it is stylish. Recent updates include a new brake master cylinder and front rotors, a testament to the care this classic has received.
Inside the Cabin
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by dark blue leather upholstery, with six-way power-adjustable front seats that are as comfortable today as they were decades ago. Featured alongside the plush seating, woodgrain accents grace the steering wheel, dashboard, and door panels. Modern conveniences like power windows and locks, an overhead warning-light system, and a push-button AM/FM stereo add to the car’s charm. However, not everything is picture-perfect—some amenities like the air conditioning and certain power windows are in need of a little TLC.
Dashboard Essentials
The two-spoke steering wheel sits atop a tilting column, facing an array of rectangular housings that include a speedometer, analog clock, and an assortment of gauges for essentials like coolant temperature and fuel level. The odometer? Just shy of 56,000 miles—40,000 of which have been lovingly added by the current family.
Powering the Past and Future
Now, let’s talk about the heart of this beast: the 460ci V8 engine. Once powered by a factory-rated 365 horsepower and an impressive 500 lb-ft of torque, the engine has undergone some recent pampering, including a rebuild of the four-barrel carburetor, along with a new fan clutch, fuel tank, and sending unit as of October 2023.
Power flows to the rear wheels through a C6 three-speed Select-Shift automatic transmission, boasting a service update from 2021. The decades-old black coating on the underside emphasizes the Mark III’s journey through time.
Did you know? The Lincoln Continental Mark III was designed to compete directly with the Cadillac Eldorado, bringing full-sized luxury to a new level.
Decoding the Details
For the true enthusiasts, let’s break down the body tag:
- Body: 65A – Lincoln Continental Mark III
- Color: Q – Medium Blue Metallic paint
- Trim: 2BA – Dark Blue leather upholstery
- Axle: 6 – 3.00:1 conventional rear axle
- Transmission: U – C6 three-speed Select-Shift automatic
- DSO: 52 – Los Angeles ordering district
The Lotus might offer a different take on luxury, while a Porsche 718 Boxster is about spirited performance. But there’s something uniquely alluring about the grandeur of a classic like the Lincoln Mark III. It’s more than a car; it’s a time capsule, carrying memories and the craftsmanship of another era. The vehicle, now sold under its British Columbia registration, awaits its next chapter in a new garage.