1970 Lincoln Continental

Up for sale is a beautiful example of a Lincoln Mk III. These cars were only made for 3 years (1969-1971). This 57K mile 1970 model was lovingly restored by the previous owner who passed away. He had owned the vehicle since the early 70's and this car was his pride and joy. Prior to his death it received an extensive restoration that included new paint, interior, rebuilt drivetrain, and as much NOS trim and pieces that were available to him. All in all I'm told he spent near $30K dollars in the work done to this vehicle. I purchased the car from his widow earlier this year with uncertain plans for the car. I feel this car honestly belongs in the hands of someone who can appreciate it if not in the hands of a museum. The car is that nice.
Exterior:
Pictures don't do the car justice. The car was obviously disassembled with everything repainted the original Medium Ivy Green. Under the hood, under the trunk, and the door jams were painted and polished as well as the exterior. The paint is show quality and polished to near perfection. There are no dings or dents anywhere in the vehicle. I've only found one small chip in the paint the size of the tip of a finger nail in a front fender. All new chrome and trim were used in the restoration. The bumpers and chrome fender trim are absolutely perfect. No dents, no dings anywherethe car is straight as an arrow. This is paint quality that car guys dream of at night. Chrome grill was obviously rechromed or NOS as it is perfect. All emblems are new, the lower valance chrome is perfect and the chrome wheel well trim is flawless. At the same time the car was painted the car received a new black top. To my knowledge this is the correct, vintage material and not the newer vinyl or the vinyl you see on the late 60's-early 70's muscle cars. It is in of course perfect/new condition.
Interior:
The interior is the original 3G Dark Green in color (almost black it's so dark). The leather is dark and supple with no tears or rips. I'm not certain as to whether the leather itself was replaced in the restoration because this material is in incredible condition. One of the armrests has a small piece of the piping coming loose but that is the only interior flaw I can find. The factory gauges all work, even the factory clock works. The owner had the letters GR sewn into the upper area of the door panel (his initials) but I'm sure that could easily be removed. The door panels are perfect in condition with all switches and handles in like new condition. The front power windows work but the back two windows do not go down. I'm sure it's something simple but I haven't looked into it yet. it is equipped with an AM/FM 8 track unit but I have not tested it. The rubber door moldings, window felts/rubbers, etc are like new and I'm sure were replaced during the restoration. I had the windows tinted in June to protect from the Texas heat but prior to that the car had never received any window treatment at all.
Mechanical:
Looking under the car and in the engine bay it is clear that the drivetrain was pulled from the car. I have receipts for engine work but those aren't entirely clear. What is clear is the fact that the engine shows as close to showroom as possible. The paint on the engine block and oil pan are the correct Ford blue and was obviously redone at some point. The engine starts with ease and purrs with a deep but quiet rumble. No stumbling, no idle issues, simply starts and goes with ease. The exhaust system is all new and quiet as a luxury car should be. The transmission is the original C6 - 3 speed and shifts perfect. The power steering is quiet and steers with ease, there is almost no steering effort in the wheel and you can turn the car with one finger. I did upgrade this car to a Champion aluminum radiator, new thermostat, external transmission cooler and a pusher style electric fan to help with cooling as I planned to drive the car in the Texas heat. Those are the only changes to the car and I kept the original radiator in case the new owner wants it. The AC blows cold on a fresh charge but seems to leak down over several weeks. I had it inspected here locally and the shop could not find a leak. It perhaps may just need a fresh charge after the cooling upgrades and perhaps it just didn't like the 110 degree heat I was testing it in. I had new tires put on the vehicle in June. They may have 20 miles on them. The brakes are brand new with new rotors and pads and the big car stops with ease although with that old car boat like feel. The shocks, bushings, a arms and suspension components all look showroom with new components and paint everywhere underneath. It's astounding how clean this car is top to bottom.
Bottom line if you want as close to new Lincoln Mark 3 as possible this is your car. I truly wish pictures could show the attention to detail and level of restoration this car received. I simply couldn't pass up the chance to own it because I know I'll never have the chance again. It is a remarkable car to show or cruise. It will be the only one at the local car show because these cars aren't out there in this kind of condition. Feel free to call me with any questions: 432-528-4104. The car is for sale locally and I reserve the right to end the auction early.

Also published at eBay.com