This is really one of my favorite channels. And the funny part is, most of these cars are not my favorite cars. BUT : 1. I do really like them. 2. Adam's examples are so nice and such low mileage. 3. Adam's knowledge blows me away.
He doesn't idolize the cars while they may be his personal. Favorites he is very honest about any shortcomings in quality or performance. I think we respond to an honest appraisal and the info presented from Adam and his friendly conversational manner. I really enjoy this channel.
Me too, these aren't the cars I had posters of on my bedroom wall. I think I like them because I simply like cars, especially stuff you don't see every day like these. Ironically, the cars I do like and have aren't rare at all really.
@@brandonmorris2513 haha, there ya go. I'm almost done restoring a 1984 Camaro Z28, most people that see it think it's been done for 5 years. I'm at nit-picking stage where it's never really done. My other car is a 05 Mustang GT with 30 something thousand miles that doesn't need anything, I used to have a car that you normally don't see many of. It was an 04 Grand Prix GTP with the competition group package or sometimes Comp-G for short, I loved it
The Mk.III was so much more high quality and elegant than the IV... I wonder if customers were as disappointed as I would have been? I'm old enough to remember the MK.IV's when they were new... And even as a kid, I wasn't impressed. But those III's were the dog's balls, as far as I was concerned.
Hey Adam, of all your gorgeous automobiles, these two are my favorites with the Mark lll out front!!! I'm sure that Frank Cannon is smiling down on you!!! 👍👍🙂
I have wanted a 1969 Mark III since they were introduced. Just a magnificent looking automobile. The '69 was the only year of the turbine hubcaps and the metal interior air vents.
Nice detailed tour of the two. The hydraulic wipers - so cool, first time I've heard of them. '69 and '72 - also first and last times we went to the moon.
Yes, Lincoln Mark videos are a real treat - and especially such excellent examples. These were considered the best cars you could buy in the era. Mercedes was more “exclusive” but Americans preferred the more expressive styling, and quietness/smooth ride for long trips. Comparing the two, I’d say the Mark IV looked more sporty because of the rakish windshield, tumble home and sloping rear window.
A wonderful comparison of these two cars, Adam, thank you. Having owned an early '69 like yours, a few comments. First, the driving experience is unlike any other -- quiet, smooth, torque, all while sitting in a beautifully finished interior. Second, the '69 AM/8-track had a cross over speaker system with 5 speakers: one in the dash, one in each front door armrest, and two on the rear package tray, for true "concert hall" sound. (My early '69 also had a two-slot tape holder under the dash.) Thirdly, these cars, as wonderful as they, are fiendishly complicated. Fourth, the headrests were optional on cars built before 01/01/69, and standard equipment per Federal law after that. My car also had leather upholstery, and the headrests were covered with it too, the only FoMoCo product of the era that way, I believe. Lastly, your car has the clock with Arabic numerals, also signifying it's an early '69; effective with approximately 12/15/68 production, the Cartier clock, which had Roman numerals, became standard.
I admire and appreciate the Mark IV, but the Mark III is on a different level. These are among the first cars I ever fell in love with, and remain enamoured with them today. The cash buyer in Connecticut story reminds me of stories I've heard of my great grandfather who had one of the ragtop four-door continentals in Boston who also paid cash... Thank you for bringing up the 60s thunderbirds! They're really nice cars too, and are almost wholly ignored today. The fastback roof on the 70 and 71 I'd really cool and makes for a jumbo muscle car. I'd love to see some video on any thunderbirds.
I don't get it --- what's the implication of someone in Connecticut paying cash for the car? Was Connecticut a major hub for bank robberies, drug-dealing, or organized crime in the late '60's and early '70's...?
Thank you for an informative review video. I am glad you mentioned the Ford Thunderbird connection. It became more evident with Lincoln Mark IV and again the 1980's and the succeeding generations. Then it was Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and Lincoln Mark VII and VIII. I liked Mark V the best. I liked Mark VIII and was not fond of Mark VII. I had no idea the 1969 Mark III had so much and offered so much. When I see the Mark IV in your video and I think of Cannon.
The actor’s personal car was a custom version with a taller roof and a stretch to perfect proportions. Silver, like his on screen whip. He was the Derby Parade Grand Marshal in 1976 and it was parked in front of the Galt House hotel here in Louisville.
I remember when i was a kid when my grandfather was test driving a Mark IV and being the curious type, I opened the glove box and wondered "Huh. What does this button do?" I poked it and lo and behold! the trunk popped open! He had to get out at a red light and close it. Not only did he buy that car, but owned a Lincoln Mark series for the rest of his life. I've always loved those cars...
Great episode of two near perfect autos. The Mark III exudes class. I remember the magazine ads for it back in 68-69 ... they defined what rich must look like for me. The Mark IV is just gorgeous. It might not have matched the quality of the III, but it sure was prettier than any other car on the road.
As a young teenager I remember these cars like yesterday and friends of my family owned them. The dark interiors were very oppressive. Then boom came the OPEC crisis. Overnight these land yachts were laid up and then crushed. Those that survived became pimp mobiles and spoiled. Wonderful to see yours, unmolested, shared for us to enjoy. Nothing better than to listen to a passionate owner/custodian. Thank you.
Thanks for a great presentation of these classic cars. I used to drive a 1975 T-bird which is a close relative of the Mark IV. Still love the style. Though it wasn’t an easy car to live with in today’s world. In a way the 60s-70s was a golden age of car design.
My friend's parents had a 1969 Mark 111. I rode in it many times. I was fascinated by the lights over the back seat, so the driver could look in the rear view mirror, and see that the rear tail lamps, and turn signals were operating. This same family also had a new 1969 Shelby GT 500 mustang. I rode in that car also, very quickly, holding onto the roll bar in the rear. Great commentary on two very beautiful cars, learned about the distinctions on the two models.
Excellent installment! Just an observation, if I might. While I've always loved the Mark lll, the styling is rather, well, baroque, when the contemporary Eldorado was astonishingly clean. The Mark lV moved to very clean styling, while the Eldorado went baroque!
Adam, With the Mark III in maroon, the Mark IV never had a chance😉 I would also add that time and time again your detailed videos show that cars from the 60s were more solid than the comparable models from the 70s.
Adam, you are correct! There was no escaping the bodyside protection moldings during these years. If they weren't on the cars from the factory, owners would take them to Sears and have the automotive department add them, along with bright, shiny door edge guards. Lincoln's "Body Protection Package" ruined the looks of a whole generation of cars but that's the way things were back in the day. Love the Mark III's elegant interior. As for the Mark IV, all I see inside is tacky plastic not befitting a premium luxury car, must be the finance guys!
I love the image of the QA inspectors going through an entire container of front seats, completely baffled. "They _all_ have this rumpled stitching by the headrest! What is going _on_ at that seat factory?!" My favorite weird ignition placement was in the '97 Saab I used to have. It was on the center console next to the gearshift lever. A guy in the service department at the dealership where I bought it claimed that they put it there so you couldn't smash your knee into it in a crash, but I don't know if it's really true.
I had a 73 Mercury Marquis Brougham Coup in about 1977 as a hand me down from my parents. But I loved the look of these Continentals, especially from 73 or so through 78. A great looking car.
My boss had a brand new black on red '69 and every Friday I would take it and get it washed and gassed up for the weekend. All the guys would come over and check it out. It was top of the line back then. Even today it commands respect.
My dad had the 68 T bird 2 door that color palette actually black inside. Same hubcaps too. 429 Engine it was a nice car we drove from Toronto to Banff in thing and back.
Back in the early 1980s a friend of mine had a ‘71 four-door Thunderbird. 1971 was the last year of the four-door T-birds. Yes, that car was luxurious. Several of us took it camping to the Winnipeg Folk Festival in ‘82. That FoMoCo air conditioning provided an occasional reprieve from that July in Manitoba heat out on the treeless campground! That Mark III is sublime.
I have a 1970 Mark 3, I agree with you on the quality of build, I’ve owned Cadillacs all of my collecting life, then I picked up this Mark 3 Wow what a difference.
11:04 Oomph is a word my father used on me when he wanted more effort and I’ve used the word my whole life and that’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone else use it in the same context .. Hands down this is my new most favorite TH-cam Automotive channel
100% on point! Our 1970 Mk III was a superb automobile. Pastel Green, Dk Green top, light green (wild paisley) fabric interior. The build quality was excellent for a massed produced car. The fit and finish very tight. Unlike the Eldo, the seats were very supportive and you could drive long distances without fatigue. The suspension seemed much tighter and more nimble than an Eldo. Very fast and powerful engine. The car was not too bad in the curves with more control and less lean. No distortion looking through the rear window as on the Eldo. Much more dependable than our Cadillacs of this era that were seemingly always in need of this or that. The only creature comfort I would have liked would have been Cornering lights. They just make driving at night in general and looking for an address at night in particular a much better experience. (All the Cadillacs had them from 1962). My neighbor got a 1972 Mk IV as soon as the debuted. It seems as though every Lincoln dealership in Atlanta only ordered them in Triple-Black, Silver, or White. Crazy. Anyway, the neighbor's was silver. Just as you said, the richness of the interior was not up to that of the MK III. It was very impressive to look down that long hood, but I kept thinking about city parking. The Mk III was easy. I never did drive a Mk IV to my knowledge, and everyone I knew that had one loved it. And hey, by then they had Cornering lights! Yours looks good with the Mustang floor mats!
Gosh I love both of these. I prefer the styling of the Mark iv. But I prefer the build quality of the Markiii. Tough choice. Really good to see you review them side by side.
Loved these! When I was a kid it got me away from Cadillac. One thing was It didn't come with the hood ornament none of them did until the Mark IV. The Mark III was made until 1971-1/2. Mark IV started in 1971 1/2 and had no opera window. My 1968 Lincoln's power steering went out and no one wanted to fix it. I drove it for a year without.
You talked about Thunderbird. Fun fact. My bro used to live near Philadelphia for a couple of years , and i visited him back in 1997. He was housed in a granmother's house, so was i too. She had a 1985 Thunderbird, not the sexiest car, but she had a big block inside. Once she took me for a ride for shopping... She was in her 80's... Jeeez...Since that day i have grey hairs. She drove it like she was alone on the planet earth and showed me how powerful was the engine. Great lady, bad driver 😁
I have a 71 Mark 3 and you taught me a few things about it I did not know. They will never make car doors with the bank vault hinges on the Mark 3 ever again.. The Mark 4 doors are half the mass I would bet. Great Video.
There were so many mid-year changes in the 1969 b/c it was actually on sale in April 1968 - quite an extended year / those early models (7700 of them) were titled as 69s, so that's what gave the Mark III a win over the Eldo. Still, for Lincoln, which in those days was a distant second to Cadillac, the Mark series gave them real bragging rights: always at least toe to toe with the Eldo and often beating it. Always loved the first gen. There was a time when my allegiance shifted to the 'puff of air' styling on the Mark IV, but I've come back around to the sheer quality,comparative package rationality (and individualism) of the III.
You say the MkIII is the more angular, but it has the most stylish +subtly curved “raised hips” seen from the side - very reminiscent of the RR Corniche (together with the “RR grill”). Fact is both cars are just beautiful and important survivors of their time, more than 50 years ago. You are a most knowledgeable custodian of these vehicles and it is wonderful that people can still enjoy seeing them being driven on the roads. I’ve loved these cars ever since I started watching my favourite detective show, Cannon, as a teenager in the 70s here in the UK. I believe Frank drove both models - the MkIII in the early shows, then the Mk IV.
Great! I heard you say you will drive both the Marks. I've been especially looking forward to a drive video of the III my favorite of all classic cars. This will be even better with your wonderful detailed commentary as you drive both. Can't wait!
Always thought of those Mark IIIs as maybe about THEE best build quality of any post 1966 American car. Can't think of one that was better. Found it funny that these were around 600-800 pounds heavier than my larger '71 Lincoln Town Coupe!
My Grandfather worked for Packard building Merlin aircraft engines during WWII. Later he moved on to Ford and eventually retired from Budd. I miss those Michigan summers.
Both are beautiful...but the Mark III is in a class by itself...especially the 1969s with a blue-printed (i.e. individually balanced) 460-V8. Overall build quality was the highest of ANY Mark - other than the Mark II (which was priced on par with Rolls Royce).
Great Video. Like many on here, I owned an early production 69 for about 20 years. Such a fantastic car. The build quality was just better than anything of that era. I have always had a soft spot for the 72, as I think it is beautiful. Love how the bumpers were so well integrated into the design... ruined by regulations in 1973. Well done.
Thanks so much for the up-close look at these great cars, Adam! The Mark III had such great material quality throughout that made it a real standout for an American car when it was introduced. The interior was designed by a gentleman with the last name of Brunn. Before being employed by Ford, he was originally of the famed Brunn body company which built custom bodies for Lincoln during the classic era of the 1920's through the late 1930's. I'd like to think he was assigned to this project because of the fine detail and quality execution that Ford wanted to bring to the Mark III. The full instrumentation, ( Isn't there a genuine Cartier clock?) real wood trim, fine quality leathers, wool carpeting and extra sound insulation were a contemporary production attempt to replicate the fine quality of the 1956 & 1957 Mark II Continentals which were "cost is no object" and practically hand-built. I remember reading when the Mark III was introduced that Ford spent an unheard of amount of money producing that neo-classic radiator shell and die cast grille. The Mark IV, while a truly beautiful design is just not of the same quality. The thin, stamped aluminum trim pieces all over the greenhouse and Torino-grade interior materials all fit together well - but they say FORD, not Lincoln. The differences speak to the early 70's cost cutting which was going on due to inflation. I love that the Mark IV was a "longer, lower, wider" execution of the Lincoln Mark design and so did all those buyers of these very successful cars. Cheers!
Adam, great videos as usual, and your 72 video last year allowed me to actually entertain the idea of owning one. Last July I purchased 40k garage kept 76. So happy to have been able to enjoy it for over a year now. Do you own, or have any friends who own, a TBird of the same generation? I've had conversations with others about them, I think Ford did a better job with the rear end finish than Lincoln. Love to see your take on it if you can come up with a comparable Thunderbird.
You can see a lot of that sound-deadening material that Ford built into the Mark III in the last act of the film The French Connection as NYPD Narcotics Detectives Popeye Doyle & Buddy Russo disassemble the interior of a beautiful dark brown one owned by a heroin smuggler, released in 1971.
Muito interessante, o nível de conforto parece ser muito bom. Aqui no Brasil a Ford ofereceu o Ford Galaxy 4 portas muito bom era o carro mais luxuoso na época, foi fabricado aqui de 1968 a 1981.
Never really was a ford guy (although some mercury's are on the wishlist), but love the MKIII, Own a 69 as well from bought it with 21k miles from Nevada in 1997 and shipped it to the Netherlands. Drives like a dream, more comfortable and silent than my 29k mile 65 Cadillac cdv.
As a GM brat/blueblood growing up in a GM town Dayton Oh having friends from Ford Town Cleveland Oh always had a soft spot for Blue oval and you Adam have reinforced my soft spot
I had both a 69 and a 73, really liked both. The 69 was my favorite. I currently have an 83 rolls royce and would trade it for either of these Lincoln’s in equal condition.
My dad had a 69, 70 and 71 Mark III all at the same time, one of them was the exact color of yours, the other was a 50K garage kept original that was a greenish color and his favorite was the 71 which had a factory sun roof and was white. I swear the doors on those things weighed 500lbs and closed with a very satisfying 'clunk'. Driving down the road was like sitting on a sofa, they would cruise effortlessly at 70+ and were whisper quiet. He eventually sold them all to a collector and began dabbling in old trucks.
I have to say your videos on the 1969 Mark are outstanding and gave me insight I was unaware of. I was thirteen then and felt the 69-71 Mark was a little much. Now I understand that 69-71 is far superior because of your video.
Generally speaking, we do prefer the lines of the Mark IV, but the build and component quality of the Mark III is superior. Thanks for showing us these for comparison.
That 69 back seat, wow. A true sofa. Nice 'Stang mats in the 72. Those closure sounds are most excellent indeed. The fuel fill behind the plate is a hassle. A remnant of the old full service gas station days. Dealing with that on a regular basis would not be a luxury experience.
The 2 favorite years of mine. I had a 73 Mark IV I miss it. It decided to catch on fire in the drivers door panel one night and luckily the fire went out on its own after melting the dash and headliner and cracked the new windshield I recently replaced this happened in March of 2022 Ins co totaled it Glad the fire went out out on its own because it was parked next to my 1970 thunderbird
My old '68 Cougar had that same faux 'woodgrain' cap over the driver's (facing) side of the steering wheel rim/hoop, but was on the standard issue two spoke wheel with a horn 'ring.' And I'm surprised that I never noticed that canvas-like, or canvas-looking, material on the roofs of those, before seeing it in your videos a few times. There must be a not-too-inconvenient spot where you can stick a relay in the '72, and connect its Primary Circuit to Ignition On power. Bonus points if you can also add a connection to the Primary circuit from the dome light with a timer, and the surely requisite diode to keep the Key On power from transferring over to the dome lights, so that the seat can be moved when you first open the door, and perhaps for another minute, so you can adjust the seat after sitting and before powering up the car. Of course once the car is powered up, so would be the seat controls. Point being that the seats would not be powered after parking the car and walking away - except for the 45 or 60 seconds afforded by the afore-mentioned timer.
Goodday Adam, What a great video, my all time favorite Lincoln Continental Mark III. What is not to love about them. Everything about them is awesome. Love to grab a 1970 version with the 1969 Hubcaps on it. Thank you for the comparison. Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤
Adam you are absolutelly right about everything,the Mark 3 was the best car in the world by a mile,my opinion though as a child back then was that the Mark 3 was way too baroque for the times and the Mark 4 came as not only as scary imposing but ultra-modern. The 70s in my eyes came with a boom in technology,supersonic jets,man on the Moon,computers and the fantastic cars that arrived back then played the part very well. Just my opinion though.
Interesting tidbit about The Budd Co doing the sheet metal on the Mark IV. Budd built passenger rail cars and they also built car bodies for Buick ambulances back in the day.
I cut my teeth on these as a young mechanic back in the mid 70s. These really were world class cars. GM made some decent stuff and the Chrysler Imperial was no slouch either. Too bad the Chrysler had rust and quality issues because on paper it was the best in show. GM, being GM, they cut corners and came up short in just about every aspect in this arena. These Lincoln's held up better than average as well, just minor affordable repairs. The El Dorado had major front end issues that became prohibitively expensive to fix if you ignored it. Cool vid. Thanks!
Hello Adam, I love those cars and guess what I have the exact same one in color but it is a 1970 and I also have a 1969 dark Gray in color and 1971 Forest green with white leather interior white top. Thank you for doing a walk around of them. Mine have been garaged for the last 18 years but i do take out the Gray one from time to time and drive around the block.
This is really one of my favorite channels. And the funny part is, most of these cars are not my favorite cars. BUT : 1. I do really like them. 2. Adam's examples are so nice and such low mileage. 3. Adam's knowledge blows me away.
He doesn't idolize the cars while they may be his personal. Favorites he is very honest about any shortcomings in quality or performance. I think we respond to an honest appraisal and the info presented from Adam and his friendly conversational manner. I really enjoy this channel.
His number is subs is growing too. He is over halfway to getting the silver plaque
Me too, these aren't the cars I had posters of on my bedroom wall. I think I like them because I simply like cars, especially stuff you don't see every day like these. Ironically, the cars I do like and have aren't rare at all really.
@@irocitZ Pretty much myself as well. I grew up in the 80's and 90's and had Pontiac Grand Prix's , Mustang's , IROC's etc. on my walls.
@@brandonmorris2513 haha, there ya go. I'm almost done restoring a 1984 Camaro Z28, most people that see it think it's been done for 5 years. I'm at nit-picking stage where it's never really done. My other car is a 05 Mustang GT with 30 something thousand miles that doesn't need anything, I used to have a car that you normally don't see many of. It was an 04 Grand Prix GTP with the competition group package or sometimes Comp-G for short, I loved it
The Mk.III was so much more high quality and elegant than the IV...
I wonder if customers were as disappointed as I would have been?
I'm old enough to remember the MK.IV's when they were new... And even as a kid, I wasn't impressed.
But those III's were the dog's balls, as far as I was concerned.
Thanks Adam another terrific walk down memory lane. So refreshing hearing such a knowledgeable guy speak so unbiased.
Thank you
Mustard and burgundy are very nice colours for these cars.
Two nice luxury super-heavyweights.
Hey Adam, of all your gorgeous automobiles, these two are my favorites with the Mark lll out front!!! I'm sure that Frank Cannon is smiling down on you!!! 👍👍🙂
And if not, then perhaps Freddy "Boom Boom" Cannon will smile down upon you instead!
Yes! Loved those Frank Cannon Mark IV cars with the mobile phones in them.
I have wanted a 1969 Mark III since they were introduced. Just a magnificent looking automobile. The '69 was the only year of the turbine hubcaps and the metal interior air vents.
Nice detailed tour of the two. The hydraulic wipers - so cool, first time I've heard of them.
'69 and '72 - also first and last times we went to the moon.
Yes, Lincoln Mark videos are a real treat - and especially such excellent examples.
These were considered the best cars you could buy in the era. Mercedes was more “exclusive” but Americans preferred the more expressive styling, and quietness/smooth ride for long trips.
Comparing the two, I’d say the Mark IV looked more sporty because of the rakish windshield, tumble home and sloping rear window.
A wonderful comparison of these two cars, Adam, thank you. Having owned an early '69 like yours, a few comments. First, the driving experience is unlike any other -- quiet, smooth, torque, all while sitting in a beautifully finished interior. Second, the '69 AM/8-track had a cross over speaker system with 5 speakers: one in the dash, one in each front door armrest, and two on the rear package tray, for true "concert hall" sound. (My early '69 also had a two-slot tape holder under the dash.) Thirdly, these cars, as wonderful as they, are fiendishly complicated. Fourth, the headrests were optional on cars built before 01/01/69, and standard equipment per Federal law after that. My car also had leather upholstery, and the headrests were covered with it too, the only FoMoCo product of the era that way, I believe. Lastly, your car has the clock with Arabic numerals, also signifying it's an early '69; effective with approximately 12/15/68 production, the Cartier clock, which had Roman numerals, became standard.
"fiendlishly complicated" lol.😁
I had a 1978 town coupe with a quadraphonic 8 track! Not powerful, but sounded great with a compatible tape!
"Fiendishly Complicated" is the best description I've seen. It's as if Ford had too many engineers, and Iacocca let them run wild.
I admire and appreciate the Mark IV, but the Mark III is on a different level. These are among the first cars I ever fell in love with, and remain enamoured with them today. The cash buyer in Connecticut story reminds me of stories I've heard of my great grandfather who had one of the ragtop four-door continentals in Boston who also paid cash...
Thank you for bringing up the 60s thunderbirds! They're really nice cars too, and are almost wholly ignored today. The fastback roof on the 70 and 71 I'd really cool and makes for a jumbo muscle car. I'd love to see some video on any thunderbirds.
I don't get it --- what's the implication of someone in Connecticut paying cash for the car? Was Connecticut a major hub for bank robberies, drug-dealing, or organized crime in the late '60's and early '70's...?
You just answered your own question !!! You GOT the implication ….. lololol
I love the Mark III in the movie, “The French Connection”, it was a character on its own.
Thank you for an informative review video. I am glad you mentioned the Ford Thunderbird connection. It became more evident with Lincoln Mark IV and again the 1980's and the succeeding generations. Then it was Ford Thunderbird, Mercury Cougar, and Lincoln Mark VII and VIII. I liked Mark V the best. I liked Mark VIII and was not fond of Mark VII. I had no idea the 1969 Mark III had so much and offered so much. When I see the Mark IV in your video and I think of Cannon.
The actor’s personal car was a custom version with a taller roof and a stretch to perfect proportions. Silver, like his on screen whip. He was the Derby Parade Grand Marshal in 1976 and it was parked in front of the Galt House hotel here in Louisville.
I remember when i was a kid when my grandfather was test driving a Mark IV and being the curious type, I opened the glove box and wondered "Huh. What does this button do?"
I poked it and lo and behold! the trunk popped open!
He had to get out at a red light and close it.
Not only did he buy that car, but owned a Lincoln Mark series for the rest of his life. I've always loved those cars...
Great episode of two near perfect autos. The Mark III exudes class. I remember the magazine ads for it back in 68-69 ... they defined what rich must look like for me. The Mark IV is just gorgeous. It might not have matched the quality of the III, but it sure was prettier than any other car on the road.
I love the old CT plate on the Mark IV
As a young teenager I remember these cars like yesterday and friends of my family owned them. The dark interiors were very oppressive. Then boom came the OPEC crisis. Overnight these land yachts were laid up and then crushed. Those that survived became pimp mobiles and spoiled. Wonderful to see yours, unmolested, shared for us to enjoy. Nothing better than to listen to a passionate owner/custodian. Thank you.
Thanks for a great presentation of these classic cars. I used to drive a 1975 T-bird which is a close relative of the Mark IV. Still love the style. Though it wasn’t an easy car to live with in today’s world. In a way the 60s-70s was a golden age of car design.
My friend's parents had a 1969 Mark 111. I rode in it many times. I was fascinated by the lights over the back seat, so the driver could look in the rear view mirror, and see that the rear tail lamps, and turn signals were operating. This same family also had a new 1969 Shelby GT 500 mustang. I rode in that car also, very quickly, holding onto the roll bar in the rear. Great commentary on two very beautiful cars, learned about the distinctions on the two models.
Excellent installment! Just an observation, if I might. While I've always loved the Mark lll, the styling is rather, well, baroque, when the contemporary Eldorado was astonishingly clean. The Mark lV moved to very clean styling, while the Eldorado went baroque!
Superb observation.
Both of these cars are real gems. I hope that you keep them forever.!
A friend's dad bought a '69 Mk III, dark forest green metalflake, was a good looker and rode like a dream.
The ‘69s interior though..drooling
Your commentary was on fire for this one.
My dad was a Lincoln nut, yet loved how his 72 Toronado drove on the road more than any other car he ever owned. His only ever fwd vehicle.
Adam, With the Mark III in maroon, the Mark IV never had a chance😉 I would also add that time and time again your detailed videos show that cars from the 60s were more solid than the comparable models from the 70s.
Adam, you are correct! There was no escaping the bodyside protection moldings during these years. If they weren't on the cars from the factory, owners would take them to Sears and have the automotive department add them, along with bright, shiny door edge guards. Lincoln's "Body Protection Package" ruined the looks of a whole generation of cars but that's the way things were back in the day. Love the Mark III's elegant interior. As for the Mark IV, all I see inside is tacky plastic not befitting a premium luxury car, must be the finance guys!
I love the image of the QA inspectors going through an entire container of front seats, completely baffled. "They _all_ have this rumpled stitching by the headrest! What is going _on_ at that seat factory?!"
My favorite weird ignition placement was in the '97 Saab I used to have. It was on the center console next to the gearshift lever. A guy in the service department at the dealership where I bought it claimed that they put it there so you couldn't smash your knee into it in a crash, but I don't know if it's really true.
I had a 73 Mercury Marquis Brougham Coup in about 1977 as a hand me down from my parents. But I loved the look of these Continentals, especially from 73 or so through 78. A great looking car.
Both are beautiful examples of the best Mark series Lincoln had to offer. The gold is also a very complimentary color to the style car.
My boss had a brand new black on red '69 and every Friday I would take it and get it washed and gassed up for the weekend. All the guys would come over and check it out. It was top of the line back then. Even today it commands respect.
My dad had the 68 T bird 2 door that color palette actually black inside. Same hubcaps too. 429 Engine it was a nice car we drove from Toronto to Banff in thing and back.
Adam deserves over million subscribers. Thank you my friend.
Back in the early 1980s a friend of mine had a ‘71 four-door Thunderbird. 1971 was the last year of the four-door T-birds. Yes, that car was luxurious. Several of us took it camping to the Winnipeg Folk Festival in ‘82. That FoMoCo air conditioning provided an occasional reprieve from that July in Manitoba heat out on the treeless campground! That Mark III is sublime.
I have a 1970 Mark 3, I agree with you on the quality of build, I’ve owned Cadillacs all of my collecting life, then I picked up this Mark 3 Wow what a difference.
Yeah. It’s no comparison.
11:04 Oomph is a word my father used on me when he wanted more effort and I’ve used the word my whole life and that’s the first time I’ve ever heard anyone else use it in the same context .. Hands down this is my new most favorite TH-cam Automotive channel
Gotta love the Lincoln Mark series personal luxury coupes, man they look like beauty of art.
100% on point! Our 1970 Mk III was a superb automobile. Pastel Green, Dk Green top, light green (wild paisley) fabric interior.
The build quality was excellent for a massed produced car. The fit and finish very tight. Unlike the Eldo, the seats were very supportive and you could drive long distances without fatigue. The suspension seemed much tighter and more nimble than an Eldo. Very fast and powerful engine. The car was not too bad in the curves with more control and less lean. No distortion looking through the rear window as on the Eldo. Much more dependable than our Cadillacs of this era that were seemingly always in need of this or that. The only creature comfort I would have liked would have been Cornering lights. They just make driving at night in general and looking for an address at night in particular a much better experience. (All the Cadillacs had them from 1962).
My neighbor got a 1972 Mk IV as soon as the debuted. It seems as though every Lincoln dealership in Atlanta only ordered them in Triple-Black, Silver, or White. Crazy. Anyway, the neighbor's was silver. Just as you said, the richness of the interior was not up to that of the MK III. It was very impressive to look down that long hood, but I kept thinking about city parking. The Mk III was easy. I never did drive a Mk IV to my knowledge, and everyone I knew that had one loved it. And hey, by then they had Cornering lights! Yours looks good with the Mustang floor mats!
The 72 it's a dream! No modern luxury cars come close to these old beauties.
Gosh I love both of these. I prefer the styling of the Mark iv. But I prefer the build quality of the Markiii. Tough choice.
Really good to see you review them side by side.
Loved these! When I was a kid it got me away from Cadillac. One thing was It didn't come with the hood ornament none of them did until the Mark IV. The Mark III was made until 1971-1/2. Mark IV started in 1971 1/2 and had no opera window.
My 1968 Lincoln's power steering went out and no one wanted to fix it. I drove it for a year without.
Many thanks for sharing these beautiful cars in fantstic condition and your first-hand eyperiences and evaluation!
You talked about Thunderbird.
Fun fact.
My bro used to live near Philadelphia for a couple of years , and i visited him back in 1997.
He was housed in a granmother's house, so was i too.
She had a 1985 Thunderbird, not the sexiest car, but she had a big block inside.
Once she took me for a ride for shopping...
She was in her 80's...
Jeeez...Since that day i have grey hairs. She drove it like she was alone on the planet earth and showed me how powerful was the engine.
Great lady, bad driver 😁
I have a 71 Mark 3 and you taught me a few things about it I did not know. They will never make car doors with the bank vault hinges on the Mark 3 ever again.. The Mark 4 doors are half the mass I would bet. Great Video.
i really like the style of the Mark III. Beautiful car you have
There were so many mid-year changes in the 1969 b/c it was actually on sale in April 1968 - quite an extended year / those early models (7700 of them) were titled as 69s, so that's what gave the Mark III a win over the Eldo. Still, for Lincoln, which in those days was a distant second to Cadillac, the Mark series gave them real bragging rights: always at least toe to toe with the Eldo and often beating it. Always loved the first gen. There was a time when my allegiance shifted to the 'puff of air' styling on the Mark IV, but I've come back around to the sheer quality,comparative package rationality (and individualism) of the III.
I cant wait to see the ride and drive comparison. So well done Adam. I love watching your video’s.
I remember Tom McCahill road testing a '72 Mark IV in Popular Mechanics magazine.
You say the MkIII is the more angular, but it has the most stylish +subtly curved “raised hips” seen from the side - very reminiscent of the RR Corniche (together with the “RR grill”).
Fact is both cars are just beautiful and important survivors of their time, more than 50 years ago. You are a most knowledgeable custodian of these vehicles and it is wonderful that people can still enjoy seeing them being driven on the roads.
I’ve loved these cars ever since I started watching my favourite detective show, Cannon, as a teenager in the 70s here in the UK. I believe Frank drove both models - the MkIII in the early shows, then the Mk IV.
I like them both. I really love them. Love see them side by side.
I learned to drive in that red 2 door's brother my family owned. One day I'll own one again. Thanks for the nostalgia.
Great! I heard you say you will drive both the Marks. I've been especially looking forward to a drive video of the III my favorite of all classic cars. This will be even better with your wonderful detailed commentary as you drive both. Can't wait!
Really appreciate all the history you share in these videos. 🙌🏻
Im so glad i came across your channel! I love it! Thank you.
ALL YOUR CARS ARE BEAUTIFUL
Always thought of those Mark IIIs as maybe about THEE best build quality of any post 1966 American car.
Can't think of one that was better.
Found it funny that these were around 600-800 pounds heavier than my larger '71 Lincoln Town Coupe!
My Grandfather worked for Packard building Merlin aircraft engines during WWII. Later he moved on to Ford and eventually retired from Budd. I miss those Michigan summers.
Both are beautiful...but the Mark III is in a class by itself...especially the 1969s with a blue-printed (i.e. individually balanced) 460-V8. Overall build quality was the highest of ANY Mark - other than the Mark II (which was priced on par with Rolls Royce).
Great Video. Like many on here, I owned an early production 69 for about 20 years. Such a fantastic car. The build quality was just better than anything of that era. I have always had a soft spot for the 72, as I think it is beautiful. Love how the bumpers were so well integrated into the design... ruined by regulations in 1973. Well done.
Thanks so much for the up-close look at these great cars, Adam! The Mark III had such great material quality throughout that made it a real standout for an American car when it was introduced. The interior was designed by a gentleman with the last name of Brunn. Before being employed by Ford, he was originally of the famed Brunn body company which built custom bodies for Lincoln during the classic era of the 1920's through the late 1930's. I'd like to think he was assigned to this project because of the fine detail and quality execution that Ford wanted to bring to the Mark III. The full instrumentation, ( Isn't there a genuine Cartier clock?) real wood trim, fine quality leathers, wool carpeting and extra sound insulation were a contemporary production attempt to replicate the fine quality of the 1956 & 1957 Mark II Continentals which were "cost is no object" and practically hand-built. I remember reading when the Mark III was introduced that Ford spent an unheard of amount of money producing that neo-classic radiator shell and die cast grille.
The Mark IV, while a truly beautiful design is just not of the same quality. The thin, stamped aluminum trim pieces all over the greenhouse and Torino-grade interior materials all fit together well - but they say FORD, not Lincoln. The differences speak to the early 70's cost cutting which was going on due to inflation. I love that the Mark IV was a "longer, lower, wider" execution of the Lincoln Mark design and so did all those buyers of these very successful cars. Cheers!
I had a 1970 MK111 that colour and totally loved it!
Adam, great videos as usual, and your 72 video last year allowed me to actually entertain the idea of owning one. Last July I purchased 40k garage kept 76. So happy to have been able to enjoy it for over a year now.
Do you own, or have any friends who own, a TBird of the same generation? I've had conversations with others about them, I think Ford did a better job with the rear end finish than Lincoln. Love to see your take on it if you can come up with a comparable Thunderbird.
Both cars are absolutely breathtakingly beautiful I am jealous
You can see a lot of that sound-deadening material that Ford built into the Mark III in the last act of the film The French Connection as NYPD Narcotics Detectives Popeye Doyle & Buddy Russo disassemble the interior of a beautiful dark brown one owned by a heroin smuggler, released in 1971.
Can't tell you how much I love these cars.
I’m just in love with the ‘72 Mark IV..such a special vehicle, aesthetically.
I think Lee Iacocca understood the only thing more American than imitating old England is scaling that imitation for availability to the masses.
Muito interessante, o nível de conforto parece ser muito bom.
Aqui no Brasil a Ford ofereceu o Ford Galaxy 4 portas muito bom era o carro mais luxuoso na época, foi fabricado aqui de 1968 a 1981.
Never really was a ford guy (although some mercury's are on the wishlist), but love the MKIII, Own a 69 as well from bought it with 21k miles from Nevada in 1997 and shipped it to the Netherlands. Drives like a dream, more comfortable and silent than my 29k mile 65 Cadillac cdv.
I had a III and it was a wet dream!!!
❤️Continentals❤️
Your series on these beauties are fantastic! thanks for all the great info - Mark owner from Detroit
As a GM brat/blueblood growing up in a GM town Dayton Oh having friends from Ford Town Cleveland Oh always had a soft spot for Blue oval and you Adam have reinforced my soft spot
My late father had a 75 mark. Wish I had it now! Salute to the make, both generations!
I had both a 69 and a 73, really liked both. The 69 was my favorite. I currently have an 83 rolls royce and would trade it for either of these Lincoln’s in equal condition.
We need to see more of your 1977 Impala!!!
I really enjoy your channel. You do great reviews and you have such a cool collection of cars. Thank you for sharing your cars and knowledge with us.
That Mark IV is such a gorgeous car. I do very much like the contemporary T-birds as well.
Love this overview, can't wait for the drive!
I love these cars. Thanks for the comparison between the two.
I love that Mk III. The styling is more restrained and the maroon colour suits the car perfectly.
Those sure are some big, pretty Continentals.❤💯
My dad had a 69, 70 and 71 Mark III all at the same time, one of them was the exact color of yours, the other was a 50K garage kept original that was a greenish color and his favorite was the 71 which had a factory sun roof and was white. I swear the doors on those things weighed 500lbs and closed with a very satisfying 'clunk'. Driving down the road was like sitting on a sofa, they would cruise effortlessly at 70+ and were whisper quiet. He eventually sold them all to a collector and began dabbling in old trucks.
I have to say your videos on the 1969 Mark are outstanding and gave me insight I was unaware of. I was thirteen then and felt the 69-71 Mark was a little much. Now I understand that 69-71 is far superior because of your video.
Beautiful cars Adam. You need anMKV though in the collection.
Yet another awesome educational video of two gorgeous cars. Well explained too. Re: An air vent for cigarette smoke/indoor odor? Brilliant.
Generally speaking, we do prefer the lines of the Mark IV, but the build and component quality of the Mark III is superior. Thanks for showing us these for comparison.
That Mark III is so gorgeous! Red on red!
I never had the pleasure of owning a 1967-1969 T-Bird nor a 1969-1971 MK III, but would love to try one out someday.
That 69 back seat, wow. A true sofa.
Nice 'Stang mats in the 72.
Those closure sounds are most excellent indeed.
The fuel fill behind the plate is a hassle. A remnant of the old full service gas station days. Dealing with that on a regular basis would not be a luxury experience.
Yes. The Mk. III is definitely the best of the personal luxury class. Yes.
The later Marks were nice, too,... but the Mk. IIIs we're truly special.
The 2 favorite years of mine. I had a 73 Mark IV I miss it. It decided to catch on fire in the drivers door panel one night and luckily the fire went out on its own after melting the dash and headliner and cracked the new windshield I recently replaced this happened in March of 2022 Ins co totaled it Glad the fire went out out on its own because it was parked next to my 1970 thunderbird
My old '68 Cougar had that same faux 'woodgrain' cap over the driver's (facing) side of the steering wheel rim/hoop, but was on the standard issue two spoke wheel with a horn 'ring.' And I'm surprised that I never noticed that canvas-like, or canvas-looking, material on the roofs of those, before seeing it in your videos a few times.
There must be a not-too-inconvenient spot where you can stick a relay in the '72, and connect its Primary Circuit to Ignition On power.
Bonus points if you can also add a connection to the Primary circuit from the dome light with a timer, and the surely requisite diode to keep the Key On power from transferring over to the dome lights, so that the seat can be moved when you first open the door, and perhaps for another minute, so you can adjust the seat after sitting and before powering up the car. Of course once the car is powered up, so would be the seat controls. Point being that the seats would not be powered after parking the car and walking away - except for the 45 or 60 seconds afforded by the afore-mentioned timer.
It think that was supposed to mimic the RR Everflex Top
The 1969-1970 Lincoln Mark III were the most beautiful cars ever built, in my humble opinion.
Goodday Adam,
What a great video, my all time favorite Lincoln Continental Mark III.
What is not to love about them.
Everything about them is awesome.
Love to grab a 1970 version with the 1969 Hubcaps on it.
Thank you for the comparison.
Your number 1 Fan in Australia
Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤
Adam you are absolutelly right about everything,the Mark 3 was the best car in the world by a mile,my opinion though as a child back then was that the Mark 3 was way too baroque for the times and the Mark 4 came as not only as scary imposing but ultra-modern.
The 70s in my eyes came with a boom in technology,supersonic jets,man on the Moon,computers and the fantastic cars that arrived back then played the part very well.
Just my opinion though.
Love your videos Adam!
Interesting tidbit about The Budd Co doing the sheet metal on the Mark IV. Budd built passenger rail cars and they also built car bodies for Buick ambulances back in the day.
I cut my teeth on these as a young mechanic back in the mid 70s. These really were world class cars. GM made some decent stuff and the Chrysler Imperial was no slouch either. Too bad the Chrysler had rust and quality issues because on paper it was the best in show. GM, being GM, they cut corners and came up short in just about every aspect in this arena. These Lincoln's held up better than average as well, just minor affordable repairs. The El Dorado had major front end issues that became prohibitively expensive to fix if you ignored it. Cool vid. Thanks!
Beautiful Lincolns, I personally prefer the 1971, where the grill dips into the bumper, I find that incredibly elegant.
Frank Cannon put the Lincoln Mark IV on the map😉
He did a lot for the Mark III also. Kinda wish they used it for more than one season.
The interior of the 1969 is stunning.
Hello Adam, I love those cars and guess what I have the exact same one in color but it is a 1970 and I also have a 1969 dark Gray in color and 1971 Forest green with white leather interior white top. Thank you for doing a walk around of them. Mine have been garaged for the last 18 years but i do take out the Gray one from time to time and drive around the block.