Description

1975 Lincoln Continental MkIV Blue Diamond Edition

Full-fat 460ci power; super condition; lots of history; stainless steel exhausts; reversing camera; picnic chairs; huge dimensions; hugely comfortable; huge fun!

Anyone who tells you that size doesn’t matter is clearly covering up for something. How can anyone fail to be impressed by this monster?

The flagship model of the Lincoln range, the Continental was launched way back in 1939 and remained in production until 1998, going through eight generations of development along the way, the MkIV version running from 1971 to 1976.

Packed with luxuries and imposingly massive, it had no real rivals apart from the equally enormous Cadillac Eldorado. Powered by a 460ci (7.5-litre) V8 engine allied to three-speed automatic transmission, this 2.3-ton land yacht could sail to 60mph in just 10.8 seconds with a top speed of 120mph. It even runs on unleaded fuel – 14 miles to the gallon, if you were wondering...

Very much a neoclassical design with a faux spare wheel housing trunk lid, opera windows set into the C-pillars and a Rolls-Royce-style front grille, it had a wonderfully baroque interior with ‘Twin Comfort Lounge’ front seats with six-way power adjustment, air-conditioning, cruise control, electric windows, Cartier clock and plentiful sound deadening. For those who wanted even more bling for their buck, special edition ‘Luxury Group’ models were also available – Cartier; Givenchy; Bill Blass; Blue Diamond; Black Diamond; Lipstick etc.

This impressive two-door hardtop Blue Diamond edition features Silver Blue Diamond Fire Metallic paint with an equally arresting Acqua Blue interior with light maple wood-effect trim and an electric sunroof. Built in March 1976, we are told that it was owned by one Washington PA family from new until it was brought to the UK in November 2006 at which point it had 46,177 miles on the clock.

Now showing 61,682 miles, it comes with various invoices to show regular upkeep over the years, including a new stainless steel exhaust system in 2007, a new set of tyres and air-con regas in 2011 and a reversing camera and monitor in 2015. A modern JVC radio/CD is also fitted. It even has a foldaway picnic table and two chairs in the boot.

There are 12 old MOTs on file, the last of which expired in September 2018 with just a couple of minor advisories relating to the rear lights, since when the car has only covered some 2,000 miles. Classed as a Historic Vehicle on the V5C, it is now MOT exempt and free to tax. An original owner’s handbook is present so you can work out how to operate all the gadgets, along with a workshop manual. It also won an award for its condition at the AACUK Spring Nationals in April 2008.

Starting easily and running beautifully as we have moved it around on site, this gargantuan machine was driven some 30 miles to the sale and is on offer here at a very modest guide price – only £260 per foot if it goes for the bottom estimate. It is also quite the most comfortable car we have ever sat in. Go on, you know it makes sense…

For more information contact James on 07970 309907 or email james.dennison@brightwells.com