A Trio of 1970-71 Lincoln Mark IIIs, Including a Custom-made, 4-door Mark III
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- Опубліковано 13 сер 2022
- Take a look at 3 beautiful Mark IIIs, including a custom-made, 4 door Mark III, created for the former Chairman of Martin Marietta.
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These cars Adam has been featuring recently were all part of the Lambda Car Club Detroit area 2022 Grand Invitational event. It was originally scheduled for 2020, then 2021, and finally happened this year. 350 people from all over the country converged on Detroit for a week of events. I flew out from California. We toured the GM Heritage museum, the Chrysler warehouse at their truck plant where they store their priceless heritage of cars, The Gilmore Museum in Hickory Corners, The Stahl Collection, Meadowbrook Hall, Edsel &Elenor Ford Estate, Woodlawn cemetery, a dinner cruise on Lake St. Claire, and more. On my own I visited the Fisher Building, Cadillac Place, The Guardian Building, Detroit Institute of the Arts, Cranbrook Academy and the Saarinen house.
It looks like the weather cooperated as well . 😁
It'd be worth the trip just to see the wonderful classic cars that Adam has presented within the past week or two.
Cars and Gays! Heaven. Lol. 🌈👨❤️👨🚗🚙
Thanks for the information. We look forward to attending the next Lambda show.
I just love the look of the four door Mark III. I would think if Lincoln put into production, it would have been a runaway hit!
Thanks again Adam for all that you do.
Adam, thank you so much for featuring Grover Hermann's car -- what a treat to see it via video!
I remember well when this came out, with the car mags wondering whether Ford would release a 4-door. I think Lehman-Peterson used the 4-door T-bird as a basis for the 4-door, which makes sense since the Mk III was based on the 4-door Bird to start with. It's neat that it's still with us!
makes sense.
Since the conversion was so well done I think they did use a 1970 4 door thunderbird for the donor metal and such. They sold for around $5,200 I believe in 1970. It would explain the 12k + conversion cost the original owner paid. Wonder what happend to the rest of the Thunderbird they cut up?🤔
There's an article about this car, and the owner is in a fb group I'm in. I could be wrong, so try to find the article written about the car, but I believe they fabricated the 4dr parts in house.
The 4dr TBird would've made sense to me, but again from memory so I could be wrong, when I asked the owner he said they were custom fabbed by LP.
I was thinking the very same thing! That perhaps the used the 67-9 four door Tbirds inner door frame and reskinned them with cut down mark lll doors. Seamless conversion and looks as it came that way!!
Great video! I met the current owner in the late 90s when he brought the 4-door Mark III to Austin. I had a '71 4-door Thunderbird at the time, and got to ride a 100-mile round trip in the Mark III. It is amazing and so well done, most people don't notice that its one-of-a-kind. The center posts are about the only obviously shared pieces between the Mark and T-bird, though parts of the T-bird doors were used, including window mechanisms, latches, etc. The Mark is 7.3" longer, all of it in the rear cabin, which has amazing leg room. The Mark's front doors, which are shorter than the coupes, are re-skinned T-bird doors (using the windows, too), while the rear door has the additional length (T-bird's are quite short) and custom windows. However, the Mark uses the T-bird's rear armrest, so it is not full length. I'm not sure if the rear hinges are shared, as it seems the Lincoln's rear doors open wider, but that may just be due to the wider opening. (I would ask my rear-seat passengers to wait for front passengers to exit and close their doors, then have the rear door opened for them - otherwise everyone ran into each other.) While I'm sure other parts may be shared, or formed the basis to start from for the Mark, the rest of the 4-door conversion is an amazing fabrication by Lehmen-Peterson.
I saw the four door Mark at the Lincoln national Lincoln meet in St Louis in 2000. Glad to see it is still in great shape and making the car shows.
The green one is a win. Excellent.
I'm with you on that. That shade of green is sensational on any classic of that era.
@@Jacacatt Many people discount that so called "pea soup green" from the 70s. It's cool dude. Maybe an aquired taste, but very cool.
Hey Adam, all 3 Mark lll 's are gorgeous!!! The suicide door model is stunning & so very well done!!! I never knew that it existed & I'm glad that I got to see it!!! Thanks for sharing this exciting video with the trio of Continentals!!! 👍👍🙂
I like all three, but the custom conversion with the suicide doors is hands down my favorite. Beautiful cars.
Gorgeous, gorgeous cars.
My Favorite generation of the Mark Series 68 thru 71 mainly 70 & 71s were refined loved those seats combination of luxury & sport lord I want one and a chance to be in a Quinn Martin production
@Eric Ruud I like Fords & Mercurys & Lincoln’s & all the TV shows created by Quinn Martin
The 1969 MK III, in gunmetal silver, with a red interior. In my opinion, was one of the most beautiful cars ever built.
I 100% agree that color combo is gorgeous. I am partial to triple black: I truly lost count of how many of them I've owned. Yes, they're "hard to keep clean" blah, blah, blah. Also black with red leather. ALSO, grey with tan looks beautiful on some vehicles, not necessarily this one. You wouldn't think so, but yes...
@@wilsixone My ‘08 Acura TL was grey with a tan interior, and it looked awesome!
Sounds like the color combo of Cannons Mark lll
The Mark III is one of the best ford styling efforts of all time. I think it really helped fast track the baroque styling that would come to dominate the 70s, but done right with high quality materials and finish work. Lincoln would never make another car as attractive again...
The four door looks excellent, although it's not a surprise, Lehmann Peterson did excellent work and were starting with an excellently styled car. If not for the exclusivity of a Coupe, I'm almost surprised ford skipped out on doing a factory 4 door a la the T Bird.
If you get the chance, I'd love to see a video comparison of the Mark III and it's related T-Bird, particularly a 4 door one of those!
LovetheMarkIII
Saw that Mark III 4-door at the annual Eyes on Design show on Fathers' Day at the Edsel Ford Estate a few years ago. I remember the short lived Thunderbird 4-door Landau of the late 60s and to my eyes, the one-off Mark III with a significantly longer wheelbase is far more handsome. Perhaps it would have done better in the marketplace than the T-bird.
The green 1971 is in Ivy Moondust metallic, it was one of Ford’s glamour paints in 1971, similar to Cadillac’s Firemist colors. I remember that Mark III sedan was for sale about 20 years ago for $14k. I bet it would bring more today
That car show you went to is the kind I'd like to attend. I'm a big fan of 50s, 60s and 70s American luxury cars. Especially the 60s
Beautiful cars. We need more green autos!!! That custom 4 door is amazing. Great vid!
What a beautiful car.
Another awesome video!
The Mark V is my fav. That long hoodline is like an aircraft carrier flight deck
$25,000 in 1970 = $191,000 today!
Thank you
Love that blue color.
Beautiful cars! The Lincoln Mark car series is one of the very few models that I've liked every version of it, including the bloated mid to late 70s versions.
Too bad Lincoln did not make a 4 door Mark II. They would have sold. I really like the dash and interiors on this era Lincolns. They look more luxurious than most Cadillacs and the Imperials.
Oh hell, that Lehman Peterson is RIGHT up my alley. What a treat. Thanks for showing!!!
Thank you, Adam, for capturing the 4-door Mark III on video. As a custom-built one-off, the 4-door Mark III is a kind of heritage treasure. Also happy to see a pair of 1971 Mark III's with the early production "high-back" twin comfort lounge seats. While in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1978, I saw a 1971 Mark III in Ginger Moondust Metallic paint, paired with a Dark Brown vinyl roof, and finished with Dark Tobacco leather interior with the "high-back" twin comfort lounge seats. Absolutely Stunning Automobile!
GREAT SERIES! Those car shows are a gold mine for you. Keep them coming. I see several more cars that will star in upcoming videos from this show. I can't wait!
Boy, now I have to watch my DVD of the French Connection. The Mark III , to me, seems to have more of a sporty look than the Mark IV and 100 times better than the 1958. That was one of the best looking 4-doors. Thanks for posting.....
@Eric Ruud That, Bullett and The Seven-Ups- - - - -three great chase movies.
@@jetsons101 Seven Ups, saw it in the theater, still watch it on occasion. What a piece of NYC history and plethora of cars.
@@skinnerhound2660 It was a great movie but always seemed underrated.....
Would have never known about this car! Thanks Adam.
Those high back seats were used on the Ford LTD Brougham in 1972. In 1971 I was 5 years old living on Grosse Ile, and a lot of Ford executives lived there. I saw all sorts of company cars, and several families on my street were auto company executives, to include Grimmelsman of Chrysler corporation.
Great video!
Superbly executed 4-door conversion.
The second Mark III you show as "Medium Green Poly" is actually optional 'Ivy Moondust Metallic'. My family had a 70 in that same color, but with a white top, and white interior. You can only imagine the looks we would get, back in the day, driving down Bay Street in Nassau Bahamas in that big beautiful Continental.
Outstanding video!!! I agree with another viewer who said that the Mark III was one of Ford's best styling efforts of all time. It was a gorgeous vehicle and the '71 was my personal favorite. That 4-door conversion is totally AWESOME.
The 4 door version is very well done and beautiful!
Absolutely amazing marks. The converted 4-door is really beautiful. Can’t help to wonder how that would have sold if produced.
Having owned a '69 MK III and a '67 Eldorado, I believe the MK gives a better overall driving experience.
The standard ride is softer than an Eldorado unless the Cross Country Ride Packages ($17.10) was ordered. Even with the disc brake option, Eldo's don't stop well.
MK's are very distinctive. Their interiors got better. For '71, Lincoln offered a rare bucket seat and console option, ($75.97).
*The Martin Marietta executive, who commissioned this magnificent MK III 4-door is, related to the Roland & Martin comedian.
For '71, Eagle Lincoln Mercury in Dallas, offered a Continental MK III Phaeton Edition. This was a DSO: District Special Order in response to L-M offering a '71 Continental Golden Anniversary Town Car, but nothing commerative for the MK III. It was devoted to the exterior only and cost, $687.00.
This option deleted the standard Calvary Twill vinyl roof, replacing it with a custom patterned vinyl that was also found on the deck lid cover of the faux spare tire stamping. Adding Landau Irons added an additional $159.00. Custom wheelcover's, hood ornament, badges, pin stripping, tires, undercoating and wax completed the package. A picture of one is posted on automotivemileposts.com.
Thanks for this post Adam.
Excellent
What an amazing trio! Awesome conversion!
Years ago there was a sidebar on this 4dr in SIA - I thought it was srriking and wonderd what become of it as I never saw it mentioned anywhere else. Very nice to see it has survived. 25k - the price of a MB 600 pullman.
Grover Hermann built the Fine Arts Center at my alma mater. It bears his name to this day. Nice car!
Love the Marks, especially the 3s and 4s
Always liked that car. The color is amazing. ( The two door) Ever since I saw it on Cannon.
Class A - assemblies - doors, hood, deck lid, roof fenders and quarter panels for Lincoln Marks, Continental, and Towncar were supplied by the Budd Co.
A first for me! Wow! Glad you posted this 👍
One of my favorite cars of all time! Thanks!
I immediately recalled that silvery blue
Mark lll. It was in a Utube video driving around Meadowbrook Hall grounds. I recalled the color, front “Lincoln “ plate and rear reddish license plates number!!! Sure enough I looked around Utube and found that very GREAT review of this fine car! I like the color. I call it silver Mink blue. I can’t believe that video was 10 years ago!!! How time is flying by us, though I’m glad that Mark lll is still in pristine condition
Certainly a sweetheart. She didn't like the color huh? Must be nice.
Thank you for taking the time to do this video Adam , wicked Lincolns ,
that 4 door makes me think of the T-Bird with those suicide doors
Great video. I love the Mark III. That four door is very interesting albeit a little “stubby” looking. I have a pale yellow 1970 Mark III. I fitted the early hubcaps as I prefer them to the later ones. I also like the concealed wipers on the later models too.
This was great. That four door Mark III was great looking. That would have sold well. It is well executed. I noticed a lot of Ford products had those high back seats in the early 70's well in to the mid 70's. A four door did not show up again until the Mark VI. I recall a four door Thunderbird from this time frame as well. Many others have said this. You really have found your niche on You Tube Adam.
I saw that four door Mark III in a dealer lot in downtown Monterey California around 1979, or 1980. The story that I had been told was that it was a prototype from Lincoln that had been given to a member of the Ford family that lived in the area. it caught my attention each time that I saw it ...and one day it was gone. It is great to hear the real story behind the rare auto.
Lovely cars. The Mark III and IV together with the contemporary T-birds are my favorites.
All three appear to have louvers on the rear deck between the rear window and the trunk lid. I hadn't noticed that before. They're built like a Swiss bank vault.
The four door Mark III Sedan was a missed opportunity - best use of the Thunderbird four door sedan ever! Almost makes me want to find a tired four door Thunderbird and swap the door structure into a Mark III.
These cars were so beautiful. I remember when they were introduced, I was 6 years old and walked home for lunch everyday from school. Everyday, the same time, a brown Mark III passed me. It was like no other car I’d seen, and growing up in Detroit, I’d seen them all. An uncle sold Rolls Royce and Jaguar, so I’m not lying here. But I thought this car, that I didn’t know the name of, it was the car I decided I wanted to own one day. I proudly told my mother that I had picked out the car I wanted. I told her about the beautiful car I saw everyday. She was curious and asked me what it was. I didn’t know car names then, but told her it had a bump in the back. She asked “was it in an accident?” “No” I said, “it has a bump”. She gave me a pencil and a piece of paper. “Draw it for me”. I tried my best, gave it back to her and she said “Oh! That’s grampa’s new car”. I was really excited now. My grampa, who I saw only a few times a year was a plant manager at Ford. My mother said maybe the next time we saw him, he’d take me for a ride. For the next 3 years my grampa had a new Mark III every year. He was given a new lease every fall. The next time I saw him, he had gotten Ford box seats at Tiger stadium and took my dad and i downtown to the game in his Mark. I think I liked the ride in the Continental better than the game. The next time I got to ride in one of his Mark’s was when my folks and I were traveling to California to spend the summer with my mothers sister and her family. Grampa came by to drive us to the airport, I was so nervous it being my first plane ride, but when I saw his new Lincoln, again I was happier about car ride. Besides the 1960’s suicide Lincoln’s, Mark III’s were the best looking cars Lincoln ever produced. What I wouldn’t give to own the 4 door Mark III. Now that’s a beauty.
The 1956 Lincoln continental mark2 was so luxurious that Ford motor company lost money on them but eventually they kept at it and made turned a profit on the later marques- especially the 5,these Lincoln's are Americana in every aspect
What a amazing car the MK2 was. They were what Packard should have been.
Never really liked the Mark II with the exception of a jaw dropping custom convertible. For me, as a convertible it all came together.
The Mk. III was a worthy successor to the '50s Mk. II. I recall that insurance companies refused to pay for the ($1,000?) price for a replacement grille, forcing LM to drastically reduce the part cost. Amazing to see a 4-door conversion without any apparent lengthening to the wheelbase.
Adam, Love your channel. A question: where are the car shows where you have filmed these and other gorgeous 60s and 70s full size American cars?
Fun fact: If you watch the 1977 film, The Car, the 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III is what the evil indestructible muscle car is.
I remember watching that when it first aired!
The Mark 3 was definitely the "it" car at the time
Billy Joel also thought you couldn't go wrong with a baby blue Continental.
I would bet a steak dinner that the 4 door started as a 4 door Thunderbird. The Mark III was based off the 4 door to begin with.
Just beautiful!
I like the Lincoln suicide doors
Thanks! I did indeed like seeing those Marks. What a treat, really.
Normally I don't like custom jobs, but I will make an exception for the 4 door Mark III.
Nice to see that car is still around and still in museum condition. I never saw it in person, but I did learn about it in 1992, in a sub-article of a larger Mark III article "Collectible Automobile" published that year (I have a copy of that issue). When I first saw that sub-article, I didn't comprehend all of it off the bat (I was reading it off the newsstand, not having actually bought the issue until about 20 years later); so I was under the impression that there were in fact at least two cars like that...and that the other one was of a maroon color (don't ask me where I got that; it must've been my brain screwing around after catching a picture of a standard-issue maroon example in the main article). When I finally read it again, I saw that the sub-article contradicted itself, and having learned a bit more by that second read, I knew what was true and what was false. The ghost-second one was supposedly to be made for Young-Henry (Ford II), according to that sub-article...but Young-Henry reportedly was adamantly against the new Mark series offering more than two doors on its models, as that would sully the whole image of the original Continental his father had created.
I'd really like to see that Grover-Hermann Special in person. Of course, any clap-door car-be it any full-sized, unitized Lincoln Continental, a '67-'71 Thunderbird (which donated its frame to the Mark production team), even a '57/8 Eldo-Brougham, or the Hermann Special-always gets my attention. Let detractors make their illin' noise about that configuration all they want; doors hinged that way *are* easier to get in and out of...and with the improvements done in door-latch designs, *none* of these live up to that overused, over-clichéd phrase "suicide doors"...unless a person riding in the back was actually suicidal. But in such a case, any car by any maker would have suicide doors, unless they're equipped with the taxi-security feature.
They didn't forget about the Lincoln Mark III and IV @4:18 Those were Lincolns (when it was it's own Marque) The later '71's as seen here are Lincoln +Continental+ Mk II's...My best friends older brother had a Black 1971 Continental Mk.III in the 70's. I will never forget riding in the back of that car with him, his sister sitting between us, coming home from the beach with the A/C on, Top 40 radio playing on the stereo, I felt like a King back there...
‘71 Marks were the best of all the Marks in my opinion. The interiors with the high
buckets were so elegant. Why are cars not made with these today? Also, I had
forgotten about the ‘58 Mark III.
Another great video, thanks
Wow. Thank you so much for this. I feel like you made this video just for me. 😁
Great video! Thanks!
love the custom 4 door, reminds of mid 60's Lincoln s, however this one is body on frame. Wish they built them today.
thanks for the video. very nice to have those three together like that. 🏆
That four door is sweet!
I'm a Gm guy but I love a custom and that Lincoln is one of the best I think so well done the way they have shortened the doors and made it all fit is awesome 🇳🇿
Oh the suicide doors……I love them!!! What a car. Possibly the rarest you have shot Adam? Great video as usual…
Beautiful examples for sure. Didn't like the styling back then but some cars kinda grow on ya. Think they're pretty cool now. IMO. Thanks.
I would love to see a video if one was made, of how they fabricated the 4 door mark. Must have been a tedious project.
Fabulous cars! Thanks.
Holy crap! THAT IS AN AMAZING vehicle!
Man, that light greenish silver on the third Mark... Similar, but not quite the same as my old '68 Cougar's Caribbean Blue...
That suicide door Mark III is something else, the styling is a neat update on the 1961. The conversion looks great, both from a styling and fit/finish standpoint, it looks like it rolled off the line straight from Ford. Really I think Lincoln missed out on this, they could have charged a hefty premium for the 4 door Continental Mark III over the standard Continental sedan, make the interior to near Rolls Royce level of fit/finish, sell it fully loaded, charge a 25% markup over a loaded regular Continental sedan Cadillac had the Fleetwood sixty special, this would have mopped the floor with that car IMO in terms of it actually being something extra special. Also it would be easier to park, since its a foot shorter(assuming its the same length as the Mark III coupe)
So I worked on a number of these during the late 70s while working in a bodyshop. They were built quite stout, more than other Fords. The one thing I remembered having to replace a trunk lid, was that the letters for "Continental" had pins for each letter. The trunk lid had no holes drilled, so they needed to be layed out and drilled. The holes had to be located exactly. Luckily for me, the trunk lid wasn't terribly mangled so I was able to cut that area from the panel and use it as a template for drilling the holes. Whew, was that a stroke of luck.
the 69's had holes, by 71, it was two-way tape.. My dad was head of the National LCOC, as well as being chief judge. I owned 3 of them in my youth.. one of which, won 2nd place in a national meet.
@@dandeclerck6742 Yes, I'm not sure what year they did that, but an engineer who lived quite near me invented the process to chrome over plastic and made a fortune. Before that emblems were usually made of pot metal and held on with either nuts or barrel clips.
Great video! I own a '71 Mark lll. Mine has the seats with adjustable headrests, like the ones in the 4 door. There must have been seat options.
I've never cottoned to the faux spare tire bulge on Continentals and cars that want to be mistaken for Continentals, but apart from that these are pretty handsome beasts.
Awesome, especially the 4-door
It's good to be rich like Mr. Hermann, and nice of FoMoCo to accommodate him. I can't help but wonder if they would do something like that today.
These Mark 3s were really the last of the Lincolns with a focus on real quality and performance. They and their Thunderbird cousins were much more solidly built than their Ford stablemates and the GM competition. Every generation after this one had thinner gauge metal used throughout and simpler body construction, not to mention less horsepower. You could feel the cost cutting in the way they drove and sounded inside.
The first I have seen of this car how interesting and it flows beautifully. Now after seeing this in my opinion Lincoln made a mistake they should have produced this car without a doubt it flows as well if not better than the two door. I can remember I was 8 years old when this Mark 3 came out and a neighbor had one and I got to ride in it down to their Yacht Club in Cleveland what a thrill I can remember it had three or four red lights on the ceiling in the front on top of the dash I guess telling you if your door was a jar or something.
I think this is one of the most undervalued collectible in my opinion luxury cars on the market they have been so cheap for so long.
Back then my dad just drove Oldsmobile 98s how boring
The lights that you’re referring to was the “overhead console”. It had door ajar light, seatbelt light, trunk open light and “Headlight light”. The headlight warning light physically had ZERO to due with the headlight bulbs, but rather the headlight cover operation. When you turn on the headlights a red Headlight bezel illuminates until both headlight doors are fully open, then it goes out. Typically it illuminates for about 3-4 seconds till both covers flip up. Hope this clearly explains the console. The door ajar and trunk open simply light up if either or both doors aren’t fully closed or if trunk isn’t latched. The seatbelt light goes on every time you open the drivers door as a reminder to buckle up!!
@@jakereal3604 thank you for the info you're like me actually with the cars that I know about I can talk about the intricate details. I was so young even at that age though I was into cars I was just not real familiar with the Mark 3. I do remember before he had that he had a 67 sedandeville charcoal gray with a black top. They had a lot of money they had a big house on Lake Erie and a 48 ft Chris Craft constellation. After he had the Mark 3 he went to a 71 Eldorado convertible. I also remember the wood on the dash was real thick. Anyhow thank you for the information. At 61 I can't believe I remember that
I’m right behind you @ 56 years old but I’m in better shape then most people 1/2 my age or younger as I keep very active, keep tone and bike ride 40-100 miles a week. Thank God my memory is still very sharp too! I love sharing knowledge as most people I know don’t care about old cars.
In the movie The French connection the n y c Police department took apart a then brand new mk 3 looking for drugs
To their dismay they didn't find any
Then they cut open the rocker panels and found it
Well done 4 door looks like the factory did it
Great movie, but cringe-inducing during the tear-down scene, but back then it was just another new car.
The cops had the bright idea to weigh the Conti and compare that with the manufacturer's specs. That's how they knew the car was carrying drugs
I think they even had the trans pan off.
awesome 👏👏👏🍻
Cadillac had a similar color to the "silver" Mark III in 1972 that they called "Ice Blue Firemist". It is featured on the Coupe deVille in the brochure with a black top and an "Antique Ox Blood" interior. One of my favorite cars of all time. It is even my homepage photo on my laptop.
Ironically, after spending a fortune on that Mark III conversion, legend has it that Mr. Herman traded it in on a 1977 Town Car.
I painted my 58 Chevy Bel Air in Neptune Blue "firemist" which i learned was a cadillac color name ( firemist). It has a lot of metallic in it. i used the leftover residue from mixing the base coat in my clear mix to give it and even more of a sparkly/layered look. I love the firemist colors... once i found out about them when i was looking for a paint color.
wow!
The custom-made one is phenomenal and the only one that can be called unique (even though you didn't use that word today), because it's one of a kind. Special or unusual cars are not unique unless they are a one-off.
I want one ! I want a John Kaase built 460 c6 with a gear vendors overdrive ! Little luxor sleeper action
Sensational
Adam, Are you expanding your channel into Rare Classic Customs? 😉
This thing is mint 😊😊
And a beautiful trio at that. Was all of these at the Lambda Auto Club show? I certainly appreciate your expertise Adam!
Yes!
I remember seeing this car for sale in Monterey, CA in the mid 1990s. I can't figure out how they did it. It must have been an expensive bit of coachwork.
Great car
WOW!