What is not mentioned, is that the Mark IV and Mark V were perhaps the softest riding, and quietest cars ever made. By 1979, the ride was unusually smooth, and engine was almost silent. The Cadillac couldn’t compare. Riding in a Mark V was truly a unique and intimate experience unlike any other car.
my Mark V ...is built well. .no major parts had broken down ...and is LIKE NOTHING on the road today ...also owned an 83 Mark VI for 4 years ...VERY underrated car ...It was designed 2 b smoother and quiter.....then the MARK V ...and IT WAS . FIRST YEAR 4 fuel injection in a MARK
While am a HUGE MARK V FAN... ...I did own a 79 Cadillac coupe de ville for 10 years ....I think it was CADILLAC's last great car ...before DOWNSIZING and LIGHTER became a PRORITY
In 1986, I sold my 1980 Honda Accord LX and bought a pre-owned 1985 Continental Mk.VII LSC. It was my “dream car” at the time and I really enjoyed driving it. It could really take off fast when the red traffic light turned green surprising many “sports car” owners. The seats were phenomenal with many adjustments. Sadly, many mistook it for a Thunderbird.
Had a '87 Signature town car, mint. But I needed a van, for work. Worst decision, to let it go, that car was pure luxury, floated down the road, 5 litre, power everything! Now, I have a '66 Cad DeVille convertible... but that Lincoln still, IMHO, was the best boulevard bad boy! 😔😎
The Mark VI was truly something special. I’m glad appreciation has grown for the Panther generation Mark over the years. What was your favorite; sedan or coupe?
The Mark 2 was delivered in a fleece lined bag and a $10,000.00 price tag which Cadillac topped a few years later I believe with a $12.000.00 car. In 1981 I was in grade school and my parents bought a new four door Town Car with keyless entry on the door, cloth interior and built in 40 channel CB radio and moon roof. I was not impressed as my best friends family got the four door all black Lincoln Continental with Digital Dash. I was so impressed that you could program your trip to Kansas City and if you stopped for food or gas it would automatically recalculate your arrival time and date. It would test all the lights and fluids for you at the press of a button and still my favorite Lincoln to this day. A couch on wheels for sure, lacking in power with a 5.0, yet I felt like a little King riding in the back. Thanks Jon big memories with that car and loved that computerized dash. Our lowly Town Car Signature Series just had a analog dash.
Doing this video and the upcoming one on the Eldorado, I just can't shake the feeling that an American Luxury Brand that finally decides to come out with a great sedan/coupe/convertible and break the SUV mold won't have a complete hit on their hands!
@@AllCarswithJon: Oddly I see Cadillac attempting that down the road and not Lincoln. GM had abandoned coupes/sedans for the most part but as hinted at coming back to it at some point. Even with the upcoming demise of the Camaro, insiders have said to expect it or something like it to ultimately return to Chevrolet, and I can see Cadillac adopting it for its own use for a return of the Eldo or Fleetwood or something like it, for people are growing tired of boring looking SUVs (which I think will go the way of the minivan). But Ford seems hell bent on trucks and SUVs, and its commitment to the Mustang seems passive at best despite the new model in 2024. That’s a great platform to introduce a uniquely styled, four passenger luxury coupe to call the Mark X. Evolving to EVs would also make the idea of building a longer, bolder car that much more attractive to the market, logistically possible and cost effective. But right now, Ford seems to be on a drug trip in its business execution with a strange obsession in trucks and EVs. Yes the F150 is a core staple to its revenue, but Ford is also clearly putting all its eggs in one risky basket for shareholders. EV’s is the trend, but going all in EV so quickly and abruptly must be managed effectively. It literally handed its ICE powered sedan business to the Japanese and South Koreans. And Mustang sales aren’t exactly spiking the sales charts either; the long aging Dodge Challenger (nearly unchanged since 2009!) outsold the Mustang in 2022: that’s a very telling sign. Ford product planners just seem lost in the automobile dark forest right now.
We’ll done Jon. Certainly this was the right car for the time. I remember these cars best by watching reruns of the TV show Cannon and William Conrad’s character drove a new model Mark III and IV each season. My personal favorite was the Mark III and 1972 Mark IV. Again, those 5mph bumpers (just slap some huge hunks of metal on the ends) just changed the proportions of the car negatively to me. But that was the sad story of pretty much every 1973/1974 car.
Thanks! To me it was the massive reduction in HP through the 70s and just how long it took for the 5.0 and 4.9's to get back up there. I *knew* it, but it was stunning to go through it.
Inmy personal opinion, the 1977-1978 MarkV (as a coupe) was the most beautiful vehicle that came out from FORD. I had my 351/M400 1978 Mark V from 1998 to 2001 when I didn't even know that I had to change the oil (I graduated High School in1993 and Majored in Business)... That was the BEST CAR that I ever owned!
I love all of the Marks! There’s no rationale behind it, but the Mark V has always been the most eye catching to me. There’s clearly nothing practical about it, and maybe that’s why I love it so much. It’s long, angular but proportional, and has a very stately presence. The Mark II is the most impressive for being so far ahead of its time in design. The Mark VII was such a refreshing change over the somewhat awkward looking Mark VI.
In researching this, I was blown away by the Mark II. By itself it's pretty, but when compared with it's competition it was from the future. Really impressive. I'm working on the Eldorado history right now, so many of those 70-ish Marks were okay, and by the 80s & 90s the Caddy's were really pretty (to my eyes!). But I don't think I really appreciated the Marks of that time. Then came the VIII and it was from the future. (so of course Ford squandered it)
@@AllCarswithJon I don’t think people appreciate the extent and expense that Ford went to creating the Mark II. Most certainly don’t know that Ford created an entirely separate Continental division. The Mark II is indeed an exquisite car. I’m sure the research on the Eldorado’s will be interesting! The late 50s Eldorado Brougham was an equally stunning luxury car.
@@Zneedsmore Honestly most of the Eldos are beautiful, but doing the history is frustrating. It amounts to long periods of the same platform with yearly styling tweaks!
@@AllCarswithJon True! Well, in fairness, for most all American brands, that was the narrative for automotive design pretty much between 1949 thru 1976, and the annual changes were more subtle and less frequent from that point forward once the downsizing took over.
@@Zneedsmore I know, I know. :) You know what, doing these histories really drives it home. A caddy might be built on the E body for years, but there's headlight, sheetmetal, or tailfin changes every year while the body/engine chugs along. Then the 80s hit and suddenly cars go 8=10 years with only a midcycle refresh and maybe a new engine/transmission. I don't think most people truly understand just how much the foundation of the market changed after the 70s.
Actually, the diamond jubilee was a 7000 dollar option added to the 16,000 price tag. Making this car the first American made car to break the 20 thousand dollar mark.
Very well done video. I drove the brand new 1980 Mark VI 4dr throughout HS and sold them new in 82-83, at 17 years old. I’ve been obsessed with them ever since and have owned nearly 10 of the newest lowest mile 100% original examples, that have ever existed. I know them so well, that I know every single part by engineering number as well as part number. I wanted to thank you for featuring my 1980 Signature Series 4dr in your video. I loved these cars before everyone started jumping in the bandwagon. Now, you can’t find any excellent examples, nor highly optioned versions in good color combinations but people will buy them as long as they are for sale.
If I was a middle-aged guy back in the day of the Mark V (I was still in middle school), mine would probably be the one in gold or gold and brown, and I would be wearing a fedora, and have a fancy cigar in my mouth (A lot of people smoked back then). We were a Ford family for many years when I was growing up, so I'm naturally gravitating to Lincoln.
This was a fun video to do, coming from a GM family it's amazing how much I liked some of these Lincolns. but that image of a Caddy with steer horns on the hood from Dallas or Boss Hogg still stick with me... thus the Eldorado video I just released!
Wen I was a kid I fell in love with the original Continental , high school had a mark IV , and at least one of every model , I think the mark IV was the most and luxurious of the series Many people just don’t understand or appricate them and how they symbolize pure American luxury , sad we are now emulating cars from Asia
Very good and well executed. You did a great job going through the changes. I liked how you had footage and catalog information as well. I appreciated the video for the information and content. I liked many of the Marks. The only one I was not a fan of was Mark VII. I liked Mark IV and V and Mark VIII the most. I like Mark VI and the earlier ones second best. Thank you John.
I cannot remember if my "Grandpa" had a Mark 5 or 6 but, I loved riding in the car with him when I was a kid. Later they downgraded to the the first model year Taurus since he was a retired Ford worker.
6:53 The Mark IV did not bear similar proportions to Mark III. It was four inches longer on a 3+ inch-longer wheelbase - and nearly 500 pounds heavier.
Agreed that the IV was indeed a much bigger and heavier car in 1972. It did evolve in its proportions though: short deck, long hood, generally low slung profile. My dad rode in one with a colleague for work back in 1975 when going from Cincinnati to Chicago; his friend had a gold 74 Mark IV…. Gorgeous car. I was only 9 at the time but was so impressed with it. My dad recounted from the trip that he was fascinated with the IV’s subtle chime announcing when the car was low on fuel. He was stunned at how often they had to pull over to get gasoline… it averaged about 10 mpg and that was when the speed limit was reduced to 55 mph LOL. My dad by comparison had a far older ‘67 Buick Wildcat that was indeed thirsty on gas too, but nothing like that Mark IV!
Other than the Lincoln continental mark II, I have had all of the mark series. Biggest mistake Lincoln ever made was discontinuing the mark series. How it would be here today with all the hoopla about SUVs I’m not sure but the market surely missed by me!
I remember the Mark Series Continentals because an Uncle of mine had a used 1985 Mark VII when I was a young girl late 80s to mid 90s that uncle now drive's a Ford Edge SUV
Lincoln absolutely did the right thing in continuing the 1957 Mark II with the 1969-'71 Mark III, '72-'76 Mark IV, etc. after the '58-'60 "mistake" models, getting the Mark series back on track. No, they couldn't 'erase' the older cars unfortunately, but got it the appropriate fresh start 12 years later, and that's all that matters.
Yes the late 50’s Marks were ‘unique’ … and they hold a weird spot in Continental’s history. I used to really dislike the look of them, but they’ve honestly grown on me over the years when I see them at car shows. Their ponderous look just made the new ‘61 Continental sedans that much more stately and revolutionary for the history books.
Lincoln was an American icon and its current iteration is but a shadow of its ancestors. I'm still a Lincoln fan and own one but the new Continental is not worthy of the name. Great job, I can tell you know your stuff.
I had toy Mark Continental with a wheel in the middle where you put a zip tie in the middle wheel and you crash it against the wall. When it crashed the hood, wheels,and doors would fall off and you can put it back together
There is a great series on TTAC by Corey Lewis "Rare Rides Icons: The Lincoln Mark Series, Feeling Continental" the covers Continentals from the first Continental thru the Mark VIII. A good thorough read for anyone the is a Mark enthusiast.
Henry Ford II didn't get along with Lee Iacocca very well. Also, Iacocca greenlighted the Ford Pinto that would catch fire if rear-ended. Another reason for his firing. Lee Iacocca took his minivan idea to Chrysler
I have owned 3 MARK'S...one 77 and two 79's ....as close as an AMERICAN LUXURY auto maker ever got 2 a ROLLS-ROYCE....Still own a 79 MARK V Cartier Ed with a moonroof
Hi Jon, I saw both your Eldorado and your Lincoln Continental Mark Series videos. Outstanding cars! One problem was, federal government vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety restrictions. Please reply. Dave...
Ooooffff... thanks for the comment and the correction. I was trying to say the V8 was from the "385 family" and even messed that up! Thank you again for the correction!
Continental MK 7 was the more european in design, in my opinion was similar to a Giugiaro design for Lancia Thema in some particular and in general shape
Fantastic cars serie, incredible the 1939 models, the 1956 and also the 1977, beautiful the 1972 and 1983 models, rational the 1980 model, so so the 1969 model and ugly the 1958 model : but is a MK?
Something struck me while watching this video that has nothing to do with Lincoln. Almost all the cars you showed had beautiful colors both inside and out. Reds, blues, greens, golds, etc. Now all cars are black, white, or silver. Why? Maybe you did a videe on that and I missed it.
@@daviduliana4447 Soooo.... that's a good idea but honestly it's not for me. I'm color blind, so I absolutely do not want to subject myself to the ridicule I'd get when I call something 'green' on camera for all time... and it's actually 'yellow'. :) LOL!
Probably because most of the reviews were "meh" about it. Looked fantastic, but didn't really match up to it's competitors - that's what I remember reading about it when it came out.
@@AllCarswithJon I think it was more of suvs and crossovers were the big sellers. This is true with Buick which is all suvs and crossovers. I had a 2012 Buick Lacrosse Luxury edition hybrid which I really loved but I sold it a year ago at a 4k profit. Lincoln and Buick still offer their cars in China besides crossovers and suvs. One of the main reasons for the end of 2 door American Personal Luxury cars was people with families going to 4 door sedans and then to suvs like the Explorer, Navigator, Suburban, and Escalade. I do miss the PLCs and the luxury sedans of the past and it would be nice if they became popular again but I believe the foreseeable future is suvs and crossovers.
Sorry Jon, but the 'real' Mark series ended with the Mark VIII. Be careful what you wish for in a Mark IX. Just know ahead of time it'll be some ugly (probably) Tesla flavored crossover with the name on it. Is that what you want? I didn't think so. Fortunately, I seriously doubt it'll ever happen.
After doing some of these videos, I'm increasingly amazed that some of the great, strong names our companies had have just been abandoned. I won't guess how long, but I think some of them will come back, but as you said probably not in a product I'd like to see it on. Just staying with the Mark, that's a great name to bring back, and consider that Buick is going to be bringing back the "Electra" name. Lincoln went weird names for a while (MKs, MKz) and came back to real names, so personally I think it's only a matter of time until some old names are repurposed. That future Mark might be one of the coupe-type CUVs or something and not a 2 door convertible... but I can still see it coming back someday. :)
I GAVE MY OL MK IV TO MY GRANSON FOR HIS FIRST CARR,,, HE SOLD IT AND BOUGHT A SUZUKI ALTO! CAME OUT AS A SISSY NOT LONG AFTER TOO,,, BILL '4L60E' GREYNP'LE US COAST GUARD 1983-1983 DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED FORKLIFT CERTIFIED 1996
I like them, but have never aspired to have one. Even if I could have afforded a new one, my more practical brain would have been focused on something else.
What is not mentioned, is that the Mark IV and Mark V were perhaps the softest riding, and quietest cars ever made. By 1979, the ride was unusually smooth, and engine was almost silent. The Cadillac couldn’t compare. Riding in a Mark V was truly a unique and intimate experience unlike any other car.
I love my ‘78 Mark V , all original and quite beautiful
Yes, I owned a 1977 lincoln mark V, and it was the quietest car Ive ever owned.
My 79 mark V ...the pinnacle 1970s luxury car ...all at 12MPG around town ....NOT BAD
my Mark V ...is built well.
.no major parts had broken down ...and is LIKE NOTHING on the road today ...also owned an 83 Mark VI for 4 years ...VERY underrated car ...It was designed 2 b smoother and quiter.....then the MARK V ...and IT WAS .
FIRST YEAR 4 fuel injection in a MARK
While am a HUGE MARK V FAN...
...I did own a 79 Cadillac coupe de ville for 10 years ....I think it was CADILLAC's last great car ...before DOWNSIZING and LIGHTER became a PRORITY
My grandfather was a “Lincoln” guy, and insisted that I be named Mark!
Love it!😂😊
haha. Awesome. Reminds of the movie The Postman. The kid's name was FordLincolnMercury.
In 1986, I sold my 1980 Honda Accord LX and bought a pre-owned 1985 Continental Mk.VII LSC. It was my “dream car” at the time and I really enjoyed driving it. It could really take off fast when the red traffic light turned green surprising many “sports car” owners. The seats were phenomenal with many adjustments. Sadly, many mistook it for a Thunderbird.
I may be a big fan of Cadillac, but I’m a huge fan of the Lincoln brand as well. Not so much modern Lincoln, but the older ones.
I own a 1996 Mark VIII. I am in the process of reinstalling the air suspension. Fascinating cars that were ahead of their time.
Had a '87 Signature town car, mint. But I needed a van, for work. Worst decision, to let it go, that car was pure luxury, floated down the road, 5 litre, power everything! Now, I have a '66 Cad DeVille convertible... but that Lincoln still, IMHO, was the best boulevard bad boy! 😔😎
I loved my 1975 Lincoln, great car, living room on wheels lol thanks for your great videos
Thanks for watching!
Still drive and love my 1975 Continental Mark IV.
Bought it in 2002.
I had a '72 T Bird, which I loved. I now have a '71 Mark iii that I am restoring. I love it! It is so much fun. This is coming from a Mopar guy.
The Mark VI was truly something special. I’m glad appreciation has grown for the Panther generation Mark over the years. What was your favorite; sedan or coupe?
Well I'm not a Mark aficionado but to me only the coupe is a "Mark".
I have always LOVED the MK VII and would love to own one as a collector vehicle today. A Mustang in a three piece suit.😎
The Mark 2 was delivered in a fleece lined bag and a $10,000.00 price tag which Cadillac topped a few years later I believe with a $12.000.00 car. In 1981 I was in grade school and my parents bought a new four door Town Car with keyless entry on the door, cloth interior and built in 40 channel CB radio and moon roof. I was not impressed as my best friends family got the four door all black Lincoln Continental with Digital Dash. I was so impressed that you could program your trip to Kansas City and if you stopped for food or gas it would automatically recalculate your arrival time and date. It would test all the lights and fluids for you at the press of a button and still my favorite Lincoln to this day. A couch on wheels for sure, lacking in power with a 5.0, yet I felt like a little King riding in the back. Thanks Jon big memories with that car and loved that computerized dash. Our lowly Town Car Signature Series just had a analog dash.
If Lincoln used the 1961 Continental as inspiration, I think they could revive the luxobarge AND limousine industry
Doing this video and the upcoming one on the Eldorado, I just can't shake the feeling that an American Luxury Brand that finally decides to come out with a great sedan/coupe/convertible and break the SUV mold won't have a complete hit on their hands!
@@AllCarswithJon: Oddly I see Cadillac attempting that down the road and not Lincoln. GM had abandoned coupes/sedans for the most part but as hinted at coming back to it at some point. Even with the upcoming demise of the Camaro, insiders have said to expect it or something like it to ultimately return to Chevrolet, and I can see Cadillac adopting it for its own use for a return of the Eldo or Fleetwood or something like it, for people are growing tired of boring looking SUVs (which I think will go the way of the minivan). But Ford seems hell bent on trucks and SUVs, and its commitment to the Mustang seems passive at best despite the new model in 2024. That’s a great platform to introduce a uniquely styled, four passenger luxury coupe to call the Mark X. Evolving to EVs would also make the idea of building a longer, bolder car that much more attractive to the market, logistically possible and cost effective. But right now, Ford seems to be on a drug trip in its business execution with a strange obsession in trucks and EVs. Yes the F150 is a core staple to its revenue, but Ford is also clearly putting all its eggs in one risky basket for shareholders. EV’s is the trend, but going all in EV so quickly and abruptly must be managed effectively. It literally handed its ICE powered sedan business to the Japanese and South Koreans. And Mustang sales aren’t exactly spiking the sales charts either; the long aging Dodge Challenger (nearly unchanged since 2009!) outsold the Mustang in 2022: that’s a very telling sign. Ford product planners just seem lost in the automobile dark forest right now.
We’ll done Jon. Certainly this was the right car for the time. I remember these cars best by watching reruns of the TV show Cannon and William Conrad’s character drove a new model Mark III and IV each season.
My personal favorite was the Mark III and 1972 Mark IV. Again, those 5mph bumpers (just slap some huge hunks of metal on the ends) just changed the proportions of the car negatively to me. But that was the sad story of pretty much every 1973/1974 car.
Thanks!
To me it was the massive reduction in HP through the 70s and just how long it took for the 5.0 and 4.9's to get back up there. I *knew* it, but it was stunning to go through it.
I love my 98 Mark Viii its been an amazing car and an amazing commuter vehicle.
My favorite brand....😊
Inmy personal opinion, the 1977-1978 MarkV (as a coupe) was the most beautiful vehicle that came out from FORD.
I had my 351/M400 1978 Mark V from 1998 to 2001 when I didn't even know that I had to change the oil (I graduated High School in1993 and Majored in Business)...
That was the BEST CAR that I ever owned!
I love all of the Marks! There’s no rationale behind it, but the Mark V has always been the most eye catching to me. There’s clearly nothing practical about it, and maybe that’s why I love it so much. It’s long, angular but proportional, and has a very stately presence. The Mark II is the most impressive for being so far ahead of its time in design. The Mark VII was such a refreshing change over the somewhat awkward looking Mark VI.
In researching this, I was blown away by the Mark II. By itself it's pretty, but when compared with it's competition it was from the future. Really impressive.
I'm working on the Eldorado history right now, so many of those 70-ish Marks were okay, and by the 80s & 90s the Caddy's were really pretty (to my eyes!). But I don't think I really appreciated the Marks of that time. Then came the VIII and it was from the future. (so of course Ford squandered it)
@@AllCarswithJon I don’t think people appreciate the extent and expense that Ford went to creating the Mark II. Most certainly don’t know that Ford created an entirely separate Continental division. The Mark II is indeed an exquisite car. I’m sure the research on the Eldorado’s will be interesting! The late 50s Eldorado Brougham was an equally stunning luxury car.
@@Zneedsmore Honestly most of the Eldos are beautiful, but doing the history is frustrating. It amounts to long periods of the same platform with yearly styling tweaks!
@@AllCarswithJon True! Well, in fairness, for most all American brands, that was the narrative for automotive design pretty much between 1949 thru 1976, and the annual changes were more subtle and less frequent from that point forward once the downsizing took over.
@@Zneedsmore I know, I know. :) You know what, doing these histories really drives it home. A caddy might be built on the E body for years, but there's headlight, sheetmetal, or tailfin changes every year while the body/engine chugs along. Then the 80s hit and suddenly cars go 8=10 years with only a midcycle refresh and maybe a new engine/transmission.
I don't think most people truly understand just how much the foundation of the market changed after the 70s.
Actually, the diamond jubilee was a 7000 dollar option added to the 16,000 price tag.
Making this car the first American made car to break the 20 thousand dollar mark.
ive thought it would be nice to see a new Mark with Mustang parts
Had a Mark VIII - loved it
My 1993 Mark VIII was marked as LSC on the dealer service card - a rarity
Very well done video. I drove the brand new 1980 Mark VI 4dr throughout HS and sold them new in 82-83, at 17 years old. I’ve been obsessed with them ever since and have owned nearly 10 of the newest lowest mile 100% original examples, that have ever existed. I know them so well, that I know every single part by engineering number as well as part number. I wanted to thank you for featuring my 1980 Signature Series 4dr in your video. I loved these cars before everyone started jumping in the bandwagon. Now, you can’t find any excellent examples, nor highly optioned versions in good color combinations but people will buy them as long as they are for sale.
Thanks for the kind words!
I agree Jon, Lincoln has lost it's identity and way.
If I was a middle-aged guy back in the day of the Mark V (I was still in middle school), mine would probably be the one in gold or gold and brown, and I would be wearing a fedora, and have a fancy cigar in my mouth (A lot of people smoked back then). We were a Ford family for many years when I was growing up, so I'm naturally gravitating to Lincoln.
This was a fun video to do, coming from a GM family it's amazing how much I liked some of these Lincolns.
but that image of a Caddy with steer horns on the hood from Dallas or Boss Hogg still stick with me... thus the Eldorado video I just released!
Thanks for the video. As an ex dealer tech, I had a love hate relationship with Lincoln's.
Especially the newer models of the time.
But they made some awesome stuff... a least from a conumer point of view.
@@AllCarswithJon . Yes, agreed
Wen I was a kid I fell in love with the original Continental , high school had a mark IV , and at least one of every model , I think the mark IV was the most and luxurious of the series
Many people just don’t understand or appricate them and how they symbolize pure American luxury , sad we are now emulating cars from Asia
When I was in grade school I saw a Lincoln like this one and it cost more than the person's house in Wichita
I would imagine if Lincoln made a Mark 9 with the legendary 5.0L Coyote V8 making over 500 HP NA.
Another interesting history video.. I always thought the Lincoln Continental Mark Cars were very classy looking...
Glad you enjoyed it!
Loved this video! Learned a lot! I'm now going to watch your Roadmaster video! Thanks
Awesome! Thank you! I hope you enjoy the Roadmaster one!
Good morning John!
Morning!
Very good and well executed. You did a great job going through the changes. I liked how you had footage and catalog information as well. I appreciated the video for the information and content. I liked many of the Marks. The only one I was not a fan of was Mark VII. I liked Mark IV and V and Mark VIII the most. I like Mark VI and the earlier ones second best. Thank you John.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I cannot remember if my "Grandpa" had a Mark 5 or 6 but, I loved riding in the car with him when I was a kid. Later they downgraded to the the first model year Taurus since he was a retired Ford worker.
6:53 The Mark IV did not bear similar proportions to Mark III. It was four inches longer on a 3+ inch-longer wheelbase - and nearly 500 pounds heavier.
Agreed that the IV was indeed a much bigger and heavier car in 1972. It did evolve in its proportions though: short deck, long hood, generally low slung profile. My dad rode in one with a colleague for work back in 1975 when going from Cincinnati to Chicago; his friend had a gold 74 Mark IV….
Gorgeous car. I was only 9 at the time but was so impressed with it. My dad recounted from the trip that he was fascinated with the IV’s subtle chime announcing when the car was low on fuel. He was stunned at how often they had to pull over to get gasoline… it averaged about 10 mpg and that was when the speed limit was reduced to 55 mph LOL. My dad by comparison had a far older ‘67 Buick Wildcat that was indeed thirsty on gas too, but nothing like that Mark IV!
Other than the Lincoln continental mark II, I have had all of the mark series. Biggest mistake Lincoln ever made was discontinuing the mark series. How it would be here today with all the hoopla about SUVs I’m not sure but the market surely missed by me!
Fun video. Makes me think of a highway sofa.
Thanks. Did those interiors not look inviting? Seriously, I fell in love with some of those!
A friend had a MKIII. It felt like a sofa mounted on a waterbed. But that's what the average Lincoln owner wanted at the time.
ROADSOFA would make a good license plate for one of those cars. or HWYCOUCH
@@ianperkins8812 That's really good! :)
I remember the Mark Series Continentals because an Uncle of mine had a used 1985 Mark VII when I was a young girl late 80s to mid 90s that uncle now drive's a Ford Edge SUV
Lincoln absolutely did the right thing in continuing the 1957 Mark II with the 1969-'71 Mark III, '72-'76 Mark IV, etc. after the '58-'60 "mistake" models, getting the Mark series back on track. No, they couldn't 'erase' the older cars unfortunately, but got it the appropriate fresh start 12 years later, and that's all that matters.
Yes the late 50’s Marks were ‘unique’ … and they hold a weird spot in Continental’s history. I used to really dislike the look of them, but they’ve honestly grown on me over the years when I see them at car shows. Their ponderous look just made the new ‘61 Continental sedans that much more stately and revolutionary for the history books.
The only thing that is eye-catching on the Mark IX concept is the wheels. Omg...
Lincoln was an American icon and its current iteration is but a shadow of its ancestors. I'm still a Lincoln fan and own one but the new Continental is not worthy of the name. Great job, I can tell you know your stuff.
Thanks for the kind words.
And this isn't all just off the top of my head. Lots of research behind it. :)
I had toy Mark Continental with a wheel in the middle where you put a zip tie in the middle wheel and you crash it against the wall. When it crashed the hood, wheels,and doors would fall off and you can put it back together
OMGosh! I had some of those! I LOVED them!
Thanks for the memory!
mark v
my favorite...last era
of american luxury
I miss my mk3,,hab it for 17 yrs,,,surprised a few camaros and mustangs in a drag race,,,,still think it was the nicest car ford ever made
There is a great series on TTAC by Corey Lewis "Rare Rides Icons: The Lincoln Mark Series, Feeling Continental" the covers Continentals from the first Continental thru the Mark VIII. A good thorough read for anyone the is a Mark enthusiast.
Thanks, I'll check that out!
The 93 Mark 8 👀🇺🇲👍
Henry Ford II didn't get along with Lee Iacocca very well. Also, Iacocca greenlighted the Ford Pinto that would catch fire if rear-ended. Another reason for his firing. Lee Iacocca took his minivan idea to Chrysler
I own a light blue 1988 Lincoln Town Car with dark blue interior the standard interior it now has 96,000 miles on it
Why is the car moving and there’s no one driving it ?
Ford "385" series 460ci V8. 365hp
Yes, I've been corrected. 😀
Aside as a. American, i do prefer Cubic Inch Displacement reference. All 3 of my Marks all have yhe 400Ci.
I have owned 3 MARK'S...one 77 and two 79's ....as close as an AMERICAN LUXURY auto maker ever got 2 a ROLLS-ROYCE....Still own a 79 MARK V Cartier Ed with a moonroof
Hi Jon, I saw both your Eldorado and your Lincoln Continental Mark Series videos. Outstanding cars! One problem was, federal government vehicle emissions, fuel economy and safety restrictions. Please reply. Dave...
Thanks for the view and comment!
Lincoln needs a new MK.9 luxury coupe, as the market mainly gets SUV's these days.
But, will it sell?
@@MisterMikeTexas I think it will
Any one else notice how the roof line resembles the Meteor of the 63 era?
Ford/Lincoln didn't offer a 358 Cid in 69, it was a 460cid. Cars referenced from the 50s to the early 80s should be explained in Cid, not liters!
I'd have to go re-listen to it but I think you caught me mis-speaking. It's from the 385 series, but I may have misspoke.
Thanks for pointing it out.
My mother had a Lincoln with the suicide doors
The 1969 mark 3 had a 460 v8. Not a 358v8 and it was a 7.5 liter not a 7.6 liter
Ooooffff... thanks for the comment and the correction.
I was trying to say the V8 was from the "385 family" and even messed that up!
Thank you again for the correction!
Who thinks the LS looks like a BMW? I can't tell how many times a quick glance at a passing LS made me think BMW.
Continental MK 7 was the more european in design, in my opinion was similar to a Giugiaro design for Lancia Thema in some particular and in general shape
A+ review
Someday big john maybe ill donate $$$ to you do:
1962-1965 dodge custom 880
1965-1968 Chrysler new Yorker and 300
Fantastic cars serie, incredible the 1939 models, the 1956 and also the 1977, beautiful the 1972 and 1983 models, rational the 1980 model, so so the 1969 model and ugly the 1958 model : but is a MK?
The last series from 1990, the MK8 etc have don't the power of being considered neither in America
I owned a 1983 mark and a 1988 mark an 1998 mark
Something struck me while watching this video that has nothing to do with Lincoln. Almost all the cars you showed had beautiful colors both inside and out. Reds, blues, greens, golds, etc. Now all cars are black, white, or silver. Why? Maybe you did a videe on that and I missed it.
I haven't done a video on that, and I noticed it too. I'm not sure why that's really happened.
@@AllCarswithJon Perhaps a video on some of the best colors (probably from the early 1960's) and the worst (from AMC in the 1970's).
@@daviduliana4447 Soooo.... that's a good idea but honestly it's not for me. I'm color blind, so I absolutely do not want to subject myself to the ridicule I'd get when I call something 'green' on camera for all time... and it's actually 'yellow'. :) LOL!
The 2017 Continental is one of the best looking large sedans in the world. I am shocked it didn't do better.
Probably because most of the reviews were "meh" about it. Looked fantastic, but didn't really match up to it's competitors - that's what I remember reading about it when it came out.
@@AllCarswithJon I think it was more of suvs and crossovers were the big sellers. This is true with Buick which is all suvs and crossovers. I had a 2012 Buick Lacrosse Luxury edition hybrid which I really loved but I sold it a year ago at a 4k profit. Lincoln and Buick still offer their cars in China besides crossovers and suvs. One of the main reasons for the end of 2 door American Personal Luxury cars was people with families going to 4 door sedans and then to suvs like the Explorer, Navigator, Suburban, and Escalade. I do miss the PLCs and the luxury sedans of the past and it would be nice if they became popular again but I believe the foreseeable future is suvs and crossovers.
Sorry Jon, but the 'real' Mark series ended with the Mark VIII. Be careful what you wish for in a Mark IX. Just know ahead of time it'll be some ugly (probably) Tesla flavored crossover with the name on it. Is that what you want? I didn't think so. Fortunately, I seriously doubt it'll ever happen.
After doing some of these videos, I'm increasingly amazed that some of the great, strong names our companies had have just been abandoned. I won't guess how long, but I think some of them will come back, but as you said probably not in a product I'd like to see it on.
Just staying with the Mark, that's a great name to bring back, and consider that Buick is going to be bringing back the "Electra" name. Lincoln went weird names for a while (MKs, MKz) and came back to real names, so personally I think it's only a matter of time until some old names are repurposed.
That future Mark might be one of the coupe-type CUVs or something and not a 2 door convertible... but I can still see it coming back someday. :)
You need to see a good ENT doctor. Your vocal chords are in distress. Not a criticism just advise from a vocal coach. Love your channel!
The continental is only sold in China. If the Mark series was to return it too I believe would end up only in China.
So much better with sound off not listening to this one man's opinion. I just came to see the amazing machines.
Mark IV 3years 80-83 LMAO uhm that would be 4 years
1977 model is out of time
I GAVE MY OL MK IV TO MY GRANSON FOR HIS FIRST CARR,,, HE SOLD IT AND BOUGHT A SUZUKI ALTO! CAME OUT AS A SISSY NOT LONG AFTER TOO,,,
BILL '4L60E' GREYNP'LE
US COAST GUARD 1983-1983
DISHONORABLY DISCHARGED FORKLIFT CERTIFIED 1996
I'm sorry to hear that
That's Alcatraz... Ok, go on..
Starts off great, but then... it just gets worse, and worse, and worse. Eeesh! Garbage!!
i have never been impressed with Lincoln
I've almost always (almost) found I like Lincolns.... as long as I nevery compare them with their Caddy competition.
I like them, but have never aspired to have one. Even if I could have afforded a new one, my more practical brain would have been focused on something else.