1970 Lincoln Continental Mark III Hardtop Coupe

In September of 1965, Lee Iacocca authorized Ford's Advance Design Office to begin work on a new project for a two-door personal luxury car. The result of their work, the Continental Mark III, made its debut in mid-1968. The vehicle had a long hood, short rear deck with continental spare tire treatment and a new grille. The car was an immediate success with buyers, and by 1970 the model had received minor aesthetic upgrades like new wheel covers, concealed windshield wipers, a Cartier clock and walnut veneers on the instrument panel, steering wheel and door trim.

The Mark III brought with it many technical innovations including a computer-controlled Sure-Track rear brake system, which was a precursor to anti-lock brakes that was developed by Kelsey-Hayes. The Mark III was the first American car to offer steel-belted radial tires as a standard feature.

This Mark III wears its original mechanical components and cosmetic trim. The paint is mostly original and the vinyl hardtop remains in good condition. Currently, the odometer reads only 15,300 miles. Powering the car is a 460 cubic-inch overhead valve V-8 delivering 365 horsepower. There are four-wheel drum brakes and a Select-Shift 3-Speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission.

In 2007, the car was acquired by its current owner.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction in Scottsdale, Arizona. The vehicle was estimated to sell for $35,000 - $45,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $37,400 inclusive of buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2011