1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV

1972 was the first year of the Lincoln Continental Mark IV and would remain in production through 1976. The Mark IV was larger in size than its Continental Mark III predecessor and its rival, the Cadillac Eldorado. Its chassis was shared with the Ford Thunderbird and its 460 cubic-inch V8 engine was backed by a three-speed C6 automatic.

The design of the Mark IV was an evolution of the Mark III, wearing sharper-edged fenders, a tall radiator-style grille with fewer vertical bars flanked by hidden headlamps, and a 'Continental spare tire' decklid. The trunk was a design aspect rather than functional storage, as the spare tire was actually stored on a ledge in the trunk above the fuel tank, directly behind the rear seat.

The Mark IV had a 120.4-inch wheelbase and measured 220.1-inches in length, a full four inches longer and approximately half-an-inch lower than its predecessor. A Mark IV emblem adorned the grille with a hood ornament on top. The four rectangular bumper integrated taillights replaced the previous vertical wraparound units. Offered solely as a two-door hardtop coupe with seating for six, it wore a new roo design that used an oblong opera window.

The 460 cubic-inch Ford 385 Series 16-valve V8 had a cast-iron block, 8.5:1 compression ratio, a four-barrel carburetor, and delivered 224 (SAE net) horsepower. (This was the same engine used to power the Mark III, but had been rated at 365 hp. For 1972, Lincoln complied with EPA emissions regulations, decreased the compression ratio, and rated the engine in SAE net horsepower). Another feature sourced from the Mark III was the 'Sure-Track brake system.

Standard equipment included an AM radio with power antenna, seat belts, power windows, power ventilation, visor vanity mirror, left-hand remote-control outside rearview mirror, armrests in the front and rear, tinted glass, Cartier electric clock, luxury wheel covers, spare tire cover, Six-Way Power Twin Comfort lounge seat, automatic seatback release, and vinyl roof.

The 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Series had a base price of $8,640 and 48,591 units were built, slightly more than the 45,969 units of the Continental. The Continental used a 127-inch wheelbase, body styles included a hardtop coupe (Town Coupe) and a sedan (Town Sedan), prices were in the low-$7,000 range, and power was from a 460 CID V8 rated at 212 (SAE net) horsepower.

Through the production lifespan of the Mark IV, only minimal changes occurred. In its final year, Lincoln offered the Mark IV in four 'Designer Series' special-edition option packages. These appearance packages were developed with consultation from notable fashion designers of the time, including Bill Blass, Givenchy, Cartier, and Pucci. The Designer Series proved successful and were carried through to the Mark V, Mark VI, and Mark VII.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021