1972 Lincoln Continental

For 1972, Lincoln offered two models, the Lincoln Continental and the Continental Mark IV Series. The Continental had a 127-inch wheelbase, while the Mark IV had a 120.4-inch platform. The base engine was an overhead valve V8 displacing 460 CID and offering 212 SAE horsepower. The Mark IV engine was a 460 CID with overhead valves and 224 SAE horsepower.

The most distinguishable features of the two series were the grilles and the headlights. The Continental had a new criss-cross pattern grille and a hood ornament with Lincoln emblem. Standard equipment included fender skirts, automatic temperature control air conditioning, power front disc brakes, cut-pile carpeting, electric clock, carpeted luggage compartment, left-hand remote-control outside rearview mirror, armrests, tinted glass, AM radio with power antenna, two-way power seat, visor vanity mirror, power windows and seat belts, and power ventilation.

Pricing for the 2-door hardtop coupe Continental began at $7,065, while the 4-door sedan sold for $7,300. A total of 10,408 hardtop coupes were produced and 35,561 of the sedan.

The Mark IV Series was four inches longer, slightly lower, and an inch wider the 1971 version. The radiator-style grille was longer and used fewer vertical bars. It had a Mark IV emblem with a hood ornament on top. They featured a new roof design with an oblong opera window. Four rectangular bumper-integrated taillights replaced the vertical wraparound ones.

In the back of the Mark IV was the unique spare tire hump. They came equipped with Sure-Track power brake system, spare tire cover, luxury wheel covers, Cartier electric clock, Six-Way power Twin Comfort lounge seat, vinyl roof and automatic seatback release.

The Mark VI was a hardtop coupe that had a base price of $8,640 and a total of 48,591 examples produced.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2013