That's actually a 71 on your first picture. The 70 did not emphasize the grill as much, but incorporated the concealed headlight covers and the grill together.
Good catch. I also noticed that and was surprised. I googled 70 Continentals and this photo also appeared. There was a distinct difference in the front ends of these 2 years noted on the same page although this one was listed as a 1970. Someone messed up.
@@ernielaw Old, but I always observed the construction, features etc. You can LEARN MUCH this way! I ALWAYS "accounted USE (ABUSE)",but I observed MUCH!
To my elementary school-age eye, the early to mid '70s Lincolns were just ordinary four door cars, albeit with Lincoln accoutrements. But when that four door Town Car, with the oval opera windows in the C pillars, hit the streets, even as a kid, I thought that it was a little beyond your ordinary average four door car, and in a place where neither Cadillac nor Imperial/Chrysler had ever ventured in my lifetime.
I'm only in my early 50s but for as long as I can remember, anytime I'm asked what my ultimate dream car is my answer has been quick a simple "1977 Lincoln". Never really cared which model. I love them all equally. Thanks for this !! Its a nice dream.
I can vouch for the Frigidaire A/C in my parent's 1972 Continental. That was my family's first A/C car, and it sure made driving up California's central valley nice in summer! No more spray bottles filled with water!
An old boss of mine had a '77 two door. I drove it several times and learned what the term "road barge" meant. I grew up in the 70s and big cars were not strange to me but those things were massive.
Regarding the opening of the video: No...the "1970 you see here"....is actually a 1971. The 1970 grille is all the way across, the 1971 has the painted headlight doors. (I've had 10 1970 Lincolns, I'm kind of familiar with them)
It is not so much that smokers liked the vent window, but rather the suffering non-smoking passengers! But what smokers do not appreciate is we can smell them coming.
What's it like to own? Wonderful. I have a 76 continental sedan and it has such presence. When you get in, you know you are in a substantial automobile. Quiet, smooth, drives with such grace. Not as powerful as the 70 and 71s but still torquey and pleasant to drive. To me these are peak Lincoln from a time when just looking at it, you felt pride in what you drove. Fit and finish was very good, with excellent material quality, excellent paint, and just an overall feeling of substance and comfort.
I have a 79. You are correct with the engine being scaled down; it’s a lot of car to move with that 400 2 bbl. I personally preferred the 78&79 dash over the previous years. I love it and love driving it. I love floating down the road compared to my daily driver Kia. I still have quite a bit of small things I want to get done/working, but for the most part everything functions except for some of the more bells and whistle items. Definitely get a lot of attention when I drive it.
My mother had a 78 Town Car. It was a fabulous car. Those GM AC compressors never went bad. Every salvage yard of that era had stacks of them. GM replaced them with a rotary compressor and they all went bad.
When I was about 14 years old, the junkyard by my grandma's house moved one of these out by the road. I had no idea what it was, but I had to investigate. Turned out to be a 77 Continental Town Car sedan. Boy, that big gold car drew me to itself. Beautiful, and even in the junkyard it had presence and power. Damn, what a car.
I like the 75 to 77s the best because of the dash, fender skirts and the 460, not to mention the velour pillow top seats. I have an Andy Hotten limo grille for my 76 so it has a unique look. Great cars.
I took my drivers test in a 77 Town Car (Bill Blass). A few days later my father took me brothers on a cross country road trip. I'll never forget that. Good times
About time you did this. I love my 77 tcar. It's so ornate. I like the chrome trim,even on the front signal lenses. Love the big grill. Last year for the cool speedo and woodgrain. 4604V. Soooo smooth. A real pleasure to drive.
I had a 76 but was always jealous of the 77s. Especially the dark blue with tan top and interior. Absolutely stunning they were all over NYC back then.
There was no Town Car model in 1977. It was the Continental and I think there may have been a Town Car trim package, but again, it wasn’t a model until well into the 1980s.
You are correct, but I try not to compare them. Rather I appreciate the boldness and presence of the 75-79 models. They were impressive vehicles, not as beautiful but much more impressive than the 70-74. Especially the 77 and later Town Cars. They were colossal and beat Rolls Royce at its own game. My dad bought a new 76 so I was really envious of the 77 and 78s back then.
David, Did you mean the pinnacle of the Mark IV coupe? That had the best front end...for that model. If you meant for the Town Car, you must like the 72s, but for me, the best was the '77 with that elegant Rolls-Royce grille. It just carried a tremendous presence.
I’m an outlier here in that I love the grand-armored late 70s Town Cars. Tho I’m a 74-76 Cadillac Fleetwood guy, those TCs really appeal to me. They are an isolation booth, a vault-like experience.
I worked with a guy who had one of these 4 doors and it was so long it stuck out of his parking space into the parkade area. He almost needed a parking cone to mark the end.
A few relatives had these Lincoln’s in the 70’s. My grandfather was a plant manager then, and always had a new Lincoln lease car every year, usually a Mark IV. One of my aunts had a huge, orange colored fully loaded Town Car. It was true, these Lincoln rode like a cloud. If you wanted the ultimate in luxury though, go to a drive in movie in one. It felt like watching a movie on your living room sofa. In 1981, I rented a stretch Town Car limousine for a friends birthday. A group of us visited every revolving rooftop lounge in the metro Detroit area. We got quite a few double takes when the limousine pulled up to the doors of the hotels we visited. It was an eye catcher, all shiny black, and a block long. It was a night to remember.
I drove a 79 and it was like riding on a cloud. Not even Rolls Royce's rode that well. Sad you can't find that ride quality anymore and even the best Mercedes Benz air suspensions can't compete with a 79 Lincoln's ride. I should know..I've had both..lol. Thanks, Adam! PS: Waiting for a video on the long ignored but deeply loved 80-83 Lincoln Mark VI Coupe!
agreed, there is nothing as smooth on road these days, the only car i felt on par with the Lincoln ride was the Oldsmobile Delta 88 which rode just like a cadillac. I prefer the FoMoCo products myself..
Like you, I prefer the earlier versions of the '70s Lincolns (i.e., '70-'73). Having said that, I've had a great deal of experience with the later ones, including a '78 Town Car I owned for about 3 years. It was a bit ponderous to drive, but still had a quality leather interior, and everything worked just fine, including the ATC. signal seeking AM/FM stereo and moonroof. And who doesn't love the mini-vents?
Hi Adam , Another informative video on a true land yacht. I have a neighbor that has a 1977 Lincoln Continental 4 door in Maroon red in excellent shape. I love the oval opera windows in the rear sail panel. These cars had a distinct nautical flair to their design. Thanks for the video.
The updated greenhouse styling for 76 mimics that of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, with the thin window frames and roof finish wrapping down to the belt line on the B pillar. That Cadillac treatment recalled the same styling on the original 60 Special, and always seemed an elegant touch to me.
My dad had a 77 Lincoln. It weighed 5500 lbs. 460 cubic inche engine. Was horrible on gas but he loved that car. My dad loved big cars. He also had a 75 mercury. To him a car had to be big to be a true luxury car. I miss him and his cars.
I always liked the classic coke bottle side profile and roofline of the '70 - '74 Lincoln better than the mid-cycle redo launched in '75. And I never realized that the Lincoln hood, grille surround and front valance panel appear to be the same stampings with different headlamp covers, fender caps, bumper, and grille inserts to differentiate them, as shown at ~1:45 in the video.
I owned a 1973 Town Car in pristine condition I was buying below wholesale and selling at wholesale to the public. Every now and then I came across a cream puff Luxury Car. And you remember the way the car drove and rode and the way the doors shut. Also owning as my second car at age 17 a 1973 Fleetwood Brougham and comparing it to the Lincoln of the same year The Caddy was a lot more flashy better quality materials on the inside. Funny both were the about the same color inside and out. Loved the rim blow horn.
Another great video Adam. I always thought that the 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V Collectors Series (in midnight blue) was my car of choice for the time.
@Right Lane Hog You're a smart & insightful cookie ( I mean no flippant sarcasm, or to be unkind ), but actually I chose my tag-name years ago because I used to love Major League Baseball's Florida ( now Miami ) Marlins.....however, I soured on the Marlins because of how they now treat their fans.... I'm back to bleeding Black & Orange for my first & only beloved San Francisco Giants..... Have a great weekend!
My mom had a 77 Town Car it was awesome! Keep in mind that Lincoln didn’t downsize until 1980. The 77-79 Continental Town Cars were the same except the dash gauges change in 1978.
Hey Adam, my dads last Lincoln was a 79 Continental Town Car. It was quiet & comfortable but was grossly underpowered!! It couldn't get out of its own way!!! The malaise era at its finest!!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂
I have a 79 Town Car (and a 70 Continental) and love them both. The headlight issue of the covers raising after an hour or so is not a big deal as, when you start the car, they go straight back down so no big deal, and certainly not a deal breaker.
Thank you Adam. I liked the 1975-1979 Lincoln. There was a third grade teacher at my elementary school who owned one. I used to look at her car all the time. It is interesting how this car stayed true to the interior and styling themes until the end in 2011. It is interesting it became Lincoln Town Car in 1980-1981. I call these cars Town Cars although Town Car was a trim level back then. I liked the styling and the Mercury Grand Marquis back then too. As you said Mercury got that grille and some styling cues and they worked at trying to keep Mercury separate from Lincoln. You have to admit they were close during this time. The other interesting thing is Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis shared the same instrumentation at the end of their run as well. They shared other things too. You said it quite well and nice footage as well. now understand the vent windows. I used to wonder why Lincolns had them. I know the LTD and Grand Marquis and Lincoln were close in appearance in the late 70's. I know as you said the instrumentation panels were similar too. Thank you again.
Thank you for this! 77-79 Town Car my favorite. My first job was at small town gas station from '75-'82 and the town elite would pull up in one of these. So regal in stance and presence. TV show Dynasty Carrington's had one. IMO no other luxury car comes close.
I washed and waxed a 1977 Town Car for a neighbor a few times. I know it was $20 in 1980s money, but I promise you for the time I spent on it each time, I surely earned less than hourly wage at a fast food joint by the time I was done and satisfied with the job I had done.
I owned and enjoyed a 1979 Lincoln Continental Collector Series for 14 years. I absolutely love the styling of these behemoths, but as you point out, the muted 400 engine had a not so easy task of propelling it. It certainly was no comparison power-wise to my 1968 Continental with it's 460. It certainly could "haul itself" around rather effectively. However, I thoroughly enjoyed both, each with their own unique quirks. Thanks Adam for another inviting trip down Memory Lane. Please do keep "em coming. I always look forward to what you have in store for us next.
An Aunt of mine bought one of these brand new when I was a kid. I thought that car was incredible. I remember there was so much room in the back that I could sit in the back and stretch my legs out and not even touch the back of the front seat
My aunt (1916-2003) gave her 1968 Mercury Park Lane to her son and bought a new 1977 Continental...Navy blue with navy blue leather. The drum speedometer, powered antenna, headlight covers, split front windows, courtesy lights in the opera windows...all of it was fantastic to this then seven year-old. And futuristic, at the time. I was well-accustomed to Cadillacs and other special vehicles like our parents' Airstream trailers, but the Continental was really something to regard. Dad (1927-2022) was a physician and kept a variety of cars, but my aunt and Dad's brothers kept large sedans like this in case they were needed as extra cars for the funeral home, founded by my grandfather (1887-1981) in the 1930s. Dad's brothers ran the funeral home after his passing. A favorite postcard in our archives shows the first of our grandfather's hearses, horse-drawn, above a picture of a new 1959 Cadillac model parked in front of the old Second Empire house on Main Street that housed the business. My aunt was a slender, beautiful woman with bold red hair, always pinned up in formal style. Her clothing matched the flair of the car. Riding in the Continental was as a dream - silent & cosseted, while sunk into the deep cushioned seats, all imbued with a mysterious yet attractive scent of leather and tobacco. My cousin kept the Park Lane in good order well into the 90s, and then in retirement he transitioned to a series of more modern Grand Marquis and Town Cars. I drove the '77 Continental only a time or two, and helped with a little maintenance in the 90s, but it was sold in the dispersal of my aunt's estate. Western North Carolina
I remember these cars well. Our neighbors had a Lincoln Continental 4 door of this generation like what is shown here - though I don't know what year it was. It was navy blue with a navy blue leather interior. I remember riding in it and was quite impressed. A car I remember better was my friend from high school's mom drove a 1975 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe. It was a medium blue with a white vinyl half roof and a white leather interior with a blue dash, blue carpeting, and blue seat belts. The car was fairly old at the time, but they kept it because they liked it so much. What was funny was my friend's mom was less than 5 feet tall, but she drove this absolutely huge car around! If you owned one of these, it was an indication you were a successful individual. Modern luxury cars definitely don't have the elegance that these cars had.
I was in my mid-20s in 1977, and remember these well. There was an absolutely beautiful woman in the office who drove a 1977 Continental Coupe' in Dove Gray. Don't know which I lusted after more, her or her car. For some reason, while watching this video the title of an old Jethro Tull song kept popping into my head: "Thick As A Brick." Another era, for sure.
In my experience, the Ford/York compressor was more reliable and seemed to work almost as well. However, the GM compressor was quieter and vibrated less. I thought that was why they used them in the luxury cars. . I do know that the GM power steering pump was more robust than the Ford. It’s use in the town car made perfect sense, especially since some were equipped with hydro boost power brake boosters that also used the power steering fluid.
Adam, another thing that sets the Marquis apart is that it rode on the Ford LTD frame while Lincoln's frame was exclusive to Lincoln. I've ridden in these cars and have driven them too. Lincoln did a nice job with the ride using dual-stage body mounts and working with Firestone to produce the softest riding tire possible. Cadillac chose to give its cars just a bit better handling. According to Consumer Guide Cars - 1976, the test drivers rated the '76 Marquis as the worst handling car they had ever tested to that date.
A friend had a 1978 Town Car, dark brown with a beige vinyl roof and no opera windows. It was a terrific car, very reliable and definitely the best of the large Mercurys and Lincolns he had owned previously. Unlike some of the others, it ran and drove well, with no drivability or starting problems. I preferred the wider front grille of his '76 Lincoln Coupe but I think the newer Mercury style instrument panel on his '78 Town Car simplified things even if it didn't provide as much information. The beige velour twin comfort seats were just so luxurious and comfortable.
I had a 1988 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series with all the bells and whistles for that time frame. Loved it! Shortly after I purchased it I took a cruise from southern NH to Branson Missouri. Had it on cruise control except passing through the big cities. I averaged 32mpg! Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised and shocked! What a ride. I wish I still had it.
The styling features of the 1977 Continental make it easy to differentiate from 76 and 78 models. The 1977 model year marked the last year for fender skirts and the typical Lincoln dashboard. It was the first year for the Rolls Royce inspired grill.
@@RareClassicCars Sorry for the following LONG answer: Well I tend to know most about cars that I have owned or want to own. I started out as a Ford guy, especially 1955-1966 T-Birds. I was enthralled with them. Then around 1990 or so, I became interested in Buicks from 1961-1972. Mostly because they ride and handle better than the contemporaneous Fords. (example my former 1967 Rivieras rode and handled MUCH better than ANY of my 1956-68 Fords regardless of model). Though you say by the 1970s Ford took the lead in that regard. I would not know, as I have never owned a Ford newer than a 1968 Torino which was a tinny rattle trap. And currently I am into 1994-1996 Buick Roadmasters and Cadillac Fleetwoods. I delve into the cars I am interested in, so there are few NEW things I can learn about them at this point. I NEVER need to hear or see anything more about Tri-Five Chevys, Camaros or Mustangs. How boring! So, to satisfy my curiosity, I enjoy channels such as yours and Curious Cars. Your channel features lesser-known cars generally from the 1960s and 1970s. (I will have to admit your videos about most 1980s cars I seldom watch, as they are something I would never want to own.) What I find interesting are the specs, features, options and the minutiae of materials, features and such.
I worked in a Lincoln dealership in the late ‘70’s/early 80’s while in high school and have fond memories of these cars. I would frequently have to go to the owner’s house and get his wife’s Town Car, bring it back for a wash and vacuum, and then take it back - wallowing all the way. One of my best friends parents had a ‘77 Town Car and we’d pile in the back to go to out of town football games. It was a luxurious ride.
I’m trying to recall the trunk on these, and if memory serves, it was bigger than many NYC efficiency apartments. My neighbor who had one of these, had a version that came with or was optioned with what I can describe as “vaned aluminum wheels” which were and remain rather attractive.
Once was fortunate enough to have had 1978 Town Coupe. 🏆 Huge, luxurious and OTT excessive chromed LAND YACHT 😊. Never should have let it go. Have since had 89 Signature Series (as well as RWD FLEETWOODS and other Luxury cars) and currently have beautiful low mileage Signature Limited .Great car, not quite on same level as 78,BUT will not let it get away! Ironically, these final Town Cars were recently referred to in an article as the American ROLLS-ROYCE 😊. 😎
My aunt had a 71 without the emissions, she would flip the ingnition really fast and I used to think the car stalled. then she would put the car in reverse and backout of the driveway Super quiet engine When I was older I convinced my mother and father to buy a 77 Town car.. beautiful medium blue with a half Navy vinyl top. While the prettiest of the 75-79 Counting the exterior and interior. My friend had a 75 coupe which road much nicer. You can feel the weight difference and the metal on mine was thinner After researching these I found that they lost close to 400 lbs. between the 75 and 77 models.. the 75 weighed close to the same as the 70-74. Another friend of mine had a 74 .what a tank, definitely the nicest of that era
Thanks for the good vid. As the owner of a 76 continental I can attest to the magical ride and absolutely substantial feel one has when driving one. These are luxury cars. I took a 1200 mile road trip last summer with mine and averaged 12.5 mpg at sustained near 80 mph speeds. Definitely not thrifty but so quiet and isolated from outside. I also feel these had excellent build quality. From the close of the doors to the paint, they were a cut above
Id love to roll around town with one of these but seeing that i live in germany i probably wouldnt be able to get into my town since it wouldnt fit but id still love to own one
Another great video; my dad had a 1966 coupe he got as an "executive's car" that had seen about two weeks' use before it went on the lot where employees could buy them on the Ford A Plan (he worked next to the Glass House as an art director). Wonderful car and far superior to this period, IMHO, in almost every regard. Gold-on-gold, too, which was trippy.
Had a 77 460 no thanks for that 400 my sedan was triple black bought at local salvage yard it needed a carb this was back in 94. Once I swapped a good carb on it damn! So smooth strong cool barber pole speedometer. Car felt more solid than my 74 and 76 caddies. Neighbor called it the Muenster mobile
Although we didn’t get the “big cars” unless an import, the reduction in power in our local units from the early 70’s V8’s to the 80’s was very noticeable to us car loving nuts - No power, just more thirst ! Great informative clips. Keep up the good work.
I had a 79, and I loved it. I think people liked the new design in 1975 because it brought back the sharp knife edge design of the 1961 Lincoln. Making it a true slab side once again.
Beautiful big vehicle. I remember seeing a few of them. It was always a very heavy set man driving them I recall and they had bigger than life personalities. I wonder what they drive these days..
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Adam, A full frame, rear wheel drive, prodigiously large V8 engine and 5,000 pounds of presence are consensus hallmarks of a real Classic. 🤩
I love driving my 1977 Lincoln Town Car. Still think it's one of the most beautifully designed cars ever produced.
Your so lucky friend. Please save it. Kudos to you
I really enjoy watching these videos. Not only because I am a huge car guy, but they bring me back in time. 😊
Had a '77 Town Coupe, black with the red velour interior. Loved how the suspension made it feel like she floated down the road.
I love the look of the 1970 Continental, all the angles and look of the front end gives it a sinister solidity. Another great video Adam.
Especially with that color.
This 70 car is a beauty!!
@@gregstabryla9945 The colour was the icing on the cake for me.
@@Victor-Lag Yes it is.
1970-71 always seemed more classy and luxurious than any other luxury car.
That's actually a 71 on your first picture. The 70 did not emphasize the grill as much, but incorporated the concealed headlight covers and the grill together.
Good catch. I also noticed that and was surprised. I googled 70 Continentals and this photo also appeared. There was a distinct difference in the front ends of these 2 years noted on the same page although this one was listed as a 1970. Someone messed up.
I was ten years old when these were new. It was the most impressive luxury car I had ever seen.
NOTHING compared to Chrysler Imperials, though. I owned both!
@@johnmaki3046 I've always liked American luxury cars, but did you purchase yours new or old?
@@ernielaw Old, but I always observed the construction, features etc. You can LEARN MUCH this way! I ALWAYS "accounted USE (ABUSE)",but I observed MUCH!
The "look", GREAT! The "car" a FAT FORD LTD!
To my elementary school-age eye, the early to mid '70s Lincolns were just ordinary four door cars, albeit with Lincoln accoutrements.
But when that four door Town Car, with the oval opera windows in the C pillars, hit the streets, even as a kid, I thought that it was a little beyond your ordinary average four door car, and in a place where neither Cadillac nor Imperial/Chrysler had ever ventured in my lifetime.
I'm only in my early 50s but for as long as I can remember, anytime I'm asked what my ultimate dream car is my answer has been quick a simple "1977 Lincoln". Never really cared which model. I love them all equally. Thanks for this !! Its a nice dream.
77 Town Car in Dark Blue with tan top and interior is absolutely stunning.
You guys have great taste in cars!
I can vouch for the Frigidaire A/C in my parent's 1972 Continental. That was my family's first A/C car, and it sure made driving up California's central valley nice in summer! No more spray bottles filled with water!
Made fuel Barron's happy as well
An old boss of mine had a '77 two door. I drove it several times and learned what the term "road barge" meant. I grew up in the 70s and big cars were not strange to me but those things were massive.
I had a 77 Continental Town Coupe. It was factory gold. The interior was velour. What an incredible car she was! I sold her last year.
I had a 77 Coupe' as well. The only car that was better that I owned was an 89 Town Car. Fantastic vehicles. The 77 ride could not be beat.
@@montymatilda I also had a 1989 Town Car! The best classic car that is modern!
Regarding the opening of the video: No...the "1970 you see here"....is actually a 1971. The 1970 grille is all the way across, the 1971 has the painted headlight doors. (I've had 10 1970 Lincolns, I'm kind of familiar with them)
It is not so much that smokers liked the vent window, but rather the suffering non-smoking passengers! But what smokers do not appreciate is we can smell them coming.
What's it like to own? Wonderful. I have a 76 continental sedan and it has such presence. When you get in, you know you are in a substantial automobile. Quiet, smooth, drives with such grace. Not as powerful as the 70 and 71s but still torquey and pleasant to drive. To me these are peak Lincoln from a time when just looking at it, you felt pride in what you drove. Fit and finish was very good, with excellent material quality, excellent paint, and just an overall feeling of substance and comfort.
I have a 79. You are correct with the engine being scaled down; it’s a lot of car to move with that 400 2 bbl. I personally preferred the 78&79 dash over the previous years. I love it and love driving it. I love floating down the road compared to my daily driver Kia. I still have quite a bit of small things I want to get done/working, but for the most part everything functions except for some of the more bells and whistle items. Definitely get a lot of attention when I drive it.
My dad had a 79 and it had a documented 548,000 miles on the original 400M engine & transmission before the body finally rusted away.
My mother had a 78 Town Car. It was a fabulous car. Those GM AC compressors never went bad. Every salvage yard of that era had stacks of them. GM replaced them with a rotary compressor and they all went bad.
My core buyer gives me $60 a price for those A6 compressors. I bet I've scrapped dozens if not hundreds of them over the years 🤬
When I was about 14 years old, the junkyard by my grandma's house moved one of these out by the road. I had no idea what it was, but I had to investigate. Turned out to be a 77 Continental Town Car sedan. Boy, that big gold car drew me to itself. Beautiful, and even in the junkyard it had presence and power. Damn, what a car.
Sitting in a junkyard was "pretty much" a HOME for the '77 Town Car! I OWNED one, and these were TRULY AWFUL CARS!
Back then we used to say you can play an entire game of football on the hood
@@johnmaki3046 You really don't know much about cars, do you?
@@67marlins ONLY OWNING (AND DEALING WITH) for 50+ YEARS!
@@67marlins Still HATE these AWFUL "road riding pieces of S-IT, so I GUESS SO!
I like the 75 to 77s the best because of the dash, fender skirts and the 460, not to mention the velour pillow top seats. I have an Andy Hotten limo grille for my 76 so it has a unique look. Great cars.
IF you NEVER drove Chryslers of the era!
My Uncle had bought back in 77 the town car in Medium Red Metallic. I loved the way that car drove and the mph dial on the dashboard was really neat.
Adam knows everything ! I love these autos.
The 77 is my favorite year because of the grill, the fender skirts, and the dash. I have a 79, and I added the fender skirts to mine.
We had a new 76 and I remember how disappointed I was when they dropped the fender skirts in 78.
My older brother had a 78 continental. I got a chance to drive it in 1986 when i was 18. Smooth ride.
I took my drivers test in a 77 Town Car (Bill Blass).
A few days later my father took me brothers on a cross country road trip.
I'll never forget that. Good times
About time you did this. I love my 77 tcar. It's so ornate. I like the chrome trim,even on the front signal lenses. Love the big grill. Last year for the cool speedo and woodgrain. 4604V. Soooo smooth. A real pleasure to drive.
I had a 76 but was always jealous of the 77s. Especially the dark blue with tan top and interior. Absolutely stunning they were all over NYC back then.
@@MrSpartanPaul mine is gold, brown landau top, no opera window and tan leather. not my favorite colors but a solid old car.
There was no Town Car model in 1977. It was the Continental and I think there may have been a Town Car trim package, but again, it wasn’t a model until well into the 1980s.
@@Andrew-bb3lc ya. the town car was the upgrade pac on the Connie sedan.twin lounge leather, pwr passenger seat,auto climate....
@@Andrew-bb3lc and it's in my garage.
I've always loved the old Lincolns so classy and elegant looking & drive like a dream
The impact bumper definitely did the styling no Favours . The panicle as far as I’m concerned was 1972 . Excellent video Adam ,as ever👍🇬🇧🇺🇸
You are correct, but I try not to compare them. Rather I appreciate the boldness and presence of the 75-79 models. They were impressive vehicles, not as beautiful but much more impressive than the 70-74. Especially the 77 and later Town Cars. They were colossal and beat Rolls Royce at its own game. My dad bought a new 76 so I was really envious of the 77 and 78s back then.
David, Did you mean the pinnacle of the Mark IV coupe? That had the best front end...for that model.
If you meant for the Town Car, you must like the 72s, but for me, the best was the '77 with that elegant Rolls-Royce grille. It just carried a tremendous presence.
I’m an outlier here in that I love the grand-armored late 70s Town Cars. Tho I’m a 74-76 Cadillac Fleetwood guy, those TCs really appeal to me. They are an isolation booth, a vault-like experience.
My dad bought a 76 Jade Green Coupé new and he gave it to me as a college graduation present. Now I own a 76 Fleetwood Brougham. Both awesome cars.
I love your videos! As far as I'm concerned, there are no ugly Lincolns. I'm a 1983 Mark VI owner. Thank you,
I worked with a guy who had one of these 4 doors and it was so long it stuck out of his parking space into the parkade area. He almost needed a parking cone to mark the end.
A few relatives had these Lincoln’s in the 70’s. My grandfather was a plant manager then, and always had a new Lincoln lease car every year, usually a Mark IV. One of my aunts had a huge, orange colored fully loaded Town Car. It was true, these Lincoln rode like a cloud. If you wanted the ultimate in luxury though, go to a drive in movie in one. It felt like watching a movie on your living room sofa.
In 1981, I rented a stretch Town Car limousine for a friends birthday. A group of us visited every revolving rooftop lounge in the metro Detroit area. We got quite a few double takes when the limousine pulled up to the doors of the hotels we visited. It was an eye catcher, all shiny black, and a block long. It was a night to remember.
I drove a 79 and it was like riding on a cloud. Not even Rolls Royce's rode that well. Sad you can't find that ride quality anymore and even the best Mercedes Benz air suspensions can't compete with a 79 Lincoln's ride. I should know..I've had both..lol. Thanks, Adam! PS: Waiting for a video on the long ignored but deeply loved 80-83 Lincoln Mark VI Coupe!
agreed, there is nothing as smooth on road these days, the only car i felt on par with the Lincoln ride was the Oldsmobile Delta 88 which rode just like a cadillac. I prefer the FoMoCo products myself..
@@tonychavez2083 What year was/is your Oldsmobile Delta 88?
@@67marlins it was my mother in laws , I think it was 87 or 88’ model year. Very plush and soft riding. 3.8L V6 so very torquey too.
Like you, I prefer the earlier versions of the '70s Lincolns (i.e., '70-'73). Having said that, I've had a great deal of experience with the later ones, including a '78 Town Car I owned for about 3 years. It was a bit ponderous to drive, but still had a quality leather interior, and everything worked just fine, including the ATC. signal seeking AM/FM stereo and moonroof. And who doesn't love the mini-vents?
Closest thing to a limousine you could buy, which was mass-produced and readily available in any city!
Hi Adam , Another informative video on a true land yacht. I have a neighbor that has a 1977 Lincoln Continental 4 door in Maroon red in excellent shape. I love the oval opera windows in the rear sail panel. These cars had a distinct nautical flair to their design. Thanks for the video.
Another excellent history lesson from Adam. Well done.
Now that's a dreadnought. Damn, i want one.
You have good taste ..welcome to our Lincoln gentlemen's club!
You know.....early 70s, I think Dianne Reeves had a song called, 'The Jackal"......
Again, one of my FAVORITE Lincolns to find! JUST sold a very low mile 1977 in amazing condition! Keep these great videos coming!
1977 Lincoln Continental: favorite car of all time! ❤
Never was a big Ford fan, but loved the Lincoln cars.
The updated greenhouse styling for 76 mimics that of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, with the thin window frames and roof finish wrapping down to the belt line on the B pillar. That Cadillac treatment recalled the same styling on the original 60 Special, and always seemed an elegant touch to me.
My dad had a 77 Lincoln. It weighed 5500 lbs. 460 cubic inche engine. Was horrible on gas but he loved that car. My dad loved big cars. He also had a 75 mercury. To him a car had to be big to be a true luxury car. I miss him and his cars.
I had a 1979 Lincoln town car and love it, 460 v8 4 barl carb it got 6mpg driving or pulling a rv trailer
I always liked the classic coke bottle side profile and roofline of the '70 - '74 Lincoln better than the mid-cycle redo launched in '75. And I never realized that the Lincoln hood, grille surround and front valance panel appear to be the same stampings with different headlamp covers, fender caps, bumper, and grille inserts to differentiate them, as shown at ~1:45 in the video.
My parents had a 79 Town Car, burgundy, with a coach roof, leather, CB, and an opera window. I miss that car.
I owned a 1973 Town Car in pristine condition I was buying below wholesale and selling at wholesale to the public. Every now and then I came across a cream puff Luxury Car. And you remember the way the car drove and rode and the way the doors shut. Also owning as my second car at age 17 a 1973 Fleetwood Brougham and comparing it to the Lincoln of the same year The Caddy was a lot more flashy better quality materials on the inside. Funny both were the about the same color inside and out. Loved the rim blow horn.
Another great video Adam. I always thought that the 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V Collectors Series (in midnight blue) was my car of choice for the time.
Love the 70-72 'coffin nose' Lincoln sedans.
My favorite car of all time.
Thanks for the feature!
I would have guessed a 1967 AMC Marlin was your all time favorite but I have no idea why.
@Right Lane Hog You're a smart & insightful cookie ( I mean no flippant sarcasm, or to be unkind ), but actually I chose my tag-name years ago because I used to love Major League Baseball's Florida ( now Miami ) Marlins.....however, I soured on the Marlins because of how they now treat their fans....
I'm back to bleeding Black & Orange for my first & only beloved San Francisco Giants.....
Have a great weekend!
My mom had a 77 Town Car it was awesome! Keep in mind that Lincoln didn’t downsize until 1980. The 77-79 Continental Town Cars were the same except the dash gauges change in 1978.
Hey Adam, my dads last Lincoln was a 79 Continental Town Car. It was quiet & comfortable but was grossly underpowered!! It couldn't get out of its own way!!! The malaise era at its finest!!!! Thanks for sharing this fun video!!! 👍👍🙂
Thank you again so much for another wonderful video! I love your review of these wonderful cars and the back stories. -Greg in California
Damn, you’re just cranking out content by the day! Great content, love your channel and education.
I have a 79 Town Car (and a 70 Continental) and love them both. The headlight issue of the covers raising after an hour or so is not a big deal as, when you start the car, they go straight back down so no big deal, and certainly not a deal breaker.
Thank you Adam. I liked the 1975-1979 Lincoln. There was a third grade teacher at my elementary school who owned one. I used to look at her car all the time. It is interesting how this car stayed true to the interior and styling themes until the end in 2011. It is interesting it became Lincoln Town Car in 1980-1981. I call these cars Town Cars although Town Car was a trim level back then. I liked the styling and the Mercury Grand Marquis back then too. As you said Mercury got that grille and some styling cues and they worked at trying to keep Mercury separate from Lincoln. You have to admit they were close during this time. The other interesting thing is Lincoln Town Car and Mercury Grand Marquis shared the same instrumentation at the end of their run as well. They shared other things too. You said it quite well and nice footage as well. now understand the vent windows. I used to wonder why Lincolns had them. I know the LTD and Grand Marquis and Lincoln were close in appearance in the late 70's. I know as you said the instrumentation panels were similar too. Thank you again.
Another good one! My favorite was the "77 2 door. I love how they went to the RR grill. I often thought about getting one but I would never drive it.
As a lifelong collector of Cadillacs and Lincolns. I find This this to be the best automotive history channel on RUclips. Another superb video Adam .
Appreciate that!
Thank you for this! 77-79 Town Car my favorite. My first job was at small town gas station from '75-'82 and the town elite would pull up in one of these. So regal in stance and presence. TV show Dynasty Carrington's had one. IMO no other luxury car comes close.
I washed and waxed a 1977 Town Car for a neighbor a few times. I know it was $20 in 1980s money, but I promise you for the time I spent on it each time, I surely earned less than hourly wage at a fast food joint by the time I was done and satisfied with the job I had done.
I owned and enjoyed a 1979 Lincoln Continental Collector Series for 14 years. I absolutely love the styling of these behemoths, but as you point out, the muted 400 engine had a not so easy task of propelling it. It certainly was no comparison power-wise to my 1968 Continental with it's 460. It certainly could "haul itself" around rather effectively. However, I thoroughly enjoyed both, each with their own unique quirks. Thanks Adam for another inviting trip down Memory Lane. Please do keep "em coming. I always look forward to what you have in store for us next.
It had to be the definitive American luxury car of the 70's.
An Aunt of mine bought one of these brand new when I was a kid. I thought that car was incredible. I remember there was so much room in the back that I could sit in the back and stretch my legs out and not even touch the back of the front seat
I love the big “girth” and presence of these cars. I daydream of owning one of these big Lincoln 4 door 70’s automobiles. 👍✨😎
My aunt (1916-2003) gave her 1968 Mercury Park Lane to her son and bought a new 1977 Continental...Navy blue with navy blue leather. The drum speedometer, powered antenna, headlight covers, split front windows, courtesy lights in the opera windows...all of it was fantastic to this then seven year-old. And futuristic, at the time. I was well-accustomed to Cadillacs and other special vehicles like our parents' Airstream trailers, but the Continental was really something to regard.
Dad (1927-2022) was a physician and kept a variety of cars, but my aunt and Dad's brothers kept large sedans like this in case they were needed as extra cars for the funeral home, founded by my grandfather (1887-1981) in the 1930s. Dad's brothers ran the funeral home after his passing. A favorite postcard in our archives shows the first of our grandfather's hearses, horse-drawn, above a picture of a new 1959 Cadillac model parked in front of the old Second Empire house on Main Street that housed the business.
My aunt was a slender, beautiful woman with bold red hair, always pinned up in formal style. Her clothing matched the flair of the car. Riding in the Continental was as a dream - silent & cosseted, while sunk into the deep cushioned seats, all imbued with a mysterious yet attractive scent of leather and tobacco.
My cousin kept the Park Lane in good order well into the 90s, and then in retirement he transitioned to a series of more modern Grand Marquis and Town Cars. I drove the '77 Continental only a time or two, and helped with a little maintenance in the 90s, but it was sold in the dispersal of my aunt's estate.
Western North Carolina
I remember these cars well. Our neighbors had a Lincoln Continental 4 door of this generation like what is shown here - though I don't know what year it was. It was navy blue with a navy blue leather interior. I remember riding in it and was quite impressed. A car I remember better was my friend from high school's mom drove a 1975 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe. It was a medium blue with a white vinyl half roof and a white leather interior with a blue dash, blue carpeting, and blue seat belts. The car was fairly old at the time, but they kept it because they liked it so much. What was funny was my friend's mom was less than 5 feet tall, but she drove this absolutely huge car around! If you owned one of these, it was an indication you were a successful individual. Modern luxury cars definitely don't have the elegance that these cars had.
I was in my mid-20s in 1977, and remember these well. There was an absolutely beautiful woman in the office who drove a 1977 Continental Coupe' in Dove Gray. Don't know which I lusted after more, her or her car. For some reason, while watching this video the title of an old Jethro Tull song kept popping into my head: "Thick As A Brick." Another era, for sure.
In my experience, the Ford/York compressor was more reliable and seemed to work almost as well. However, the GM compressor was quieter and vibrated less. I thought that was why they used them in the luxury cars. . I do know that the GM power steering pump was more robust than the Ford. It’s use in the town car made perfect sense, especially since some were equipped with hydro boost power brake boosters that also used the power steering fluid.
My brother had a '77 Town Car, black with dove grey interior, aluminum dish wheels and formal roof ( no opera window.)
Adam, another thing that sets the Marquis apart is that it rode on the Ford LTD frame while Lincoln's frame was exclusive to Lincoln. I've ridden in these cars and have driven them too. Lincoln did a nice job with the ride using dual-stage body mounts and working with Firestone to produce the softest riding tire possible. Cadillac chose to give its cars just a bit better handling. According to Consumer Guide Cars - 1976, the test drivers rated the '76 Marquis as the worst handling car they had ever tested to that date.
Adam - as always your videos are well done full of relevant information for Carl lovers of all ages to absorb and enjoy.
Thanks for sharing.
Our family had a 75 TBird with the 460. The starter motor was Delco. (Ontario)
A friend had a 1978 Town Car, dark brown with a beige vinyl roof and no opera windows. It was a terrific car, very reliable and definitely the best of the large Mercurys and Lincolns he had owned previously. Unlike some of the others, it ran and drove well, with no drivability or starting problems. I preferred the wider front grille of his '76 Lincoln Coupe but I think the newer Mercury style instrument panel on his '78 Town Car simplified things even if it didn't provide as much information. The beige velour twin comfort seats were just so luxurious and comfortable.
Considering how well the Imperial's bumpers were integrated into the design, they really earned that title of "longest production car"!
Seems like Chrysler found a loop hole buy only using giant rubber blocks instead of completely redesigning the entire front end. Smart and stylish
I had a 1988 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series with all the bells and whistles for that time frame. Loved it! Shortly after I purchased it I took a cruise from southern NH to Branson Missouri. Had it on cruise control except passing through the big cities. I averaged 32mpg! Needless to say I was pleasantly surprised and shocked! What a ride. I wish I still had it.
Thank you Adam , excellent video !
Thanks again man for a spectacular video!
The styling features of the 1977 Continental make it easy to differentiate from 76 and 78 models. The 1977 model year marked the last year for fender skirts and the typical Lincoln dashboard. It was the first year for the Rolls Royce inspired grill.
Great job Adam.
Another cool cruiser, Thanks Adam!
I will have to give you credit for your presentations are so interesting, I even watch the ones that feature cars I am not particularly interested in.
Ha. Thx! What do you find most interesting?
@@RareClassicCars Sorry for the following LONG answer: Well I tend to know most about cars that I have owned or want to own. I started out as a Ford guy, especially 1955-1966 T-Birds. I was enthralled with them. Then around 1990 or so, I became interested in Buicks from 1961-1972. Mostly because they ride and handle better than the contemporaneous Fords. (example my former 1967 Rivieras rode and handled MUCH better than ANY of my 1956-68 Fords regardless of model). Though you say by the 1970s Ford took the lead in that regard. I would not know, as I have never owned a Ford newer than a 1968 Torino which was a tinny rattle trap. And currently I am into 1994-1996 Buick Roadmasters and Cadillac Fleetwoods. I delve into the cars I am interested in, so there are few NEW things I can learn about them at this point. I NEVER need to hear or see anything more about Tri-Five Chevys, Camaros or Mustangs. How boring! So, to satisfy my curiosity, I enjoy channels such as yours and Curious Cars. Your channel features lesser-known cars generally from the 1960s and 1970s. (I will have to admit your videos about most 1980s cars I seldom watch, as they are something I would never want to own.) What I find interesting are the specs, features, options and the minutiae of materials, features and such.
I worked in a Lincoln dealership in the late ‘70’s/early 80’s while in high school and have fond memories of these cars. I would frequently have to go to the owner’s house and get his wife’s Town Car, bring it back for a wash and vacuum, and then take it back - wallowing all the way. One of my best friends parents had a ‘77 Town Car and we’d pile in the back to go to out of town football games. It was a luxurious ride.
I’m trying to recall the trunk on these, and if memory serves, it was bigger than many NYC efficiency apartments. My neighbor who had one of these, had a version that came with or was optioned with what I can describe as “vaned aluminum wheels” which were and remain rather attractive.
77 Lincoln continental is a rock solid, mechanically awesome, luxury ride! 100,000 no problem. That's saying something of a 70s American car.
Once was fortunate enough to have had 1978 Town Coupe. 🏆 Huge, luxurious and OTT excessive chromed LAND YACHT 😊. Never should have let it go. Have since had 89 Signature Series (as well as RWD FLEETWOODS and other Luxury cars) and currently have beautiful low mileage Signature Limited .Great car, not quite on same level as 78,BUT will not let it get away! Ironically, these final Town Cars were recently referred to in an article as the American ROLLS-ROYCE 😊. 😎
I always liked the 1970 Green Hornet sportier looks. Kato was a lucky boy!
Quinn Martin Production shows from the 70s had lots of Lincoln eye candy :-)
Another great video. I watch all your stuff.
My aunt had a 71 without the emissions, she would flip the ingnition really fast and I used to think the car stalled. then she would put the car in reverse and backout of the driveway
Super quiet engine
When I was older I convinced my mother and father to buy a 77 Town car.. beautiful medium blue with a half Navy vinyl top.
While the prettiest of the 75-79
Counting the exterior and interior.
My friend had a 75 coupe which road much nicer. You can feel the weight difference and the metal on mine was thinner
After researching these I found that they lost close to 400 lbs. between the 75 and 77 models.. the 75 weighed close to the same as the 70-74. Another friend of mine had a 74 .what a tank, definitely the nicest of that era
I love my 77 Continental Town Car. Built in 06/77 one the late production cars before they switched the the Mercury style interior
Thanks for the good vid. As the owner of a 76 continental I can attest to the magical ride and absolutely substantial feel one has when driving one. These are luxury cars.
I took a 1200 mile road trip last summer with mine and averaged 12.5 mpg at sustained near 80 mph speeds. Definitely not thrifty but so quiet and isolated from outside. I also feel these had excellent build quality. From the close of the doors to the paint, they were a cut above
Id love to roll around town with one of these but seeing that i live in germany i probably wouldnt be able to get into my town since it wouldnt fit but id still love to own one
Great video! I'm with you on the 70 to 72 Lincoln, however, interesting to learn how popular the latter 70s models were!
Another great video; my dad had a 1966 coupe he got as an "executive's car" that had seen about two weeks' use before it went on the lot where employees could buy them on the Ford A Plan (he worked next to the Glass House as an art director). Wonderful car and far superior to this period, IMHO, in almost every regard. Gold-on-gold, too, which was trippy.
Had a 77 460 no thanks for that 400 my sedan was triple black bought at local salvage yard it needed a carb this was back in 94. Once I swapped a good carb on it damn! So smooth strong cool barber pole speedometer. Car felt more solid than my 74 and 76 caddies. Neighbor called it the Muenster mobile
Although we didn’t get the “big cars” unless an import, the reduction in power in our local units from the early 70’s V8’s to the 80’s was very noticeable to us car loving nuts - No power, just more thirst ! Great informative clips. Keep up the good work.
Excellent.
On my bucket list still
I had a 79, and I loved it. I think people liked the new design in 1975 because it brought back the sharp knife edge design of the 1961 Lincoln. Making it a true slab side once again.
Beautiful big vehicle. I remember seeing a few of them. It was always a very heavy set man driving them I recall and they had bigger than life personalities. I wonder what they drive these days..
I like to think of the 1970 Lincoln Continental of having similarities like the 1970 Ford LTD Brougham 4 door hardtop.
Not to mention that the Marquis kept getting closer and closer to the Connies - except in the interiors.