1976 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe
"Lincoln Continental Town Coupe, a handsome embodiment of sheer elegance and quiet good taste for those who prefer their luxury with a two door look. Formal roofline styling and large fixed quarter windows with gold Continental laminated into the glass are distinctly individual Lincoln Continental Coupe' features." From the 1976 Lincoln sales brochure
For consignment, a 1976 Lincoln Continental Town Car with a title verified 76,966 actual miles, a two owner car owned by the consignor since 1977 when the car was purchased with 6,000 miles on the clock. It was retired from family use in 1989, then used for car shows and special occasions only.
Exterior
Our land yacht is covered in Silver Diamond Fire, resprayed in 2007, and surely lots of paint was needed to cover this 230 inch cruiser. Design wise, it's a sign of the times with right angles everywhere and a shoulder line that is straight from the tip of the nose to the tail. The fixed quarter window was touted but your eyes are drawn to the enormous landau top with coach lamp, this one is black vinyl, which crowns the rear quarter panel where a fender skirt somehow streamlines the enormous side panels. If you get lost walking next to the car, simply follow the black pinstripe that runs the length and eventually you'll find your way back to the door. Attention to detail is seen in the body side molding where scroll design runs the distance including over the skirts. In back, the wide flat reflection bar connects the protruding tail lights while the front copies the shape but fills it with marker lights, covered headlights, and a vertical grille. Imperfections include some fading on the landau trim and some pitting on lower fender trim, otherwise the paint, panel gaps and vinyl top are in great shape.
Interior
Right angles and luxury appointments start on the door panel that is scaled up with the use of faux burlwood trim, a diamond stitched insert, and a carpeted bottom. Seat and window controls are on the door, a big deal in the 70's, and we note some fading of the labels. Big black velour seats are essentially Lazy Boys on wheels with pillow topped padding and ornate embroidery on the seat back. The rear bench has the same nap-inducing comfort and provides a limo-like cocoon behind the fixed window and massive B-pillar area, complete with its own wood trim, courtesy light, and ashtray. A proverbial forest of plastic wood trim greets the driver and surrounds the instrument panel, gauges, and switchgear. It even runs across the steering wheel and alternates with black textured plastic throughout. The original AM/FM radio is in place and the dash is clean and unmarred. Down below, toe deep black carpet covers the floor and shows a touch of wear while the headliner above is in good shape. Black carpet lines the enormous trunk.
Drivetrain
Clean driver quality conditions prevail under the giant hood where we find the 460ci V8, fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and backed by a C6 3-speed automatic transmission, rebuilt less than 100 miles ago, routing power to the Ford 9" in back with 2.75 gears. Front disc and rear drum brakes are, thankfully, power assisted.
Undercarriage
Surface rust covers most major components including the springs, driveshaft, wheel components, and exhaust. We note some residual oil on the rear differential but the oil pan appears dry and the transmission is spotless thanks to a recent rebuild. A single exhaust is supplied running through a stock style muffler and suspension consists of coil springs in front and a 3 link, coil springs, and a panhard bar in back.
Drive-Ability
No matter how big you are, sitting in this big car will make you feel like Lily Tomlin on the rocking chair, it's a football field's worth of steel around you. But all this luxury translates to a smooth ride, however we note the front suspension will need some attention. The 460 runs smooth and quiet and turns are purposely wide and slow as we navigate our test loop. The brakes are a bit soft and the speedometer is stuck at 30, even as we accelerate beyond it. Other items that are not working include the A/C, the high beam switch which is stuck, the clock, and the power antenna. Outside of these things, all other operational items check the boxes for functionality. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
While this era is most associated with the gas crunch and malaise period, it continued to create cars with ultimate luxury in mind, and this Town Car is a shining example of such lofty goals. For some of you, it may conjure up such cultural icons as Kojak, Shaft, or perhaps Goodfellas. It's bigger than life, and possibly bigger than your garage so take measurements before bringing this locomotive home. But when you do get it home, you'll find it's a fine well preserved example.
6Y81A917058
6-1976
Y-Wixon, MI Assy Plant
81-2 Door Continental Hardtop
A-460ci V8 4bbl
917058-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.
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