The 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV represents the final year of the massive, unapologetic personal luxury era at Ford. This specific example was delivered new to City Motors of Bradford and reportedly stayed with one family until 2022. It wears a high-quality repaint in its original Black finish with striking red pinstriping. Furthermore, the car features the rare Versailles Option, adding an extra layer of exclusivity to its build. With only 29,000 miles on the odometer, it stands as a preserved relic of disco-era prestige and comfort. It includes a power sunroof, a black landau vinyl roof, and the signature opera windows. Currently offered by a selling dealer in New York, the car comes with a Deluxe Marti report. This documentation confirms its January 1976 production date and high-spec factory configuration. It is a vehicle that commands attention through its sheer size and classic 1970s proportions. For the Lincoln enthusiast, this Mark IV offers a rare combination of provenance and low-mileage preservation.
Exterior styling on this 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV highlights the four-inch stretch introduced to enhance the car’s profile. Vacuum-operated headlight covers and the prominent chrome bumpers define its traditional front-end look. The black landau vinyl roof is in excellent condition, complementing the patterned body-side moldings. Cornering lights and a power-telescoping antenna remain functional, showcasing the car’s high level of equipment. Below the massive body, forged-aluminum 15-inch wheels provide a bright accent against the dark paint. These wheels are currently mounted with Toyo whitewall tires to maintain a period-correct appearance. This car also features remote-adjustable side mirrors and an electronic rear-window defogger for modern convenience. Every detail suggests a car that was sheltered from the elements for the majority of its life. It captures the essence of American luxury design before the downsizing trends of the late 1970s took hold. The paintwork reflects the long, flat panels of the Mark IV with remarkable clarity.
Versailles Option Interior and Cartier Timekeeping
The cabin of this 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is finished in a vibrant Dark Red crushed-velour. This Versailles Option was a premium interior package that extended the plush upholstery to the door panels and headliner. It creates a quiet, sensory-rich environment that modern leather interiors simply cannot replicate. Woodgrain trim accents the dashboard and door panels, adding to the sophisticated executive atmosphere of the era. A Cartier clock sits prominently in the dash, a hallmark of Lincoln’s partnership with luxury brands. Equipment levels are high, including automatic climate control and a Quadrasonic AM/FM/eight-track stereo system. Power-adjustable front seats and power windows ensure every passenger travels in absolute comfort. The red carpeting is color-keyed to the trunk, which also remains in tidy, well-preserved condition. Illuminated sun-visor vanity mirrors were a high-tech novelty for 1976 included in this package. It is a space that feels entirely separated from the outside world during a cruise.
Mechanical performance is handled by the massive 460ci V8 engine, the largest powerplant available for the model year. This engine utilizes a four-barrel carburetor to deliver its power with the smoothness expected of a flagship sedan. It was factory rated at 202 horsepower, focusing on effortless highway cruising rather than high-RPM performance. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a Select-Shift three-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear changes. Stopping power is managed by power-assisted disc brakes at all four corners, a significant feature for such a heavy vehicle. The 120-mph speedometer fronts a tilting steering column, allowing for a tailored driving position. Recent maintenance has ensured that the mechanical systems remain ready for road use. With fewer than 20 miles added by the selling dealer, the car remains in its low-mile state. It represents the pinnacle of Ford’s big-block V8 development for the luxury segment. This drivetrain is famous for its durability and relaxed, torque-heavy character.
460ci V8 Performance and Automatic Drivetrain Specs
The 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV relies on its 460ci V8 for quiet and consistent power on the road. This engine provides 202 horsepower and substantial torque, allowing the car to maintain its composure at highway speeds. A Select-Shift three-speed automatic transmission handles the power delivery, providing a traditional rear-wheel-drive feel. Four-wheel power disc brakes come standard, offering reliable deceleration for this large luxury cruiser. The 15-inch forged-aluminum wheels are paired with Toyo whitewall tires to ensure a smooth, cloud-like ride quality. Every system, from the automatic headlight dimmer to the intermittent wipers, reflects the car’s 29k-mile history. The fuel-level gauge remains a vital central display in the gauge cluster for the driver. It is a mechanical package designed for comfort over everything else. This combination makes the Mark IV one of the smoothest American cars ever produced.
1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Summary
The 1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is a definitive example of American personal luxury at its absolute height. With only 29,000 miles and a documented one-family history, it offers a level of originality that is hard to find. The Versailles Option and the black-over-red color scheme make it a visually stunning piece of automotive art. Included manufacturer’s literature, a build sheet, and the Deluxe Marti report provide the necessary confidence for any collector. Its 460ci V8 and three-speed automatic transmission are classic Mopar and Ford hallmarks of reliability. The car remains a time capsule, preserving the textures and technology of 1976 for a new generation. While the market has seen many neglected Mark IVs, this preserved unit stands in a class of its own. It is a turn-key classic that is ready for the local show circuit or a cross-country tour. This Lincoln is a bold reminder of a time when luxury was measured in acres of velour and chrome. It truly belongs in a collection that appreciates 1970s grandeur.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
