LINCOLN LOVE: A TRUE STORY EXPERIENCED AND WRITTEN BY REGINALD A. CRAIG
LINCOLN LOVE: A TRUE STORY EXPERIENCED AND WRITTEN BY REGINALD A. CRAIG
In the mid-70’s I was born and raised in the city of Detroit where cars and music were king. The first automobile I ever rode in as an infant was my dad’s 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. My father always owned a Continental and it was a normal thing for me to see growing up. The earliest memories I relate to the Mark IV is a family outing to Safari Land - Canada, where the giraffes stoop their necks low to be hand feed leaves while visitors drive their cars slowly through the terrain. When we weren't cruising around my father often drove his Continental to work. On his return home he’d CB radio to the house his handle; “Handyman 1 to Handyman 2, do you read me over…”. That was our cue that he was coming in for a landing and to open the backyard gates. However the least flattering memory was how frequently my dad needed to add oil. Seeing this routine familiarized me with yesteryears round quart oil cans and the inserting a metal spout to pour. Another thing unforgettable for sure was the long hood on that car, I was only 5 or so at the time noticing so the Mark IV seemed monster size to me.
In the mid-70’s I was born and raised in the city of Detroit where cars and music were king. The first automobile I ever rode in as an infant was my dad’s 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV. My father always owned a Continental and it was a normal thing for me to see growing up. The earliest memories I relate to the Mark IV is a family outing to Safari Land - Canada, where the giraffes stoop their necks low to be hand feed leaves while visitors drive their cars slowly through the terrain. When we weren't cruising around my father often drove his Continental to work. On his return home he’d CB radio to the house his handle; “Handyman 1 to Handyman 2, do you read me over…”. That was our cue that he was coming in for a landing and to open the backyard gates. However the least flattering memory was how frequently my dad needed to add oil. Seeing this routine familiarized me with yesteryears round quart oil cans and the inserting a metal spout to pour. Another thing unforgettable for sure was the long hood on that car, I was only 5 or so at the time noticing so the Mark IV seemed monster size to me.
Like any kid, family vacations were one of the highlights of my childhood. As I mentioned prior my father owned nice cars, but when our road trips became a regular summer occasion with driving further distances, renting a brand new Lincoln made traveling safer and definitely super special to me. Beginning in the years 1980 - 1983 we rented from Budget four model years of the Mark VI, one for each years summer vacation trip. Each year we’d have a different trim level in sedans and once a coupe. Back then I was such a little runt that I’d sit on my mothers lap with the air conditioner blowing directly at my face, I love that freon smell. As I got a little bigger and safety education became more aware I’d buckle up either in the middle front or in the back on top of the center armrest. We had a big family of sometimes six deep crammed in the car, so I had to make do where I could. Being so young at the time this experience impressed upon me, I began to associate the Mark VI with excitement and fun times.
(As a side note due to the discontinuation of the Mark VI we had to travel with the closest Panther platform variant on our 1984 summer trip, which was the Lincoln Town Car; but my love would not yet be rekindled).
The Mark VI was my first introduction to a new car that I was alert enough to notice. Much like I was too young to remember who or what President Gerald Ford was, my first impression of a President is actually Ronald Reagan. By that time I was well interested into cars and could differentiate between brands. Therefore the Continental Mark VI became my example of what a luxury car should be. Compared to our family car at the time, the Mark VI was leaps and bounds more technological and the styling was literally cutting edge. Apparently my father was also paying attention, because he then soon purchased a bustle-back 7th generation Lincoln Continental with the digital instrument cluster and in-dash trip computer. I know it wasn't quite my beloved Mark VI, but times were changing for increased fuel efficiency and even smaller cars becoming the norm. Ironically the Mark VI debuted as a 1980 model reduced in proportions from its predecessor, but it too reached the end of an era for king-sized American personal luxury cars. |
| bustle-back Lincoln Continental (Fox Unibody) |
From my youngest days of the 80’s I have come to understand that Ford redefined its nameplates and reclassified what their large and mid-size cars would be. It almost seems somewhat of a scramble at the time for Ford to keep up with changes in the automotive industry. It's amazing to think just how many nameplates joined the Panther platform in its introduction, but within only a few years some to leave for the smaller Fox platform; e.g. Continental. Ford Motor Company would continue the use of the Panther body on frame configuration for many years beyond 1984. The first dedicated Town Car to Lincoln were so plentiful that I’d used to envision what body panels and modifications would I need to convert in order to recreate the coveted Mark VI. It was a fun imagination game to stimulate my thoughts, but time would eventually bring me to the realization the world and every car in it has changed.
As the years passed by I held fond memories of the Continental Mark VI because the sight of one would be a rare occasion. Even during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise this car is MIA. Many people consider this installment in the Continental series to be the lost Mark. Some car enthusiast actually refer to the Mark V as the last noteworthy model, but of course I beg to differ. Yes, the Mark V is beautiful and seamless bumper to bumper, but I believe the Mark VI is a compliment of both with benefits in automotive refinements. New developments at the time including technology and chassis reinforcements gave improved ride quality along with better fuel economy. Specifications also shows that the Mark VI’s interior and trunk space are larger than the Mark V. It is quite possible that the Mark VI didn't get a fair chance not because of its looks, but because of what the car represented - federal regulations.
FUN FACTS:
Year 1980 all Continentals shared the Panther Platform
1980 Continental Town Coupe is rarest Continental on the platform
1980 First Continental Mark to be offered in a sedan
1981 Town Car trim level upgrades to become its very own model name; Lincoln Town Car
1982 Continental is offered on two platforms until the end of 1983 model year, continues on Fox unibody platform until 1987
1983 Continental Mark VI final production year (Last Body on Frame Mark in the series)
1984 Continental Mark VII shares the Fox platform with Lincoln Continental
1986 Lincoln Mark VII drops the Continental name
WE MEET AGAIN:
Fast forwarding now to the current era, in October 2017 I delightfully purchased my very own Continental Mark VI. The journey was an interesting one full of emotion and excitement. Thankfully with the support of my considerate wife, she gave her blessing to proceed with my ambitions. My max budget was $4000 and I was totally open to venture into a project car. In my research I quickly discovered that half of that amount could get me a mystery box, or keep dreaming for double my budget to go turn key. To be honest the availability of any good choices in between were nonexistent, either you pick from the bottom of the barrel or way out of reach. Originally I thought I could secure an affordable option here in the metro Detroit area.
My first find was a black Signature Series, the car was kinda awesome but had been sitting for several months and beginning to become weather beaten. The business where the car was parked behind a chainlink fence seemed to be abandon. After inquiring with neighboring businesses about the owner, it was suggested Saturdays is the best day to catch him. No success became of my popup visits, so I wrote a letter to whom it may concern via snail mail. One day passing by the building I saw someone who turned out to be the assistant. I approached him with a pounding heart hoping to meet the owner. He acknowledged receipt of the letter and informed me the owner took a deposit from a prospect back in the previous season. I asked for my message to be delivered with emphasis that I will pay and tow away same day. However after silence from the Mark VI owner I chose to pursue elsewhere.
(Side note: the owner eventually texted me back with interest after the fact)
Next I found what I thought at the time to be a hidden gem. The car was only listed on one web publication and was located way at the upper peninsula in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. The car was two tone tan and considered by many to be old man colors, but I like that classic 80’s look. This Mark VI was beautiful and from the looks of the photos it had perfect interior. Anyway, the owner and
I exchanged several communications and agreed on four grand cash, all Franklins. In the eleventh hour the guy calls me back to disclose what would be consider minor damage to the drivers side mirror, so he sends me a recent picture via text. The mirror was no big deal to me but the pic revealed the cars true unkempt condition, like it was just thrown in a corner. At that time it became clear to me his listing pictures were years apart from the current reality. In hindsight I'm grateful to have avoided the 5 hour drive of what would have been a total shock and an utter disappointment. However at the time I was heartbroken and discouraged from the turn of events. I told the guy I lost my enthusiasm and no longer interested in his car. I highly suggested to him to update his listing pix as this is no longer the same car shown. This car’s false advertisement had me blinded for days, and to think I used it as the bench mark comparing to all other limited options. After that waste of time I realizing that my max budget still could only get me a Stinkin’ Lincoln. So as the old saying goes, if you can’t beat them join them.
1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI
(5.8 liter 351 Windsor V8)
Purchased October 14, 2017
Price $2000 Cash
CAR TO DO LIST:
Gas tank leaks at center when above 5 gallons
Gas leak behind driver door before back tire
Replace fuel filter
Check battery is good and correct amperage
Secure battery with replacement top strap
Check alternator is charging battery
Need Brake system check
Connect missing lower air-intake to open pipe
Exhaust leak near catalytic converter
Clean/Repair/Replace Carburetor
Wrap heat resistant material on engine wires
Repair radiator front leak(s)
Check/Replace all fluids - Oil, Transmission+
Spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor
Check turn signal operation, hazards do work
Check reverse lights and license tab light
Insert light bulb under hood - need fixture?
Insert light bulb under trunk - need fixture?
Replace wiper blades, push under tuck away
Install screws where missing wheel well trim
Passenger window slow and sticks
Driver window not responding - check fuse
Heat works but air conditioner not confirmed
Right digital computer screen not work -fuse
Add aftermarket engine temperature gauge
Neatly return few hanging wires under dash
Front DC outlet not working, but back works
Door / Ignition chime not dinging - fuse ???
Passenger door light switch works but sticks
Interior dome driver side map light burn out
Passenger sun visor light and cover out
Passenger threshold interior strip loose
Need driver side floor mat
Driver seat side lower chrome plate loose
Metal behind both Interior door pulls loose
White Interior headliner needs replacing
Reinforce/glue plastic steering wheel cracks
Reinforce/glue first panel driver side louvre
Reinforce separating quarter top over right
Trunk shocks needs replacing
Reattach Acoustic backing for rear speakers
Test axle shocks and suspension ride quality
Repair/replace back bumper-Chrome rusting
Check tire date / Replace with whitewalls
Clean front light housing with flaps open
Clean engine bay (cover all sensitive areas)
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