3rd Sep 2005, 13:52

Of course, there are classic automobiles of European manufacturers.

But they all have one thing in common: they are not very special, even in top condition. You will find five Jaguar E-Types, five Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing, even more other old Mercedeses and a handful of Rolls-Royce on the smallest classic car meet. Japanese cars do not have any collector car status in Europe yet. Perhaps they would have if they had not all rotten away. Because of this fact, classic car potential of American cars has grown in the last years. Compared to European cars, they are easy to maintain, parts are mostly cheap and easy to get.

I agree with you that the Mark IV has not yet the status of a collector car in the U.S., but I am sure it has in 10 years from now. Same for the Cadillac Eldorado. Prices for the Eldo Convertible have doubled in the last years. In Europe they are very rare and special cars with a lot of "wow" potential.

Why do I buy American cars? (I have more than one)

1. My grandfather did, my father did and does and I do. It is in the genes...

2. American cars always sat the pace in any decade of the last century (electric light, automatic transmission, air conditioning, electric seats, power steering, ABS,... - 20 years before others did)

3. You get a lot of car for your money.

4. The cars ride in a very unique way. No one else builds cars like this.

5. Nothing beats cubic inches.

6. They have bold statement.

I could list some more reasons.

I was raised in the seventies. Maybe this explains my affinity to the cars of that decade. So among the first 6 places of my favorite (classic) cars you will find only Americans.

1. 1978-1981 Chevrolet Camaro (owned)

2. 1935-1936 Auburn 851 Speedster/Replica (distant dream)

3. 1975-1976 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible (next on schedule)

4. 1972-1976 Lincoln Mark IV (owned)

5. 1968-1975 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible (Coupe owned)

6. 1971-1973 Ford Mustang Fastback (on schedule)

3.

Modern cars are of no interest for me, because they lack style and personality. I do not buy German cars, because I do not like them. When I get into one, I can't wait to get out again. That simple.

Keep it up.

10th Oct 2005, 22:06

I have the 1976 Lincoln Mark IV. it has just won first place in Concours D' Elegance 2005 in Los Angeles. I believe the Mark IV helped define the 1970's in America as the 'Mark of success' to see a Mark IV today, in mint condition, the way it was when first rolling off the showroom floor is truly a site to behold. When the Mark IV made it's appearance in 1972 there had been nothing like it before. The 1972-76 Mark IV set America apart from the rest of the world... Joe Nemec USA.

22nd Nov 2005, 14:53

I never owned a Lincoln, but I always liked their styling. The hidden headlights and the tire curve on the trunk were wonderful touches. I remember reading (I was a 19 year old boy at the time) Tom McCahill's review of the 69 Mark III in Mechanix Illustrated. He rated it highly.

I currently own 2 old cars: a pristine 78 Eldorado, and an ailing, aging 76 Dodge. The Dodge still looks decent, although the old girl is showing her age. I don't know if I will ever restore it to original condition. Probably not, it would cost several times its restored value to do.

All I can say, like our friend in Germany, those 70's American cars were great. American cars of all eras are the greatest cars made. It's too bad that the American automakers choose to copy from the Europeans and Asians, instead of developing totally American design.

DPC.

31st Dec 2005, 09:11

Just the word Lincoln Mark IV brings warmth to my Heart. Just before my Uncle passed away and we were talking about cars, he told me his one regret was not keeping a 1933 Lincoln Mark III. When I first saw the 1972 Mark IV it was awe inspiring and as a result I have owned 6 of them. This latest one (6) is dark tobacco Brown inside and out and my youngest Daughter loves it as much as I do. We have owned it for 20 years and it is part of the Family. Classic is in the eye of the beholder and that is my position with this car. I just want to extend to all those who Love cars as much as I do, have fun with what you consider a classic as much as I am with mine.

31st Jan 2006, 13:14

As the original writer of the topic, I just wanted to inform you guys that the Mark still runs fine and went to its winter quarter in my garage in the first December week. It will be back on the road in March when all salt has washed away.

Let me tell you I very much enjoyed your comments and associations with this great automobile. I am very happy you like your cars as much as I do mine. Thanks.

I forgot to tell, my Mark IV is also Tobacco brown inside and out with a brown vinyl top in cavalry twill grain. Unfortunately, it does not have a moon roof.

And like your daughter, my nearly 3 year old son loved it from the day I brought it home. It is his absolute fav to ride in (he also likes to nap in it in his child seat, because it has a very smooth ride and is very quiet). Any time he is outside, he asks me to have a look in the garage to see whether "Linkin Conninentel" is still having has winter sleep. He peers around the front fenders to find the headlamp doors closed. This makes him satisfied and sneakingly leaving the garage with the statement: "Still sleeping!"

He is not so happy with the Mazda 323 which I bought as a winter car. Even worse he found the new Mercedes A-Class (rental car), I used for a business trip a few days ago. He did not even want to enter it...

So, I can only say: listen your kids! ;-)

10th May 2006, 16:41

Grandma's Car

In 1972 my Grandma bought a new Lincoln Continental Mark IV and it still lives on today. Grandma has gotten too old to drive it around and asked if I would like to have it. At first, I looked down at the old car and I did not see much potential. Now, after driving it for a year with no problems, or no replacement parts of any kind, I have fallen in love with it, and realized what kind of respect driving a car like this demands. It is a great car and grabs a lot of attention. Congratulations to Lincoln for such a great car and to anyone who owns one.