1980 Lincoln Continental MarkVI Cartier Edition Pewter Mecum OrangeCCC0707226190

Even the Continental was shaving dimensions a bit. This Cartier edition sought to add something to the luxury that owners demanded. I'm sure it was impressive noting that you drove a "Cartier" Mark VI!
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[@eriks9417]

Mark VI coupes and sedans are two of Lincoln's best body styles ever! Perfect proportions!

[@coolrides]

They certainly are....perfect in what they represent as luxury at the time! Thanks! :) Jack

[@garymckee448]

I always liked the downsized ones. Nice 👍

[@coolrides]

Hey, Gary! I agree...no sense carrying useless weight just for the sake of style. Thanks! :) Jack

[@donnyboyblue]

Drop dead gorgeous! Motoring at its finest! Anywhere you went you arrived in style and luxury. The opera window makes a definite distinction between style and the ordinary! Thanks Jack!

[@coolrides]

Hey, Donovan! Definitely a jewel, complimented by its beautiful setting of that pewter finish! Cartier would be proud! Thanks! :) Jack

[@donnyboyblue]

@@coolrides, yes, that color really goes along with the elegance of the car.

[@leightonfarms4962]

If only we would make beautiful cars again. This Lincoln hit it out if the park.

[@coolrides]

Yes, I'm afraid we've descended into the "appliance" generation. Thanks! :) Jack

[@leightonfarms4962]

@@coolrides right!!? Lol

[@danjohnson4234]

Looks like it probably did in the showroom. Beautiful car. Great video. Thanks Jack!

[@coolrides]

Hey, Dan! Yes, this car is presented just the way it would have been in the showroom in 1980! Spectacular, for sure! Thanks! :) Jack

[@davidallen5776]

Even after the crash diet, specific elements were still there!

[@coolrides]

Hey, David! Great observation! It still had great appeal as ever! Thanks! :) Jack

[@leedaniels7196]

Hey Jack what a beautiful Lincoln Continental Mark six.This was the beginning of the downsized Lincolns and these models were very popular back in the day.Very luxurious and plush interior.Nice pewter paint and matching interior.These were very expensive cars back them.This one is a pristine example.This one reminds me of a Town Car i had of the same year.Wish i still had that car ,most smooth and comfortable car i ever owned to this day!.Thanks Jack!.😎✌️

[@coolrides]

Hey, Lee! These Lincolns sure excelled in their mission of smooth and comfortable transportation! And their styling went beyond the usual with these designer interiors. For those who demanded luxury that set them apart...even from other Lincoln owners! Thanks! :) Jack

[@viciouspoodle5543]

No, the Mark VI was a sales DISASTER for Lincoln. By the end of the 1980 model year, Mark VI sales had plunged by more than 50%. Lincoln sales were down as well; however, over time the Lincoln Town Car became extremely popular and finally started outselling the full size edition. All this being said, this particular car is gorgeous and VERY rare!

[@cadillacguy1890]

Jack, Ford resisted downsizing its full-size product through the 1979 model year for the Ford and Mercury brands and 1980 for Lincoln. They made quite a bit of noise about it as well, running ads touting that their full sized cars were still full sized. However, by 1980, they’d moved their entire range onto the ubiquitous new Panther platform for full-size vehicles. The Panther platform was supposed to be a 4-5 year only offering, it proved to be so popular that it lasted up through early 2012. Some folks feel the downsizing of the Ford full-size vehicles styling wise didn’t go as well as GM, particularly the Lincoln brand. The sales seem to confirm that, 20,647 Mark VI two doors were sold, another 18,244 four door Mark VI’s found homes, first year for a four door Mark. However even if you add the two and four door numbers together, sales for the Mark series were down over 50% from 1979. To be fair, sales for Cadillacs were down anywhere from 25 to 40%, but Cadillac definitely gained market share from Lincoln, and would continue to throughout this square styling series run. This Mark has the rare 140 horsepower 351, only available in 1980, and featured the troublesome Variable Venturi carburetor. The standard 134 horsepower 302 was fuel injected. Although I couldn’t find production numbers, estimates are that less than 25% of 1980 Marks were equipped with the 351. Although the Mark VI’s styling is polarizing, the vehicle itself was a very smooth and quiet performer, measurably more so than Cadillac. A friend owned a 1981 Mark VI Givenchy series, bought brand new, it had the full digital dash, and was a really nice car. What a nice example with incredibly low mileage. Joe

[@coolrides]

Hey, Joe! Interesting figures in the perennial battle between Cadillac and Lincoln! I've heard about those Variable Venturi carburetor....I'd say it's pretty difficult to get it to run right! I believe the dental assistant for the dentist I used to go to had a Mercury with a similar setup, and she always complained that no one seemed to be able to get it to run right! Thanks! :) Jack

[@TheFLASH158]

Awesome video 😎👍

[@coolrides]

These special edition cars really set a new standard of luxury! I'm glad you like! Thanks! :) Jack

[@johncaballero8013]

As always Jack you surprise me with a gorgeous automobile. Twenty grand was a lot of money to lay down for a new car back in the day. Definitely worth every penny if you could afford it! Very beautiful car indeed Jack. Thank you for sharing!

[@coolrides]

Hey, John! Indeed, this car announced that the owner had "made it"! I do believe there was a loyalty to the make that endured within families for generations! This is a beautiful example! Thanks! :) Jack

[@issabakhsh7149]

​😢ASC8985T520029870505899

[@nickynap6238]

The rear side windows are called Opera windows lol . Pretty Mark VI

[@coolrides]

Hey, Nicky! Whatever it takes to add stature to a car! LOL! Thanks! :) Jack

[@SpeedRacer1967]

Cool 😎👍

[@coolrides]

Hey, Speed Racer! It really is cool...glad you like! Thanks! :) Jack

[@viciouspoodle5543]

Shame they styled the Mark VI like a brick! The blocky greenhouse with that upright windshield really killed the looks of the mark series. In hindsight, they should have used the '79 Thunderbird platform and just added the digital instrument panel, FI 302 and 4 speed automatic. I do say that the Mark VI has aged better thank the Mark VII and VIII

[@coolrides]

I think the stylists at the time interpreted luxurious and "formal" as being "vertical"! Throwbacks to Packard grilles of the 30's in my opinion! Thanks! :) Jack

[@gustavoarguello5979]

That's why I prefer the Imperial.

[@dsteele27]

It sure is luxurious. The dimensions look off. These early downsizings clearly challenged the designers so used to the large cars. I have to note that AMC had designer interiors (by Pierre Cardin) some years earlier; Levi's too :)

[@coolrides]

It truly is hard to carry over earlier styling elements on a car that's noticeably smaller, hence the dilemma. Yes, AMC did have designer interiors too...the Levi option on their cars caught my eye...it certainly should be long wearing! Thanks! :) Jack

[@allenjones4168]

I think that this is an 81, because in 80, the Cartier had a two tone dark and light pewter finish. In 81 it was just th medium pewter finish.

[@coolrides]

Hey, Allen! I appreciate your comment....I'm assuming that Mecum has verified its year via the VIN, and there may have been intervening variables like a special order. The VIN would be the final authority on its year. Thanks! :) Jack

[@michaelk487]

Cool😀😀😀

[@coolrides]

Hey, Topcat! Definitely cool, a car of distinction for sure! Thanks! :) Jack

[@davidobrien3897]

nice car

[@coolrides]

Hey, David! It sure is...these designer editions really pulled out all the stops! Thanks! :) Jack

[@mountainmantoo]

The Apex for Lincoln

[@coolrides]

I'd say so too! Great car! Thanks! :) Jack

[@mountainmantoo]

@@coolrides I'm biased. I had a '81 Mark Vl FOUR DOOR (rare in my book) Arctic white with white leather interior, one owner. Then later got a '80 coupe 2 dr, white with maroon leather interior. 53k one owner. LOVED them both. Gangsta trunk, oval opera windows, flip up headlights. Head turners both. Want better? Call Rolls Royce....

[@coolrides]

It's quite alright to be biased, especially when your experiences are superlative! Thanks! :) Jack

[@Nick-wf6hr]

Called em airplane windows

[@coolrides]

Hey, Nick! Good point! Makes them exclusive! Thanks! :) Jack

[@bradleyteets8326]

I love my newly acquired 1981 Lincoln Mark VI. what is the gas door taped shut

[@coolrides]

Hey, Bradley! I can only guess that it may be a requirement that the convention center has for a car that is parked inside. Thanks! :) Jack

[@bradleyteets8326]

@coolrides I never thought of that as the local events center or mecum auction does not do that when they hold their auctions

[@coolrides]

Hey, Bradley! I suspect that the Orlando Convention Center has its own rules with regard to cars on display. Thanks! :) Jack

[@bradleyteets8326]

@coolrides you certainly might be right. That painters tape would not keep amine out of Aves to the team though. And not keep fumes out in the air if cap was vented or leading. My Ford brand cap on 81 Lincoln does not seem to be vented. Best wishes I have never been to an auction at convention center. Maybe that is why mecum is back at Osceola heritage center for both Jan and July auctions l

[@Paulcug60]

That’s what you call luxury. Love the Eldorado but this owns rights to finest ride.

[@coolrides]

Hey, Paul! Mark VI knew how to provide a luxury ride, for sure! Thanks! :) Jack

[@trmpgod9976]

BEAUTIFUL. I HAD A FULLY OPTIONED 1980 LINCOLN TOWN COUPE. THE 351 WINDSOR, WITH THE VARIABLE VENTURE CARB GAVE IT GREAT ACCELERATION AND FUEL ECONOMY. 0 TO 40 MPH WAS DAMN NEAR INSTANT. EVEN MECHANICS COMMENTED THE ACCELERATION.

[@coolrides]

We sure appreciate your description of the car from a driver's perspective! It truly is a beauty, and a real performer! Thanks! :) Jack

[@its.just.me.1.2.3.]

Gorgeous car! Would be 💯 with the dashboard lowered until level with the side windows and the wheelbase offset a couple of inches so it does not have so much front and rear overhang. Then I’d delete the vinyl top and slant the windshield back the way the Mark V had.

[@coolrides]

Very nice alterations! I think we can see why coach builders were so popular at one time. Thanks! :) Jack

[@caesarbolchini6465]

Is this Lincoln Continental Mark VI for sale, and if so, what is the mileage and asking price, phone number I can call and inquire about car, also does it have keyless entry, what is the engine size, “302 or 351” cubic inch??? Someone please respond, back to me!!!

[@coolrides]

Hey, Caesar! This car WAS for auction at the Mecum auction, Orange County Florida convention center back in July of 2022. I don't know if it sold, or its current wherabouts. You might get in contact with Mecum to see if they can help you in that regard. Thanks! :) Jack

[@rx6180]

I find these a bit odd because even though the MkV was a leviathan, downsizing but keeping the exact same style with the MkVI to my eyes makes it look like a car that’s been through a ‘Fantastic Voyage’ shrinking machine, but it makes it look a bit toy-like to me. Just my opinion of course...

[@coolrides]

Hey, Mick! I think many would share that opinion...you don't want to mess with the preferences of staunch, long time buyers when outside forces dictate that changes must be made. However, the reality was that premium cars couldn't rely on just their old (chronologically) customers to survive...they had to appeal to the younger crowd who might be more sympathetic to the styling changes. After all, that elderly gentleman may never buy another car. Thanks! :) Jack

[@estanislaogaray5573]

Conquistador

[@coolrides]

It certainly lives up to the definition of "one who conquers" as it essentially conquered the luxury car market for years. Thanks! :) Jack

[@califdad4]

Always liked these, very good looking cars but I would have bought a Eldorado or Riviera

[@coolrides]

Hey, Brian! I think this look appealed to a certain group of fans...more tied to the classic stand up radiators of earlier cars....others preferred the swoopy, curved lines that would more characterize the Eldorado and Riviera. Thanks! :) Jack

[@caesarbolchini6465]

No, I have a Silver Edition Mark VI, and also a Cadillac Eldorado and the Mark VI does circle around the Eldorado, much better ride, better everything, no more Cadillacs and definitely no Rivera’s!!!

[@califdad4]

@@caesarbolchini6465 I have driven both, Cadillac or Riviera for me , Lincoln's from the 70s handle like crap