Best Luxury Cars of the 1970s: 1972 Imperial by Chrysler vs. 1972 Lincoln Continental

[@audieconrad8995]

Hard to believe these cars are 50 years old... Beautiful examples.

[@WhittyPics]

Adam knows how to find them

[@cadillacguy1890]

I prefer the view over the hood from the interior and the dashboard on the Imperial. There’s something solid and well engineered about Chrysler products too. The Lincoln has a much better ride, and isolation from the road which is very desirable for prestige/luxury cars. I’d be happy with either.

[@Hall102]

I used to own a 73 Imperial, triple black. I LOVED that car and should never have sold it. I even loved the look of the bumper guards. Oddly I've never had folks want to race me as much in any other car!

[@giantrobot9000]

Adam, I just want to thank you for making these videos. I look forward to listening to them every day when I walk my dog, and I will watch them numerous times. I’ve been a Euro-leaning car enthusiast for years, but have always had an appreciation for American cars and especially the off-the-beaten path and forgotten cars like you feature. Your car history and best/worst engine videos are my favorites. Keep em coming! You do a great job and have immense knowledge to share.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thanks!

[@chucklowe4166]

When Syd bought this car he kept it under cover. My son wanted to see if I could identify the brand and model. After running my hands over the car I identified it as an Imperial even though I wasn't sure of the year. Syd, Roger, my son, granddaughter and I piled into the Imperial and went downtown Pasedena for burgers. What fun.

[@cycleguy666]

Loved that era ❤️ Chrysler products. That wonderful gear reduction starter sound. Wonderful 383/440 engines........ great transmissions!! The Lincoln of that era was quiet and very pillow like. My grandfather loved them and the big Mercury. He had a Black 60s Mercury the grandkids called The Tank!! Any snow was no competition for The Tank! The Chryslers always impressed me most!!

[@edwardpate6128]

I am mostly a GM guy but I love my Mopars too! The Imperial for me!

[@jetsons101]

I have been in both cars, soft ride = Lincoln Power and looks inside and out = Imperial The drive through your neighborhood is a nice change-up. Thanks for posting...

[@boydsdodge]

Even with owning two black 73 Imperials, I can't get enough of watching Imperials on screen.

[@countryroadautopartsusa6466]

American cars have a style that was unmatched. Absolute art.

[@tedlym.3390]

I love Continental, Imperials, and your KZbin channel. Thank you,

[@brianhdueck3372]

Adam you just have the best toy box ever! Your expertise is becoming evermore influential in these forgotten cars. In part, thanks to your efforts, these cars and their designers are finally starting to receive some of the recognition they deserve. Merry Christmas to you and yours.

[@josephgaviota]

Nice comment; and great sentiment. 👍

[@Primus54]

Even though the Continental drive was short, there was enough to compare the interior noise between the two. Very noticeably quieter in the Continental, as expected.

[@czechmate6916]

I noticed that also

[@postmodernrecycler]

At least on my '78-79s, Lincoln used resonators in combo w/the mufflers. The muffler shop was always impressed when they saw what they had to replace.

[@howebrad4601]

My 76 Continental rides awesome and is very quiet. I never felt the chrysler products of that era could match ford quality.

[@wilsixone]

Before I read your comment I came to the same conclusion. Hands down Adam likes the Imperial over the Continental though - probably because the connection to the owner if anything...

[@TheCannonball79]

Thank you for the bit of nostalgia. I really enjoyed driving around in these cars back in the day. It makes me long for my old 70 Fury 3 New Jersey state police interceptor.

[@MillerMeteor74]

Those are both awesome, amazing cars, and I love the black exteriors. In the early 80s I went to see a `65 Imperial, but didn't buy it. But the interior was unbelievably quiet. Also it had that speedometer like what your Lincoln has, which I had never seen before, and thought was so cool. My parents owned a `67 Imperial, from 1967 to `76. It was the Sedan model, not Crown or LeBaron. It was dark brown, and had cloth seats and an AM-only radio. But the wood inside, in those days, was real wood. I have a `67 Imperial color brochure, which says the wood was 100-year-old Claro Walnut, IIRC. My parents absolutely loved that car.

[@davidkastin4240]

Imperial all day long! Gorgeous car, love the front end 😍

[@graciemaemarie11jones16]

front end of the imperial is like the chrysler building-a masterpiece

[@johnclements6852]

Both lovely cars, I've had a 73 imperial, 78 Mark V and Town Coupe, and 70 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, and if buying another one would take the Lincoln as I prefer the quietness and softer ride more than the Imperial. Of course it depended upon one's brand loyalty and choice between a cushy ride (Cadillac and Lincoln) or handling (Imperial). Imperial was also for those who wanted to be different I recall an Automotive Mileposts review on the Imperial stating that Cadillac and Lincoln owners always looked at the Imperial driving by. Be that as it may, a delightful experience awaits the buyer of any of the 3. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all from Christchurch NZ

[@horselips]

Should have shown the Imperial at night - the floodlit dashboard was incredible, and one of its coolest features. I owned a 1973 New Yorker Brougham and the effect at night was wonderful.

[@gregstabryla9945]

Love the fact that you can keep them out of the salt. Most of us aren't so lucky. Keep them just like that. Love seeing this. As I mentioned before, I share these with those who are too young to even remember. Happy holidays to all!

[@azaz911c]

I love these cars. They make such a stylistic statement with their elongate, sharply creased forms.

[@michaelastwood3403]

On of the most beautiful cars ever!

[@jamesmiller7494]

Even though the Lincoln drive was short I too can tell how quiet it's interior is compared to the Imperial but I'm not surprised - Lincoln's are known for being quiet & luxurious. Also by taking us along with you I love looking down the Lincoln's long hood with the famous Lincoln hood ornament. I miss cars with hood ornaments! Look forward to more of these two cars this Spring.

[@DSP1968]

I look forward to the full review. One thing I did notice: that Lincoln is MUCH quieter than the Imperial, which surprised me.

[@ScottHarrisRealtor]

Lincoln does a much better job isolating impact harshness than the PIMPerial, but I still very much like both. I own a triple black 66 Fleetwood and its somewhere in between.

[@Paramount531]

As a kid in the 60s, I loved the fender tip turn signal indicators, especially those on the 64-66 Thunderbirds and the ones on Caddys. I remember getting a brief ride in a Continental of that era and it was so solid and quiet!

[@thomaslaguzzi3884]

Wow. Two awesome cars. Love them. Don’t see them very often

[@CJColvin]

Very beautiful 72 Imperial LeBaron and 72 Lincoln Continental Adam.

[@gregdelagrange8573]

2 extremely nice examples of very nice automobiles.

[@gooney0]

Great cars. I LOVE the seat fabric in the Lincoln. The gold interior is also wonderfully out of style yet attractive. Thanks for sharing these with us. I like car shows but you never really get more than a passing glance. I also wanted to sit in the cars and go for a ride (or even drive them). These videos are the next best thing.

[@DanEBoyd]

Salt and brine will be tracked into your subdivision streets by cars coming in from the main roads, so I would take that into consideration. That Imperial interior is almost breathtaking! I thought that column looked different as viewed from the passenger side @1:25! It also allowed for an in-dash gear indicator. The Continental quarter window is almost Cougaresque.

[@desertmodern7638]

When these were new I loved the handsome Lincoln and found the Imperial styling to be curious at best, with a front end looking somewhat like a typical back end, perhaps due to the shape of the hood's leading edge, which is quite trunk-like. But I now have a fuller appreciation for the Imperial, and it would probably be the one to have. Plus, it avoided the troublesome window lifts and slow steering of the Lincoln, and even offered optional rear air conditioning to go with those fabulous pillows.

[@wilsixone]

I would love to own a '69 - '71 Imperial. The styling of the '72/3 I'd call "gaudy" whatever it's supposed to visually evoke.

[@stevenhoman2253]

Always a pleasure to watch. There is so much to love about these cars. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you and yours.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Happy holidays classic car fans. Hope you all and Adam have a great Christmas.

[@randyfitz8310]

The Imperial with the 440 must have a single exhaust with both a muffler and resonator, it’s a hushed motor sound from inside the cabin.

[@charlesb7019]

Imperial every time! It just has such presence.

[@barneymiller6204]

Wing/vent windows are one of the best features ever put on cars imo. So easy and so functional.

[@josephgaviota]

I so agree. Wind Wings were WONDERFUL.

[@trumpiekeith8531]

The sounds and look of the Imperial remind me a bit of my grandparents' 73 Plymouth Fury, green on green. Loved that car!

[@THROTTLEPOWER]

Wow, those cars are like No Other cruising down the road and now they are 50 years old!

[@jsd795]

That Lincoln is just sinister. I couldn't own it because I wouldn't be able to resist driving it on a regular basis.

[@OLDS98]

Happy Holidays Adam.

[@roberthoffhines5419]

I grew up in a '72 Fleetwood Brougham: first car my Dad ever bought new. Yeah, the Imperial and Lincoln may have had better build and design quality, (even at 7, I could tell it was che-e-eap compared to our '68) but the Caddy had the bold looks down imho.

[@avioncamper]

Adam, decisions and decisions, both models are very nice. If I was an older gentleman with means back in the day, I would have purchased new a 1968 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham, an early 70's Imperial 4 door, 1976 Cadillac Fleetwood, and then a 77-79 Lincoln Town Car, and or a Mark V. Loved the grill on those. I like the 4 doors better than the coupes. I would want the towing package on all cars so I could tow my Airstream trailer of the day. I like your 72, better if it was a 4 door, the steering wheel is not as handsome as the Imperial. But your 72 has a beautiful interior. I am surprised how much we have in common with tastes in cars. Years ago, I would only want Cadillac, my tastes are changing I guess after owning 6 in my life and my father had 3. I would not drive those lovely cars in the salt either. Thank You for sharing your collection and thoughts.

[@SqeakyToy]

The sound of riding in these cars takes me back to another time.

[@lightningblue648]

Absolute best KZbin automotive channel. Merry Christmas!

[@anthemss]

I always thought the front and rear of those Imperials were just a little odd looking but thanks to you showcasing them, I’m coming around to them. But, those two door Lincoln’s, they’re the entire package!

[@Jeff_Pendleton]

We had a 72 Continental that my dad bought when I first turned 16 in 73. Just a silent cruiser and terrific highway car. The next year he traded for a 73 New Yorker which had many engineering similarities to the Imperial. Liked both cars, but would rate the Continental better hands-down. Love both of your low-mileage beauties!

[@JazzzRockFuzion]

As a vintage MOPAR die-hard and admitted auto ‘hipster’, I would have to take the Imperial LeBaron. Far rarer (even when new) than the Lincoln; more imposing, futuristic fuselage styling; that winning 440 + 727 combo, and the undeniable steering/handling advantage offered via the torsion bar/leaf spring setup. While it may be argued that the interior trim & appointments were slightly more premium in the Lincoln, there’s a ‘substance’ and connectedness you get from the Imperial’s driving experience that’s lacking in Lincoln, apart from sheer acceleration. Both gorgeous vehicles in the end, and I’d take either over a Cadillac of the era! 😁 Thanks as always for the wonderful content, Adam. Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@DHaile83]

Man you find the best examples

[@markbehr88]

Merry Christmas Adam. Looking forward to this comparison and also one between your 70 Eldorado versus the Mark III. Regarding the Imperial which I love (see my avatar of my factory ABS 71) the noise levels compared to the Lincoln are quite obvious. The Continental is much quieter. Even so if I had to choose between my 70 Continental sedan and 71 Imperial LeBaron 4 door hardtop I would be very hard pressed to do so. They are both fantastic.

[@christopherkraft1327]

I love both cars!!! Happy Holidays!!! 🎄⛄🤶

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, This would be an excellent opportunity to dispel the growing legend that you actually own that entire Michigan subdivision of brick bungalows and store your fleet in the garages tucked behind them 😉😉😉😉

[@RareClassicCars]

It’s an idea.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@RareClassicCars It that a non-denial denial?

[@rogersmith7396]

@@RareClassicCars As I've suggested, start a "Museum" and get the business write offs. D tags and insurance. Big cost savings.

[@laserwizard2]

Am I a bad person for not being able to choose one over the other. Each are special.

[@MrScottie68]

Thank you for posting this video. Both are beautiful cars, BUT the Chrysler is definitely the winner! Chrysler Motor Corporation cars of the 1969-72 era were the most beautiful cars on the road at the time. Truthfully, many squared off car body styles of the 1980s look far more outdated than that Imperial with it’s clean and flowing lines. I had the distinct pleasure of owning a 1969 Chrysler New Yorker and not only was it beautifully styled, but the ride was so smooth that it really felt like the car was floating on air.

[@williamdixon1992]

There is no current luxury cars made today that can match the beauty and style and luxury of your Imperial and your Lincoln. Gorgous cars!!

[@prairiestateautoresto]

This is awesome! Thank you Adam!

[@toddbonin6926]

That Imperial interior is gorgeous!

[@jamesmontan9189]

Love the Lincoln, but love the imperial more. Owned a 72 imperial myself.

[@Flies2FLL]

Interesting fact: The Chrysler 440/426 has the exact same bore spacing as the Porsche M28 V8 engine used in the 928. Arias, a company in California, has used Porsche 4-valve heads to produce a 502 Chevrolet DOHC 32 valve V8, since the Chevy big block is just slightly smaller but within tolerances. I don't know if they have produced a Chrysler version, but it could easily be done. Basically, the stock cam is left in place but not used. A belt cog is installed at the front of the cam drive gear that drives a Gilmer belt, which in turn drives the four overhead camshafts via a timing belt from some Renault car. On the Chevy, the result with catalytic converters is an engine that passes California emissions and makes 550 hp all day long with a perfectly smooth idle... This is all possible because the Porsche M28 is a big block V8.

[@jwelchon2416]

We had a Cordoba with the fender tip turn signals. When you stepped on the gas, the left signal light would come on. It took us the longest time to figure out that the left signal light was wired to a vacuum switch. Of the two I am partial to the Lincoln. My mother had a gold 71 Town Car.

[@inthezone4123]

@Eric Ruud My 75 Dart had a similar system. Nice surprise when I figured out what it was all about.

[@kroge007]

George’s car’s Adam. I do agree that they look better in the darker colors! My uncle had the rolling speedometer on his 77 Lincoln Town Car. Happy Holidays to you Adam and looking forward to more videos from you next year.

[@terry3193]

Such beautiful cars….I love them both. I’m actually looking at a ‘72 Imperial HT Lebaron sedan. It doesn’t have the same tufted interior and Im not sure why but it is a LeBaron. I’m a little skiddish about buying it, not because it isn’t gorgeous but because I haven’t owned such an old car in decades. In addition to the age, Im also concerned about lack of parts and service on it due to its age and rarity. But gosh, I have always loved the ‘72 and 73 Imperial. I have a feeling you will prefer the Continental in your comparison. If Lincoln did anything right…it was building a soft and quiet luxury car. Happy holidays!🎄👍

[@thekillercapricorn6334]

2 Stunning cars. I sure miss styling in automobiles

[@jameslowry4299]

The Continental is awesome, especially being a black coupe, but the Imperial just has such a visual presence, what a gorgeous car.

[@fleetwin1]

This would be a tough choice for sure. Both are beautiful cars, the Imperial might win out because of its better handling.

[@dustdevl3404]

Those Imperials looked so gangster. The big Chryslers from then were great cars. We had a 71 Chrysler 300 4 door hardtop when I was a kid. First car I ever drove. My dad maintained it was the best car he ever owned.

[@ashleyallen9498]

2 beautiful rides, you lucky boy! The Lincoln is a little classier in its design and attention to detail, but The Imperial is truly over the top in its excess and attitude! I probably couldn’t choose between them if my life depended on it, and good thing you don’t have to! Thanks for sharing.

[@kencooper2059]

The Imperial is a gorgeous car!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

That's the kin of car you really HAVE to buy if it comes up for sale. What a pair of beauties.

[@lad4944]

Hands down, the Lincoln. Much better interior and exterior design.

[@leukostad1592]

Such handsome cars, especially the 1972 Imperial, the styling stunning... so stately and elegant if I can call it that way (at least that's how I would say it in my language) ☺

[@hiitsstillme]

Merry Christmas Adam, and thanks for a great year "behind the wheel" of many a beautiful classic car. Cheers! 🍻

[@vincentgranite9481]

Never liked Chrysler products much, but the older Imperials were always a class car, and the 300 series caught my eye as well.

[@rogersmith7396]

Cuda, Charger, Challenger, even Duster. The hot rods of my youth. They were the class of the muscle cars, none came close.

[@vincentgranite9481]

@@rogersmith7396 never liked them much. Obviously others did, right? Sure they did or they wouldn't have sold. As far as the cars you mentioned, it would be hard for me to care less about them. I appreciate and don't dispute others enjoyed them, but I had no interest in them.

[@DustinDriver]

Syd's Imperial is amazing!

[@ohok3608]

I will admit when I first came across your videos a year ago I thought you were a lightweight looking to make content. I can see that I was wrong. I wish I lived next door or down the street from you. Keep up the good work. Love me some full size American automobiles.

[@RichardoBrit]

That Imperial is incredible!!

[@jeffsmith846]

I am much more familiar with the Lincoln products but the Imperial seems to be good competition. I've never driven a car with torsion bars except a VW bug so it would be interesting to experience the drive in the Imp.

[@tonyflorio3269]

Is the NVH difference between the two as pronounced as it seems in the video? The Imperial seems to audibly crash over the broken pavement in a way that doesn't seem to match its mission. In the short segment with the Continental it seems virtually silent! I know you've often mentioned the difference in suspension tuning between Chrysler (former, better handling) and Ford (softer, better NVH).

[@RareClassicCars]

In some ways, yes. The Chrysler is noisier inside. The Lincoln is whisper quiet.

[@rogersmith7396]

@Eric Ruud I tend to think the bars are the culprit. My 70 Eldo has bars and its not a real smooth rider. All modern tanks have bars and going off road in a 70 ton vehicle at 50 mph must be an experience. They take up less space inside a tank than other suspensions.

[@ronaldmiller2740]

THANK'S ADAM ,, THE 1972 LINCOLN.. THE SPEED O. IS CALLED A ROLLING DRUM,, WE LIKE THAT WE WERE INTERESTED WHAT THEY CALLED THAT ,, THANK'S SO MUCH!!!

[@arlo0011]

I have to admit, I have never seen "power" vent windows. Really cool. I miss vent windows.

[@kc9scott]

I’ve seen a mid-60s Cadillac that had them. As Adam said, the motors probably came from GM.

[@joemazzola7387]

My dad's 67 valiant signet had the fender mounted turn signal indicators and the arrows on the dashboard which did not illuminate I guess it was a way to save 2 bulbs

[@celestialparsnip]

Absolutely gorgeous vehicles. Also, appreciate your use of the term 'buggered up'. This tickles my pickle.

[@bearworldwide101]

What I love about Chrysler back in the day they gave you a full cluster of gages GM and Ford only Speedo and fuel and dummy lights. Even though some cars from Ford and GM had them too but late 70s to 80s dummy lights told me if my.oil level was low or my battery or alternator was bad.

[@kevinvoyer5053]

Ok very nice comparison video. My wonderful Dad had a deep love for big American cars, all through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. The first I remember from when I was 9, when he brought me to pick up his new beloved 64 Imperial Crown Coupe, that was amazingly quiet. Then there was a 68 Chrysler Town&Country when there was another sibling making a 9 passenger important. But Dad didn’t like the huge Imperial and bought new Lincoln’s every couple years. A beautiful 71 Coupe, that tan the best with a premium gas 460/4brl dual exhaust, that I was clocked on radar doing 129 mph! On Rt 295 in of course Lincoln, R. I. ! Next was a 73 Coupe that was a dog. But in 75 he bought a beautiful Town Coupe’ that came with a fancy Landau Roof, with gold Lincoln Cross/Crests in the rear quarter windows. Finally a 78 Town Car in all baby blue. The Lincoln’s rode fantastic and super comfy. A friend of mine later on bought a 71 Imperial Coupe in all white. He used for SCUBA diving and was very good comfortable at. The trunk was so big we could fit two tanks and complete suits with 28 lb Weight belts. Along with a 12’ inflatable Zodia Raft including a 35 hp outboard engine, a Chrysler Marine of course. Along with the 5 gal gas tank, anchor and ropes, plus a 20 gallon cooler! With plenty of room for the two of us and all the rest of our gear. All he needed after the first time was add a leaf in the rear to help with the extra 500lbs, to keep the car level when fully loaded, along with the huge KONI shocks he found. The car was built with the factory towing package, so the gearing was lower than usual at 3:09, instead of 2:73 or so, plus had posi trac. That helped make that huge rear wheel drive car almost unstoppable in snow and boat ramps. The car was a life saver during the Blizzard of 78! When we put tire chains on over the huge Firestone Town&Country snow tires he added all around for his skiing trips up north! Like a tank in the snow. We also removed the original intake manifold and carb, to replace with a high rise and 4 brl Holley Carb, plus tubular exhaust headers, into 2 3/4” pipes all the way back, with nice quiet turbo flow mufflers and resonator tail pipes, that really woke that big old 440 up! Also raised the mileage all around when you tried, but step on it? OMG!

[@althunder4269]

I like the front view out with those bladed fender tops.

[@wilsixone]

Hello Adam and Merry Christmas if that's your thing! Two questions: where do you keep all your cars? Not specifically, but just, like in a warehouse?? And I'm also curious if either of these vehicles have limited slip rears. IF your ever had to take them into the snow, that's all you really need. FWD/AWD/4X4 are the best, but limited slip is for sure the next best thing!

[@michaelnault5905]

I like the Lincoln better, but there weren't as many Imperials on the road back when. Making the Mopar pretty desirable.

[@tonychavez2083]

The peak of luxury for FoMoCo and Mopar, what gems!!

[@klwthe3rd]

Why would Chrysler Corp NOT include turn signal indicators on the dash? Yet the New Yorkers did? Why was less more on the Imperial? Sid Mead design?

[@TheCannonball79]

It was probably done to make the car upscale and unique. At the time I actually preferred the fender flashers because it helped to keep your eyes on the road instead of having to glance down to check if they were flashing in the correct direction.

[@gregholloway2656]

My guess is that, on the Imperial, the fender flashers were a standard feature, but on the New Yorker, they were optional. Thus the NY’s dash had to have a flasher indicator for the cars without the fender flashers. Total guess, I’m not an authority on these cars.

[@klwthe3rd]

@@gregholloway2656 Excellent point. You're probably correct.

[@rogersmith7396]

@@klwthe3rd I would guess later DOT regs finished the issue.

[@ThePrissy11]

Love the Imperial ‘cause it’s so strange.

[@matthewbanta3240]

I first learned about cars in the 80's. Back then, everyone knew that Japanese cars were higher quality. I never paid much attention to older American cars since I assumed people bought them because there was nothing else. Your channel brings home that part of the reason the big three lost their edge was because they decontented their cars in a short sighted attempt to save money. Then they had to redesign their lineup to meet new cafe standards. Japanese quality was really just the third reason why they lost so much ground in the 80's.

[@waynejohnson1304]

Japanese cars are not higher in quality. 60% of G.M., Ford, and Chrysler's profits came from replacement parts. The Japanese, German, and South Korean car companies use the exact same formula. Ask anyone who has a BMW. They will tell you they are at the mechanics more than at home. When it comes to reliability, American cars are in the top 10 year after year after year.

[@matthewbanta3240]

@@waynejohnson1304 If you define quality as reliability, then in the 80's Japanese cars were more reliable. See old issues of Consumer Reports. But now, it is difficult to define an American brand since everyone sources from the same suppliers and they build their cars all over the world. However Asian owned manufacturers are a little bit more reliable than American who in turn are a little more reliable than Europeans (in general). Again, see Consumer Reports (the only objective measure of auto reliability that I know of). The difference isn't that big anymore, and to say this is quality would depend on your definition of that word.

[@waynejohnson1304]

@@matthewbanta3240 Blame all of that on the New World Order where we are supposed to support the products of the countries that have fallen into the Capitalism trap. The auto magazines like Road and Track, Car and Driver, and Motor Trend were told by our government to make Japanese and German cars look better. It was a well-known fact that the Swedes made 500,000-mile cars but, they were never mentioned. I have always owned an American car. I always will too.

[@matthewbanta3240]

@@waynejohnson1304 I wasn't aware that Consumer Reports, a not for profit organization that accepts no advertising, had somehow fallen into a Capitalism trap. I am not even sure how such a thing could be possible. But whatever, you can believe what you want.

[@howebrad4601]

I own quite a few 70s, 80s, and 90s American and Japanese cars. The imports at times were more tightly assembled, but the material quality of the steel, fabric, plastics, carpets etc is far far far superior in the American products. 70s honda and Toyota seats literally disintegrated. 80s Honda plastics are fragile beyond belief. I'm looking for replacement plastic parts for my 87 CRX and basically none survived. The 70s and 80s Japanese cars in particular rusted horribly, but they did run reliably. I say all this because "quality" is a broad term covering mechanical reliability along with longevity, as well as look, feel, and durability of materials. Just for fun, go look at the carpet in a mid level 79 ford or gm product, then compare it to the top line honda or Toyota. You will see what I mean.

[@petehunter2988]

Imperial, all the way!

[@Doobie1975]

They're both really nice cars but I give the slight edge to the Lincoln as 1972 was IMO the best year of the 1970's Lincoln's.

[@mossi408]

Definetly the Imperial. My favorite of all time.

[@WydGlydJim]

So on black cars I don’t automatically think gold interior, but a friend of mine has a really nice ‘57 Hemi 300, and the only interior available was a gold almost exact color match to the one in this video, and it really works. It is so beautiful on both cars 😍

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I like the Imperial better. Except for the seats. I would rather have cloth interior. But I would still drive it. I'd probably just cover the seats. I do like the gauges in the Lincoln though. The little squares arranged like that is nice

[@billboyer1244]

This Imperial and Continental are two really great American cars. I would love to own, or just drive, either one. My impression is the Continental might be the smoother/quieter of the two.

[@czechmate6916]

Merry Christmas to you too Adam I’ve always leaned more to the Mopars , I have a Dodge pickup truck that I just love had a Chevrolet Impala before it that I hated to let go but I inherited my moms Toyota Avalon has really low mileage. My garage is only big enough for two cars and I can’t afford three vehicles. The Avalon is such a fine car . So I guess I’m still hooked on Mopars and Toyotas now the only Fords I like are from 1975 and back but I never owned a Ford I liked their styling back then.

[@BDiaz-np8fn]

The workforce in those times took alot of pride in there craft..

[@rogersmith7396]

Not really. In KC you had Ford Claycomo, GM Leeds, BOP KCks. Chrysler was in St. Louis. These were the days when people showed up for work if they felt like it and might be drunk or stoned. My grandfather owned a liquor store across from Leeds and it was a gold mine. The workers would come out for lunch and get plastered. It was said not to buy a car made on monday as the workers would be hung over and it would be shit, and not made on friday as they would all split early for the weekend. The frame on my 70 Eldo has obviously been hand manipulated at the factory. It looks like the press got it into approximate shape then guys with sledge hammers pounded it the rest of the way. All the fittings required much hand labor not done to day. Mostly metal not plastic as now. GM paint has never been said to be too good.

[@josephpiskac2781]

Beautiful Merry Christmas!

[@ALightInTheForest]

Adam, what octane gasoline do you use for these two?

[@CHEECHMUN]

I can't decide which I like better. Which ride is better?