Ride & Drive of The Best in Personal Luxury: 1969 Lincoln Mark III & 1972 Mark IV (460-4V Engine)

[@txnetcop]

I have an immaculate '69 Mark III deep metallic blue. It has 65,450 miles. Not a speck of dirt on it not even the engine bay. Ultra-quiet and fast when needed! Sorry had to get back to work...Dad was a new car manager in a dealership which took in 18 of these cars. He bought one after 8 had sold quickly. I was on leave from the army from a wound for 45 days. So to help with my recovery he and I took it to Colorado, Idaho, and Montana fishing then back to Texas. We never were very close till that trip. I will always credit that Mark III for bringing Dad and I closer. He gave it to me after my second tour of duty and PCS to Fort Riley. I bought a very fast Mercury Cougar and put the Mark III in storage until the 80s. I've had it as a Sunday driver for the kids and their kids ever since. It's a great car and very smooth. Every time I look at I remember that trip Dad and I took. Soon it will go to my daughter, a trauma nurse. I hope she can build memories with that car.

[@johanbrand8601]

Wow. Amazing.

[@msr1116]

I so hope your daughter will keep the car and cherish it in the way you do. But, allow me to point out that just yesterday I chatted with a neighbor whose early born Millennial children are now nearing middle age. She said her daughter in particular doesn't want what you and I would see as family heirlooms. That generation and the Zoomers are minimalists who value experiences over possessions and are quite environmentally conscious. Job insecurity also plays a part in their unwillingness to get bogged down with having to own, store and financially maintain many objects, particularly when the need for relocation arises.

[@txnetcop]

@@msr1116 I see your point, however she is one who cleans the car inside and out and takes her mother shopping in it. She has loved that car long before she could drive. Still I need to make sure she will care for it. Thank you...

[@msr1116]

@@txnetcop .....you might also show your daughter the YT clip of Elvis driving his Mark III through the MGM studios security checkpoint. He was beyond cool in the way he maneuvered that huge vehicle.

[@giggiddy]

@@msr1116 Absolutely!!!

[@guygrenke266]

I had a '69 Mark III and a '71 Thunderbird 4Door and they were the smoothest riding quietest running cats I've ever owned.

[@paulpeterson4311]

I had a 70 Bird & jeez it was quiet & comfortable. Adored driving that car on road trips.

[@jamesmiller7494]

The Mark III drive away and approach with the lights on then off - classy. Thanks Adam for doing that. Such a handsome car. It also looks good in that neighborhood. That's the type homes it would have been among when new!

[@mikevale3620]

Hi Adam from Victoria, Australia. Thankyou for your drives today in your Lincolns which didn't come over here. A few interesting observations: MI doesn't have mandated separate rear indicator or turn lenses whereas some other US states do. All of Australia does. In my state, the speed limit is the speed limit and you can be pulled over and fined $270.00 by the Highway Patrol for exceeding the speed limit by more than 2Km/h. More than 25 Km/h over the limit is licence suspension for 3 months and a $500.00 fine. Where the roadworks were along the freeway, we would have an 80Km/h speed limit due to the proximity of the road and the concrete barriers/drums. Thanks again for your rides. 👍

[@Sedan57Chevy]

Videos like this are my favorites because of all the nuance you can offer, thanks to your experience owning, driving, and maintaining such a variety of these classics. I don't think road tests in 1973 were so thorough in pointing out the little differences between the III and IV. Thanks for sharing these cars, but also in documenting the little intricacies that only a handful of Lincoln Dealers and maybe devoted Lincoln owners would be able to notice.

[@tombrown1898]

Adam, you're right on target with your observation of the Mark lV's tendency to pitch and yaw. I drove one for about 10 miles, 40 years ago, and the slow dance of the front suspension is perhaps my strongest memory of the experience. I'd love to have some windshield time with a Mark lll!

[@giggiddy]

Wondering if improvements in shocks now might easily (partial or fully) address that issue? Cheers

[@Chitwn81]

Gas charged shocks and a thicker stabilizer bar will all but eliminate that. If you're so inclined new coils also would help.

[@kroge007]

Beautiful car Adam. You pick the great old cars of the 70’s

[@ginamiller6015]

They may not have been super fuel efficient, but what amazing style and comfort. I remember these cars from my youth. These vehicles were so substantial and they felt like such a part of our lives. I’m glad people like you are preserving this American history. 🫶

[@arevee9429]

Having grown up with many Fords from this vintage, I concur that there was a very noticeable "cheapening" in the early 70's along with a big drop-off in engine performance. Dad did have a '73 Thunderbird and it was indeed very smooth, but it was no match for a '69 in the power department. The '69 Mark III shown here is gorgeous! Even on camera, I could hear that they were quieter and less rattly than the Eldorado from Adam's recent drive video.

[@nomebear]

My uncle had a new '69 Mark III and it was one of the quietest cars that I had ever ridden in, quieter than my cousin's '64 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud The quality and the workmanship was over the top.

[@MicroSoftner]

Its amazing how starters bring back memories......

[@dannyg6592]

Excellent comparison test and review. I worked for the LM Division of Ford back in the day and it was widely known inside the company that the Mark III was built to a far higher quality standard than any other Lincoln.

[@dj33036]

When I was in the Navy, I purchased a '63 Thunderbird Landau from an older gentleman that had just bought a '71 Mark III. He actually had tears in his eyes when he handed over the keys to me.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

🇺🇸👍

[@vanceraper6559]

I owned an early 69 Mark III. My favorite car of all time. Desert sand, black vinyl roof, and saddle leather interior. Nice driving car and plenty of power. These came out when I was 16 years old. Had to have one and got it when i was around 22 years old.

[@ryanone1]

I am truly impressed with your extensive knowledge of the 1969 Lincoln Mark III and IV, the Cadillac Eldorado, etc. You put a lot of effort into your videos and I consider your channel to be one of the best, if not the best -. If you ever considered selling the 1969 Mark III you are driving, and I doubt you would, I would easily pay you at least 100K in cash! I hope you continue to give us your superior education on these cars to all of the audience, including the younger people! Thanks so much, - Ryan 1.

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx!

[@HowardJrFord]

Lol.....100k ? Those are beautiful cars , but I saw one in top notch condition a few years back for 12k .

[@markbehr88]

Thanks Adam. I agree with your comments. I also feel the Mark III has more of a “custom car” feel about it. They are both terrific though and, like you, I have one of each plus the later 74 MKIV (as it is different enough from the earlier version - bumpers, tail lights, grille - to justify having it (at least that is my excuse).

[@paulpeterson4311]

Do yours get 14-15 like Adam says? I used to drive a 74 often & it guzzled fuel like crazy. Maybe 72 was still better on MPG (?).

[@markbehr88]

@@paulpeterson4311 Hi Peter. I think 12-14 is about right but I never bothered about fuel economy for cars like these. I will do some videos on my Lincolns when I get a chance.

[@P.Galore]

The '69 may have faux wood but it has real metal dash vents which the 70 and 71 didn't. I never had a Mark III but did own several 60's Lincolns and Thunderbirds and found them ALL to have very high levels of quality in fit, finish and materials.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

I agree with you on the high quality of those cars. I've been trying to refurbish a '65 Thunderbird on a "budget" over the last year and a half, and as I've disassembled some parts of the car I've been impressed with quality of materials. My first car 45 years ago was an Impala from the mid-sixties, and even as a ten year old used car (back then) it had conspicuous separations and open seams in the vinyl upholstery. My nearly 60 year old T-Bird, by contrast, has most of the thicker vinyl upholstery in much better condition, even though it's been obviously used.

[@DSP1968]

Thank you, Adam. Having owned a Mark III for a number of years, I agree with you -- these cars have very high quality, and are very well put together, though fiendishly complicated. What I liked best about the Mark III was the driving experience -- effortless, quiet torque would push you back in the seat when you really put your foot down. And with the ATC and quality radio (in my case an AM/8-track), a very pleasant experience for all during each and every ride. I've not got as much experience with Mark IVs, but agree with you -- interior quality, though not bad, was not up to Mark III standards at all, but better by far than concurrent Cadillacs.

[@joelabbe6185]

Adam, thanks for taking me along on the ride! I look forward to every video you post, and ALWAYS watch each one through to the end. Huge Ford fan here, and your focus on this era of Ford/Lincoln/Mercury luxury really makes me appreciate the ones I've owned over the years. Yes, I've loved the ride of my Marquis' and Grand Marquis, but of all the cars I'm still driving in my dreams, it's the '72 Gran Torino. No, not luxurious, but still the finest I've owned. Please keep the vids and reviews coming. Drive safely. Wishing you abundant joy from your collection. With your knowledge and passion, no one deserves them more than you do!

[@RareClassicCars]

Thx for the kind words!

[@christianworthinton8000]

Loved the 1st car! Total luxury without being pretentious...

[@halhenryg]

Your Mark III is absolutely stunning!! I was an impressionable teenager when the 1969 Mark III came out. Wolf, I was in head over heels.

[@rayhapes]

This one (Mark III) knocked my socks of the first time I saw one as a kid. No other real stand out car impresions other than this. Just so sexy and elegant in that moment.

[@solemandd67]

I enjoyed my '69 MK III. It had quirks yet was handsome, fast, and luxurious.

[@HomerJ1964]

I normally prefer Cadillacs but, that MK III is a real beauty.

[@chrisjohnson3912]

Man... that Mark III is soooo sharp. Love it.

[@Primus54]

I owned a ‘79 burgundy Thunderbird and the view over the hood from the driver’s seat of your ‘69 MkIII is reminiscent of what I remember. Such comfortable land yachts. Thanks, Adam. 👍👍👍

[@scottleyva8656]

I love the chrome that wraps the side windows on the Mark III.

[@eddstarr2185]

Adam, I think the view over the hood of the Mark III pretty much says it all for me!

[@M.L.1]

In 1970 my parents had a Mark III. I was brought home from hospital in it after being born. I do remember riding in it at a very young age. Parents ended up trading it on a '74 Ninety Eight Regency.

[@jakereal3604]

Great spot on review of these two Gems! I own a 1970 Mark lll and a 67 Thunderbird and what you said about quality , ride smoothness and the way they’re put together is all 1000% true. I also own a 66 Toronado and it’s no where near the level of smoothness as these Marks. Also quality is not nearly as good over all. But they’re like children. Each is lovable in their own way! Lol

[@martinmelucci4383]

This was excellent as usual, Adam. I think the net HP in the Mark III is higher than 260, but without testing it, obviously it's an estimate. I love all the Marks. The interior quality is best in a III. However, I understand the III can be more finicky and prone to needing fixing more than a IV or V. So, a gain in one way vs the other. Perhaps I'm wrong, though besides my father's experience, I've read it here and there as well. The Maroon is nice, though I especially love the very rare Dark Orchid and the black ones. I never understood why they used two-tone fake wood in the IV. Still, I especially love the '72 of all five years. The IV started out with one style of interior, so it was otherwise nice in it's way from the beginning. Along with a Ginger Moondust '72, I also want a Black Diamond Luxury Group '76. My father's favorite of the five Lincolns he had was a '73 in Ginger. I've said this countless times over the years...I grew up in my Dad's '77 (actual) Cartier and worshipped the ground it drove on, and bought another that was it's twin even re options over 15 years ago. It's my favorite of these cars, I'm sure at least in part to my attachment with his, but I like how it splits the difference between a III and IV, and is relatively modern feeling while at the same time also strongly has the vintage car feel. The base interior was certainly the least attractive of these cars, especially if not leather, but I love the upgraded Luxury Group leather interior, to where I even prefer it in the Collectors Series cars. The wood is fake, of course, but I like it a lot better than the fake wood in the IV, along with the gauges, the interior ornamentation like the look of the different controls, etc as well. Even the radio, when you have the Quadrasonic tape version, looks beautiful in the dash (it first came out in the '76 Mark IV, but it seems like it was styled for the soon to come V). My cat had it's engine worked on by the previous owner where he started with a '69 spec 460 and built it up from there. I need to have it Dyno tuned and tested one day, but the HP should at least be in the 400+ range. The character is pretty much like a normal 460...just more of it, so the car feels like a V should. I enjoy what you do, as does everyone that watches your videos I am sure, Adam.

[@mainminevin]

I can never get enough of that Mark III, beautiful car! I love my own 69

[@dave1956]

Give me the Mark III any day. It’s so elegant and the color combination definitely helps. I never was a big Mark IV fan and the MarkV was just too much. Ford had a great thing and thought that they could improve on it. Wrong!

[@LWVH81]

Fabulous. This is a different kind of video for you and I am glad you did it.

[@2001rams]

From the drivers view of the instrument panel and the sharper edges on the fenders and hood make the Mark III stand out a little more than the Mark IV. However both cars are very nice and well preserved.

[@lonkraus3425]

Lincolnland did a new top on my 67 continental and a few other fixes for $7500. Prior to that John Cashman did power window switches and rear window dropdowns. Car was loaded with literslly everything except pwr door locks. Had autronic eye, reclining passenger seat, tilt steering, 8 track, pwr vents etc. Car now resides in Australia.

[@WhittyPics]

That Maroon is purdy. We had a car show here in Clover yesterday and there wasn't a single car there like any of yours.

[@gplunk]

Thanks for the sweet joyride....

[@gplunk]

I would take either of these over anything new; but maroon is my absolute fav color on an automobile, plus the matching interior in this case!

[@gregharvie3896]

Well Adam, re the ride , the 1965 new Ford/Mercury full chassis was a stunning invention, the decision was made to create the new Thunderbird for '67 on the shorter length 117" Galaxie Coupe/convertible chassis. For many years I owned a 1owner 17,000mile 1965 Ford Galaxie, here in Australia for '65 we had a "top" spec Galaxie but it was as yet un-named as LTD, they just had a higher price and slightly different door trim & jewelry, plus they were equipped with the ultra high output metallic green painted police enforcer 390ci side oil fill v8 engine, plus were "totally" equipped with ALL options. My '65 Galaxie was PURE quality, vault quiet, silken smooth, well made as our Australian ones were built with FULLY galvanized steel chassis & bodies, built here in Ford's Homebush, Sydney factory, near all the internal equipment was directly lifted from the 1961 to '63 Lincolns, dash, instruments, door handles window cranks, nice woolen carpet, massive sound deadening. We had few Aussie built mk3 Conti's, however we had way more mk4's for just 2 year models only, 1972 Fine front bumper, and 1973 with the crash bumper. I owned a low mileage my'73 mk4. The Ford Homebush, Sydney cars were way more elaborately internally trimmed than your home market USA versions. Our Aussie mk4's received beautifully diecast anodized alloy dashboards using ONLY the US glove box door panel and the instruments, since the dash is asymmetrical we made our own and instead of fake junky plastic wood , one of Australia's premium wooden furniture manufacturers produced beautiful satin finish solid teak dash panels our carpet was dense 36ounce pure wool from Chatanooga Carpets in South Australia.These Aussie exclusive cars gave a really high end European feel to the interior as both '72's & '73's received pure padded leather dash top, a real metal finished dash , with solid teak wood drivers panel. Our aussie mk4 cars DO NOT have power door locks, they also have what is an aussie Ford Falcon HVAC control module the Aussie style AC Delco GM air-conditioning pump too which I guess back in the day was to eliminate any warranty and parts supply issues. When you look at the lock striker on the body and look at the locking mechanism in the door cavity itself, the unit is the same as the one in my aussie 1965 Galaxie. I have a mate with recently imported Lincoln Mk3 (70 model) , a 1972 and 1974 Mk4, plus a standard spec' 1977 mk5, a Cartier 1978 Mk5 and a 1979 Collectors series Mk5 all of these have the same door catch/lock systems BUT NONE are like my 1973 mk4's door locks & strikers. There are massive differences between the CKD (completely knocked down) virtual Aussie kit car version of a mk4 and a USA home market version, no matter where you look, at our lovely cast alloy door armrests with padded leather top, the cast alloy dash panel unit, with its genuine teak wood instrument panel, with pure padded leather dash top, padded windscreen surrounds too, not the nasty plastic USA ones either. . The internal finish had to be way higher here as price wise a new 1972 Mk4 Conti' sold for $2,000 more than a new Rolls Royce Corniche 2 door coupe!! The first owners of these Lincoln's were "old money" wealthy older folk that wanted a quality item that they would keep for some years. Like my one's first owners, from the very expensive suburb of Turramurra on Sydney's wealthy North Shore, who owned & babied it for 19 years prior to my purchase of it, so our near hand built Lincoln mk4's with their various differences drive just as smooth and quiet as a mk3, plus ours have a powerful leaded 102 octane 460 ci engine wit twin Carter 4 bbl carbies on the car with a totally "alien" aussie plenum chamber for these to bolt onto, also where the USA engines have the horrible mild steel hot water pipes for the HVAC system running along the side of the block , the Aussie version cars have Cadillac/GM style neoprene hoses attached to the wheel wells to send hot water to the heater box , there are so many differences , our lighting as well we have heavy duty wiring to take the Halogen 55cp headlights on dip beam , with 95cp on outer hi-beam, but 150cp inners on hi-beam, the USA CARS are 35/55 cp , so our low beam is same candle power rating as your hi-beam, further , back then in the '70's our parking lights had to be 32candle power, that is only 3cp less than a USA headlight capacity!!! At rear inner lamp houses Amber turn indicator as well. The Aussie glove box & service manuals are entirely different than a USA one. to cope with the vast differences, the most vast difference being all the Ford Australia mk4 Lincoln Conti' coupes have GM-Holden Aust forward mount (of front axle) steering gear as used in the RHD aussie Buicks, Caddy's Chev's & Ponti's as there was no way to fit the RHD steering box on the RH side due to manifold shape requirements so they at Ford Aust' thought way out of the box , so mine has the quick ratio GM steering from Ford!!

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

That's the longest YT comment I have ever read 🙂

[@onkelmicke9670]

The Mark IV is just such a good looking car. I would actually like to see a comparison with a Thunderbird of the same year.

[@brianhdueck3372]

There’s no shame in either car to me. The nod would go to the 69 as per most comments. Great ride along video. As always, enjoyable and informative.

[@jimmyaber5920]

I agree on balance and blueprinting. It may sound more involved but in many cases it was parts sorting. Pistons may be chosen to be within 1 gram when they are produced in a 10-11 gram span. Same for rods. If the crankshaft are selected from the center of span then the engine does have better balance and ends up in the range of ideal design specs. Ford used different friction modifier package in type F fluid and used slower pressure rise. GM and Chrysler used mucous in their (not really but "slick as snot" does come to mind) fluids and quicker pressure build for clutch and brake units in trans and that method gave the better slip rate and smooth feel. Many years back I worked for a time in a Trans shop and we used a few quarts of Type F in Mopar and GM rebuilds to make sure the owners could feel their repairs. The borderline mushy shift with Dexron fluid was too close to the feel just before the transmission would slip and fail.

[@stuckinmygarage6220]

Interesting. Thanks

[@merc-ni7hy]

the mark 3 was and always will be my pick ....

[@lifewithjosef]

Always love the on the road vids!

[@timtrinkaus7072]

Awesome comparison Adam! Love those old floaty boats!!!

[@robertcass7723]

Beautiful cars Adam! Thanks for sharing.

[@BillofRights1951]

My parents had a '67 4 door T-Bird Landau (428) and a '68 T-Bird Coupe(429)...both built at the Wixom plant that built the Mark III, on the same chassis....the two cars were VERY different in interior design. Ford changed up almost everything for '68...the '67 felt much more baroque, and the '68 more minimalist and mid-century. The '67 was bolted together MUCH better than the '68, especially the interior, with sturdy hardware and switchgear. When Adam talks about the fit and finish of the Mark III...it was not the experience we had with the '68....the dealer had remedial work to do with the '68, and the materials didn't hold up as well (we had the 8-Track deck...all 4 original speakers went bad one-by-one in the first year). My parents loved both cars and drove each of them over 150,000 miles, which was a lot for the era. Mechanically they were fine, but the '68 required much more attention on accessories.

[@edbarker8636]

Both cars are absolutely beautiful and a wonderful review thank you

[@davidrupprecht2774]

Two beautiful autos, my favorite is the Mark III. Thanks for sharing Adam.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Adam, I too would choose the Lincoln Mark III over the Torino Mark IV 😉

[@gevowavemagnet]

I can imagine someone like Joe Namath tooling around in the '69 Mark III, back in the day.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Mark III and Buick Riviera from that era are the coolest for me.

[@Chitwn81]

I have a 72 Mark IV and Adam is right about the wallowing soft suspension. However i just upgraded and changed out the entire suspension and its a night and day feeling.

[@paulpeterson4311]

That's funny... Back in the 70s when I used to drive our family friend's 1974 Mark IV the AC blower drove me crazy. I LOVED the car and it was dead silent but the fan noise was annoying and you did not have that much control over it cuz it was so automated. Now I know it wasn't just me. Adored driving it though...

[@nomebear]

Regarding the replacement of the York air conditioning compressor with the Harrison Delco A6 in the 1972 Mark IV, I was told by a Ford representative that it was the low noise and smoothness of operation that was the main contributing factors for the swap on the larger Ford products.

[@mcy1122]

Simply love this channel. Thanks 🙏🏽

[@johang7498]

Thanks for this comparison of 2 lovely Lincolns. I must say, though, that I find the Mark III to be the more classy and elegant one. Somehow its styling expresses the higher level of quality that you mention when comparing it to the Mark IV. So definitely it's the one I'd prefer, especially with that shade of maroon.

[@kayeninetwo3585]

As you've said, I've seen the prices going up on these lately. I think it was within the last year or two that a local Mark III ('69 or '70) was for sale, and I recall that it was about the same color as yours. It was in nowhere near the condition your car is, as it had over 100k miles, but it ran and drove and didn't have much rust through that I could see. The seller started at something like $6000 and dropped the price to something in the $4000 range. I think today he could get more than his original asking price.

[@tombrown1898]

A quick word about transmissions, I personally prefer feedback on the shift points. In a luxury car of that era, you usually didn't find a tachometer, and with that much sound insulation I like the reassurance of knowing the gear changes are occurring correctly.

[@slicksnewonenow]

Hi Adam, hi Gang- As far as I know, all of the 460s that went into the Mark IIIs in late '68 and 1969 were blue printed and balanced... I've also heard and read that the blocks, cranks and all of the components were hand picked... As per order of Lee Iacocca. I certainly could be wrong, but that's what I've been led to believe. Either way, the Mark III will forever be one of my All-Time Favorites... Even if they were "only" gussied up Thunderbirds.😁 Even though the Mark IV was the latest and greatest in it's day, I never did care for them... They just don't hold the cache' of the Mark IIIs. The '72 almost gets a pass because it reminds me of a giant Lagonda, with the small bumpers and what seems to be sharper edges on it's fenders... But the 5mph bumpers really ruined those... And the interior fit and finish was too "Ford" for me. Cheers!

[@loveisall5520]

The Mark IV never enjoyed the cachet that this one did regardless of sales success. I was in high school when this came out and everyone ignored Eldorados by then but this machine turned heads. Of course, most of the original ads were in this color and so many were sold in it. Lincoln also had a Mk III fold-out in a gunmetal gray with silver interior. I'd absolutely prefer this over any of the Mark IV's or certainly the overdecorated Mark V's with that ugly T-Bird based instrument panel. I rode a lot in the late 70's in a Mark V and like Adam says, your legs would just disappear under that massive dashboard.

[@paulpeterson4311]

Im the same. Love III & IV & loathe the V.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Of all of the cars you own. My favorite is your 1977 Impala. My first car was a 1977 Impala. But unlike yours, mine had a worn out 305 single barrel and faded light blue paint. The interior was okay. But I fell in love with driving it. So I've had a few B-Body cars since. The 1996 Roadmaster I drive now is pretty good. But the 1977-1990 cars are sooo much better

[@MrSpartanPaul]

My 94 Roadmaster wagon was pretty awesome and fast. Got 332k out of it until the floorpans disappeared.

[@JohnnyAloha69]

Your 305 would have been a 2bbl, not a single.

[@johanbrand8601]

What a treat! Wow that's amazing!

[@fleetwin1]

A beautiful car indeed, still remember Uncle Frank's MarkIII, same colors and everything. I would have guessed that the MarkIII was heavier, what with all the cost savings on the 72 models

[@robrobster9148]

Hello Adam, when you compare a 1967 Riviera to this car as you know ofcourse the Riviera was made as a coupe only. The Lincoln is more of a family car. I hope to see a 1969 Riviera clip in the future here, my favorite. Best from The Netherlands Europe! Rob

[@RareClassicCars]

Hi Rob. The Mark IiI was also only offered as a coupe. The larger Continental was a coupe and sedan

[@robrobster9148]

I know my Buick but i could still learn about the Lincoln models. Thank you.

[@votingcitizen]

Another great clip. You have the only channel that reviews styling, design, engineering, maintenance and driving experience. Well done. (it took alot of cranking to get that Mk III fired up, what's up with that?)

[@jakereal3604]

Likely it wasn’t started in a few weeks and needed the fuel to pump up and fill the bowls before she fired up. All carbureted cars with mechanical fuel pumps are like that after they sit more then about 10 days-2+ weeks.

[@arnepianocanada]

I never see a Super Thanks button - would click it gladly...

[@prettyflowers9956]

Great video! I so miss the sublime riding on a cloud plushness of the old big cars. I'd be curious to know if there is any modern car you think gives the same or better suspension comfort ride quality of these old American cars?

[@robertmills3682]

When it comes to styling, between the 2 I would take the Mark III all day long.

[@steveosgood9182]

learned to drive in my mom's 1971 Continental Mark III Phaeton Edition. Tons of torque off the line for a very heavy car. It cost a lot to maintain the thing, and gas mileage was abou 10MPG

[@christopherkraft1327]

I like most Mark series Continentals but I have to say my favorite & the classiest is hands down the Mark lll. Adam, I really like the stand up hood ornament on yours!!! 👍👍🙂

[@timw8228]

Okay I'm sold on them. I'll take 2 of each of them.

[@Steven-p4j]

The wiper motor typically uses a stepper motor, which reaches a specific point in its travel and reverses direction. For cost reasons this is generally limited to a single motor, and the linkages between the main driven wiper and the secondary wiper become worn out or were never provided with a bushing to keep it silent. Might be worth checking to see how much play exists there?

[@JohnnyAloha69]

Beautifully kept cars and excellent video presentation. This video has me thinking back to that era and you confirm a few things that I observed; 1… Ford had the best bodies in terms of solidity, super soft ride but horrible high speed stability. Engines were so-so thanks to carbs and other secondary components. 2…Mopar had the best suspension from a ride and handling point of view but let down by a primitive jiggly body and hard buckboard ride. Drive trains were super stout but again let down by secondary component quality. 3…GM was middling with most stuff. Middle of the road body rigidity and ride. GM engines were also middle of the road but the turbo hydramatic was beyond compare as was the AC systems. Also GM styling, personal taste aside, was superior in the sense that you could tell there was a higher level of budget and talent at play. I guess that’s why I had mostly GM’s from that era. Like the Mother bear I prefer the middle and a nice big 69 Caprice, Pontiac or olds (generally not a fan of caddy or Buicks of the era) with the top dog engine and the ride and handling option makes an excellent all rounder.

[@robertcarly4186]

Adam, in another video on Sunday, I asked you your favorite 3 cars that you own? I should have told you mine, this Mark III, the 72' Mark 4 and the black Lincoln Town Coupe. This Mark III is beautiful!!! My first car was a 72' Thunderbird that my Dad gave me with 66,000 miles, medium blue, white vinyl top, with navy blue leather. I've told people over the years that if my Dad had been into muscle cars, I assume that I would be? My Thunderbird came with the turbine hubcaps and for me, I find the hubcaps that are the same color a little too much. If I could have 4, the 4th car would be the black Parklane and I would get the license plate FIVE-0.

[@RareClassicCars]

Very cool. Too hard for me to pick a favorite.

[@rovervitesse1985]

Totally agree on the citroen ds engine being a major let down. Same goes with the CX. Horrible decision putting 4 bangers in those cars but what can you... french... Like these lincolns both. I am personally leaning towards the mk IV style wise (and i am one of the weird people preferring the later MK IV rear bumper design though). The colour is perfect on the mk IV. Nice lincolns. My favorite Ford products though are the 75-78 Mercury Marquis

[@steveoh9838]

Cool video Adam 👍👍

[@gabrielv.3029]

right comment about the Citroën DS.

[@gregoryrankin4728]

I appreciate the true cold start. Have you ever done a comparison of any of your GM products VS your Ford/Chrysler cars?

[@tbm3fan913]

Did you weave a little in the 72 to avoid the sprinklers on the right side? I saw you go over the yellow lines at 10:20. No big deal as I do exactly the same. Now how does the ride of the 72 Mark IV compare to the 73 Marquis as you mentioned that was a smooth car?

[@sehismith]

I like the look of the '72 better, but the '69 has such quality. I had a '72 Gran Torino Sport - very low quality.

[@288gto7]

Have you rver driven mercedes w116 450 sel 6.9? Thats got the citroen hydropneumatic under licence and had the 6840or something cc mercedes m109 engine eith tons of torque and 286hp and its dry sumped , it also has auto ac with vacuum control unit as option and half of that was borrowed from chrysler. Since you complained about citroen ds's underpowered inline 4 i think you wont complain in the w116 6.9

[@Channelscruf]

Now they’re starting to be attractive to collectors. Hmm. Can’t imagine why. 😉

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

Is that the one William Conrad drove the Cannon mobile? The 72

[@unclebob7937]

Yes, 72 mark IV.

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

He had both, Mark III in first season.

[@truckerkevthepaidtourist]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars cool I couldn't remember but I have started rewatching the series cuz somebody uploaded it to KZbin the full episodes. forgot how good it was. One of those ones that had some strong writing.

[@rafaelfiallo4123]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars The pilot has him driving a 1970 full size Continental, then they switch to Marks once the show was in regular series production.

[@bobd9868]

my fan only works on low but the main relay on the firewall is good (windows work) and fan speed resistor (firewall on pass side) also looks good and each coil has continuity. What is the next likely suspect?

[@chrismarasco2008]

I have a 69 Mark III, an 06 Town Car and a 17 Continental. The Mark is smoother than them all.

[@trainroomgary]

Cool classic cars & rides. Are you somewhere in Michigan? 🚂

[@matthewadams4207]

It's interesting to note that an overwhelming majority of the other cars on the road in this video are American cars. As a Californian that's really unusual.

[@louiskats5116]

Goodday Adam, Loved this video from start to finish, especially the Mark III. Everything you said about is spot on. Yet to see one here in Australia, & you are right everyone talks about muscle cars yet this is a gentleman's muscle car. I have been watching the Mark III now for 5 years on Mecum & yes the prices vary. Recently 2 of them finally cracked the $ 40,000 mark which is amazing. My all time favorite Mark III if you check out Mecum Lot L92 Kissimmee 2020. Do yourself a favor & check it out & the bid stopped at $ 18,000. Also the background scenery whilst driving the Mark III just love it. So different to Australia because everyone here has a front fence. Where in the States were you driving ? Great video Your number 1 Fan in Australia Louis Kats from Melbourne Australia ☺ 👍 ❤

[@Mr.Higginbotham]

Thank you.

[@bobburczyk9635]

Press gas pedal to floor, to set the choke then release. then turn key. to start

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Man I love these old cars. My 96 Buick Roadmaster sedan is fairly powerful and fun to drive. But it's too new and not very interesting. Plus it's got over 170k miles and the interior is completely worn out. It's just not worth fixing. I want something made between the early 60's and late 80's. Preferably GM B-Body or G-Body.

[@MrSpartanPaul]

My 66 Impala wagon was the best built car I’ve ever owned and I’ve had a lot of cars.

[@NorlandBoxcar]

Very nice. Which year model was used in The French Connection?

[@RareClassicCars]

1970

[@NorlandBoxcar]

@@RareClassicCars Lol...Thanks. I trust we might see you drive one at some point on your marvellous channel. Kudos!

[@jetsons101]

Adam, you really picked a nice road to take us for a ride on. Out of all your cars that have been on your channel, this is my favorite - - - I even like the color. The sky looked beautiful.

[@daveridgeway2639]

With all do respect, I thought Buick got rid of the "X" frame on the Riviera, at the end of 1965, in favor of a "full perimeter frame" starting in 1966? Years ago, I was a mechanic at two Ford dealerships and two Lincoln-Mercury dealerships, the Lincoln 429 and 460 engines did seem to produce a bit more power, a bit smoother, a bit quitter and a bit more reliable than the 429/460s that where factory installed in the Fords or Mercury's Your 1972 Mark IV is equipped with factory RABS "rear anti-lock braking system" your 1969 Mark III may also be, and probably is. The rear anti-lock braking systems where not electronic back than, they where 12 volt/mechanical at that time. Look for a large electrical plug on the front of the differential at the pinion yoke, or "rear universal joint" that is the RABS speed sensor. The windshield wiper "slop" you hear in your Mark IV vs your Mark III is in regards to the wiper transmission or "wiper linkage" your Mark IV is equipped with "hidden windshield wipers" your Mark III is not, your Mark III wiper transmission has much fewer moving parts. Please reply. Dave...

[@RareClassicCars]

Nope. I thought so too originally, but I looked under my 67 and it’s definitely an X frame.

[@daveridgeway2639]

@@RareClassicCars Then I stand to be corrected! Dave...

[@daveridgeway2639]

@@RareClassicCars Just looked at an 1968 Riviera on the internet, and I do see an "X" frame. Stooped me! Dave...

[@rafaelfiallo4123]

They are X frame through 1970.

[@MrCarguy37]

Do you ever take this or one of your favorites on a long distance trip ?

[@votingcitizen]

beautiful rides. What's your turtle wax budget?

[@michaelcoffey7362]

Very nice 😀

[@loveisall5520]

The DS suspension can absolutely be defeated. Back in the day I had a British friend with a DS-21 and what would defeat it in the UK was the encounters with a humpback bridge as one sees so often over there. They are extremely comfortable on really awful roads, but I preferred the Peugeot 404/504 suspension over the Citroen back then. Plus, the DS had, as Adam said, that awful tractor engine.

[@bills4223]

Thanks!