This 14K Mile 1979 Lincoln Continental Town Coupe was the Last of the Giant American Land Yachts

[@teds7379]

I was born in 1977 and I loved whenever I saw one of these things roaming the streets. It's like a castle on wheels.

[@richatdhagin7977]

im english, when i first visited my american friends in los angeles (1986), this is the car they had. Drove me from lax to hacienda heights...i had never seen a car so plush, huge or comfy in my life..great memories ,much thanks.

[@gregvarner9562]

"By 1979 it was like an enclave for people to get in an hide themselves from a really unattractive world". The most poignant thing I think Bill has ever said and he's said a lot of those types of things. Bill is a modern genius.

[@retroguy9494]

I think the same holds true today. Having had a '79 Town Car as well as other Lincolns and Cadillacs, it really is true. I would even say the same about my 2005 Yukon. Its like a tank. You really CAN shield yourself from that outside unattractive world.

[@mikefleissner4415]

Love Bill.he lowers my blood pressure

[@allisons3663]

Cruising down the boulevard, shutting out the world and listening to the smooth sounds of "Too Much Heaven" wafting throughout the plush interior. I'll take 1979 over 2023 any day.

[@kennybranshaw7526]

The seats are Stunning!

[@scdevon]

The acoustics were a little bit better with the cloth interior, I think. The main challenge was not falling asleep behind the wheel driving this thing.

[@ATLcentury334]

My aunt had the Town Car. This car was special. It floated down the road. Going out in this vehicle was an event. Dinners, concerts, and drive in movies were extra special. Lincoln’s were never the same.

[@randywatts6969]

I had an ‘86, a trim size compared to this beast

[@kanob6440]

Hearing him ramble about the cat for an intro was hilarious for some reason😅

[@RustyZipper]

That cat is vicious, never trust them nor the deer, birds, rabbits, even an armadillo can attack without provocation

[@Joel-ew1zm]

Absolutely gorgeous vehicle. I love the historical context you give with it. Keeping in mind the events of 1979, this car makes perfect sense and is even more special.

[@jeffcox6153]

I have a 79 town car and I drive it every day. Absolutely love this car. Like driving your couch down the road.

[@ronniejr1983]

These cars were for a lad with class! It was respect when you first met them. You knew they were someone. Gone are those days.

[@styldsteel1]

True. Same with the 77-79 Mark series Lincolns. If we saw someone who drove one, you just knew they were successful in life.

[@KoldingDenmark]

@ronniejr1983 Unlike here. I have only been to a FoMoCo garage once with my Continental Mark IV. That was around 2003. They had absolutely no clue what I drive.

[@retroguy9494]

Yes they were indeed. Growing up, it was still very much the era of small businesses in towns on the main streets before most of the big malls got built (isn't it amazing thanks the the millennials how they are on their way out now). Most of the store owners drove either Lincoln's or Cadillac's. There were 2 dealers (one Cadillac and one Lincoln) that they all bought the cars from. The dealership owner KNEW them and treated them well. It wasn't like today where they look to screw you the minute you walk into the dealership. My uncle bought his Cadillac's from one of them. When I was in college, I bought my first Cadillac. I was having an issue with the front end and took it for a free estimate at Midas. They wanted like $2,500 to basically rebuild the entire front end (a large sum in 1986). So I took it to that Cadillac dealer who looked at it for free and determined it was a bad tire. It had a bulge on the inside. They even brought me back in the shop while the car was on the lift and showed me how solid the front end and all the parts were. I spent $100 on a tire and it was fine. Where do you find local dealerships like that today?

[@e.f.clarke2041]

@@KoldingDenmark Well that’s 2003. Back in 1975, if you had a Mark, people knew what it was.

Yes, we had style and distinction. These luxury cars were designed to impress both the occupants AND the spectators. Life was fun and sweet, especially, on the freeways! A '79 Lincoln 4 door Town Car was a beautiful show being presented, as it cruised down the freeway with a happy couple or nice family. Sad, to see that show no more. Oh, but as a consolation prize, we have a bunch of shiny basketball shoes rolling up the roads now, with of course, hectic people inside, nervously, tapping away at their phone gadgets.

[@CreosoteChris]

"The guy who had bombed it in WWII" Classic LOL Bill comment - made my night. 10/10

[@jeb909]

When I see these big Fords and Lincolns, I think about William Conrad. I watched a lot of "Cannon" re-runs as a kid.

[@Deke1]

You're not the only one!!!

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

I'm watching it on the internet great show he had mark III then mark IV and lots of other ford cameos there.

[@williammarik6159]

@@V8_screw_electric_cars I always loved when Cannon would chase the perp,bump him with the Lincoln,huff and puff his way out of Lincoln and throw the guy over the enormous hood..,

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

@@williammarik6159 yes and nudge him with his gut if they still resisted.

[@lorenzomoore6398]

Me 2

[@cashkenterprises5584]

Such a delight to watch Bill

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

...it is, I thought his words on 1979 were a good summary of the year.

[@cashkenterprises5584]

@@bradford_shaun_murray i agree

[@seymorekuntz9152]

Cash, indeedie brother!

[@7ushdane]

Hi Bill, best looking Stincoln Lincoln Towne Coupe '79...hottt damn..thanks for another one of ya lol shoWs::))

[@ContiDemo]

I've got a 79' Lincoln Continental myself with the town car option, with two tone silver paint, and red velour interior and love every second of it. Pretty reliable even with 94k miles on it, hope you enjoy it well, and remember it's smiles per mile rather than miles per gallon.

[@Zeroaward]

My 77 town coupe had green fuzzy seats. I bought a 78 Town Coupe a few years later in 1981. Beautiful triple white with leather. Best car I've ever owned.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

Hoooooooooly shit. My favorite Lincoln of all time. Nice one billy!

[@DF-yp2nu]

I'm 22 and my dream car is a 1979 Lincoln Continental Sedan. Cloth seats. All the options. I've already got 70s hair and outfits. This is all I need. Long live the land yachts!

[@UnionPacific1997]

Did you get it

[@DF-yp2nu]

@@UnionPacific1997 not yet, working on it

[@UnionPacific1997]

@@DF-yp2nu don’t wait around or it’ll Never happen. I was 17 and told my self I would have one at 18, I’m 24 now and I said fuck it and bought a 81 mark vi and 1976 Base model continental coupe. Both were purchased with a budget of $22k these things are too cheap to let slip up

[@DF-yp2nu]

@@UnionPacific1997 I'm 24 now also. I have a big budget but just haven't found the right car. It's either missing an option I want or in rough shape, or too expensive. I would live a early 70s or late 80s land yacht.

[@UnionPacific1997]

@@DF-yp2nu I’m right there with you but I compromised on my 1976 because it was only 44k miles and only needs to get the AC fixed. It’s also only 1 of 63 made in that combination but what it lacks I. Features like a thermometer,coach lamps, independent seats and other plush options it makes up for in reliability. Less features means less things to break so consider that. But I’ve found plenty of town coupes or town cars for under 20k. I think 1977 and below is definitely what you wanna look for though

[@kellingtonlink956]

Thanks for the tour. I grew up with my 3 brothers in a ‘73 Continental Mk IV. So 3 kids, 2 parents and a baby seat! It was a step up from our Chrysler Newport. Thanks again for your video.

[@joemccarthy4532]

Your car is GORGEOUS to even see one of this driving on the road in this condition today is a very special treat

[@toddgiambruno]

Thank you again Bill! Beautiful Lincoln! My favorite model! The length of that hood is just insane and the overhang of the rear quarters!!!! Love this car.

[@treyfeeley2519]

My friend had one like this in a 4-door. Absolute BEAST of a car. It would fly on the highway and rode so smooth. Never be another like " the Abe" !!

[@JerryAtricMr]

Thanks Bill! I always learn something new with each video. Thank yoU!

[@utoobmargie]

My wife's father was a bombardier in the RAF during WWII, and he had occasion to use that line while in Hamburg on business decades later. Thanks for the memories!

[@thomasnowicki5844]

These were indeed beautiful cars! And just to clarify, ironically, Jimmy Carter never used the word "malaise" in that speech. It was coined by the media 😅

[@jamespeter1662]

Absolutely gorgeous, love the interior very sumptous!

[@nick012767]

I love all your videos, Bill ... keep 'em coning !!!

[@LongIslandMopars]

Back in the 80s our neighbor in Queens, NY had a 78 Grand Marquis coupe (with the fender skirts). It had a 400 with a 4 bbl, so I was surprised to see that same motor in this Lincoln with a 2 bbl (it's shown on the window sticker). Anyway, when the secondaries opened up on that 4 bbl Merc, it was sweet music. That's a sound that is gone forever. Thanks, Bill.

[@ephraimfink9010]

The Deer Hunter was 1978. The feel good movie of the year in 1979 was probably Breaking Away. Disco was awesome. But great car and great video Bill. A tube the size of Mean Joe Green, hilarious

[@nickolasmartin508]

The transmission is a Ford C6. I loved those cars!

[@ronmccullock1407]

Welcome back Bill, hope you are well, superb video of a fantastic car

[@LadyMarie880]

STUNNIN ,love all these car, 73,74,75,76and 77,78,79 ... miss,miss miss these cars. You describ these car beautifully your right living room moving down the road. Hahahaha love it . The kids and I tour everywhere. 1974. Yup one figure drive, for sure. Thankyou for ride and sharing ❤.

[@admiralcraddock464]

Just love the way you ramble off topic then come back to the actual cars. "the feel good movie of the year...The deer Hunter." Great!

[@michealadams1206]

Thanks for the video! You produced a very good historical account & facts on this vehicle. I enjoyed watching, brought back many memories!

[@nintendork900]

Love these so much. I have a Town Car in light champagne from the same year!

[@TheCort1971]

holy moly. i had this exact same car. year color. man what a great car for a teenager in the early 90s. I loved that thing.

[@242HP]

This one really takes me back to the 70s. While my Dad never owned a Lincoln, we did have 2 Ford LTD Country Squire wagons and a Ford Thunderbird between 1974 and 1979, and you can see similarities between the interior of those cars and this Lincoln, since they're all in the Ford family. Thanks for explaining what those "coffee cans" are under the hood! I always wondered what those were for.

[@anthonybertone2336]

Had a 77, 78, 79, 2 and 4 door, Loved them and miss them, Thank God for bill, All theses old cars, Talk about memories

[@Optimistprime.]

I absolutely love this car. If I lived in Florida you wouldn't have this car for long! Well done Bill

[@Donald53]

I absolutely love everyone of your videos! You have the coolest cars ever. And your humor is fantastic too! Godspeed 😎

[@rileysteve]

I had one of those. It was a great car. The only negatives I ever remember was the engine was lame for a car this size and it was getting harder and harder to find roomy places to park. It had those wonderful cigarette vent windows. Anyway, great to see one of these in such good shape so many years after it was built. I also had a '68 Continental sedan, back in the day. It was a completely different critter from the '79. It was the first year the 460 V-8 was offered as an option and mine had one and a "Town Car" interior option. It had so much horsepower and torque it was ridiculous. It could pull a house down. I was also much more nimble than the '79.

[@brucewagner4408]

Gorgeous car. This is my dream car to be honest. I have a 1988 towncar that I adore. But do want to add this body style too.

[@misterhanley655]

SAME (had an 88 towncare, now worked my way to an 81 Mark VI.....still have to make the Mark V plunge.

[@anthonybaker967]

Now Bill your on point,this is gorgeous brings back many memories.I have an old 77 Lincoln Versailles been sitting 3 years rusting i need to get it going,i've poured too much money into the old 2000 S500 this year neglecting my other vehicles.Your the man Bill!👍

[@bcfairlie1]

Utterly and totally beautiful. What amazing classic land yacht styling

[@johnhenrymcmahon6878]

Wow! What a freakin' awesome car, Bill. Just so much presence and style. Love it!! Thanks for bringing it to us, man.

[@darkknightsds]

This is probably the only 30 minute car video where I didn't get bored

[@petermartinijr.1012]

I always LOVED these cars.

[@JN-wk3de]

OMG I just found your videos. Love it. Great cars and I love when you say broad!

[@splender88]

The instrument cluster reminds me of the stereo receiver I had back at this time. This is one sweet ride kids today probably wouldn't know why cars were ever made that obscenely big but it made for a very smooth ride something you don't get with today's cars!

[@e.f.clarke2041]

Oh my god! I’m on the hunt for one of these, but I’m way up in New England. Little harder to find those up here. Really cool, Bill, thanks a lot.

[@ChevyBM]

The comfort of these cars is just insane! Damn I wish they produced full size body on frame cars...

[@2-strokeracer531]

Yup, my '73 4 door continental was literally a couch, in a sealed room, driving down the highway... 👍🇺🇸👍

[@ChevyBM]

@@2-strokeracer531 That is the way cars should be! Now days every car has to have tiny hard bucket seats and a idiotic hard suspension...

[@JRobert111111]

@@ChevyBM I couldn't agree more. I'll lose race car handling any day to have a smooth, floaty suspension along with couches for seats.

[@Funskier67]

Bill, love your presentations of these cars and the added commentary. Keep them coming!

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

Ford had their luxury car act together at this time. A very nice example of their swan song.

[@davidhickey1972]

ALWAYS EXCELLENT VIDEOS RETIRNG IN LESS THEN 3 YEARS AS A LOCAL 3 ELECTRICIAN IN NEW YORK GETTING A GREAT CAR FROM YOU AND MOVING TO FLORIDA

[@prodieselrepair3218]

Bill this is awesome!!! I've been watching your videos for about 3 years and I always wished you reviewed one of these cars. I had a 79 Town Coupe a decade ago and now I own a 79 Continental Town Car. The same car but with 4 doors. Good stuff

[@curtiszzzchicago]

I'm not big on brown and tan... But that works right here. Nice rig.

[@buzzard91]

19:54 Just listening to Bill's commentary about "Boys of Summer" by Don Henley after he turns on the radio, absolutely priceless!

[@donaldwilliams2270]

I had no ideal thy made a 2 door version of that platform , super nice thanks Bill

[@CaptainInsano-go6vo]

Bill your the BEST man!! I love your videos!! Keep up the great work!!

[@gclarkbloomfield8848]

.....yeah, Bill, I lived for those "sweater days" during my time in Key West, too... ...and what an incredible low mileage '79 Town Coupe featuring it's wide B pillar with standard carriage lamps accenting the partial Normandy vinyl roof in a subdued Champagne tone to contrast with the Dark Champagne Iridescent finish...the ultra-long slab fenders bearing the filagreed vinyl inserts to match the vinyl... ...this WAS the final expression of the massive rolling living rooms for Lincoln/Mercury...the oversized upholstery cushions swaddling the passengers in Henredon-quality comfort and isolation from that ohh-too-cruel real world... ...and though the era was dubbed the "malaise era"....well-to-do Republicans were cleaning up on double-digit interest CD's and living the good life as never before...this was Jimmy Carter's gift to the uber-wealthy, who would continue their lavish lifestyles right through the Reagan and Bush 41 years...and, yes, hundreds of thousands of loyal Cadillac customers, thoroughly pissed off at GM for taking away their beloved Land Yachts became loyal Continental buyers starting with these 460 cid V8, 5000-plus pound beasts that Hentry Ford II wisely decided to keep in the fold at Ford... ...although gas mileage out of the big block, even when it was "downsized" to a mere 400cid, was miserable...but if you're raking in 10K+ per month on your investments, who gives a damn... ...these '70-'79 full-bodied lovelies will forever represent the pinnacle of boulevard yachting....and should, finally get the respect they deserve from the collector market....hope you priced this beauty accordingly...

[@gaterunner64]

You captured the feel of an era here, well done.

[@Generalpurpose702]

That car has more room than the rv parked behind it

[@shaserv]

Hey Bill, you take those of us of a certain age right down memory lane in these old sleds.

[@jacklausch3517]

You are the Indiana Jones of car sales... Finding lost treasures... Great job

[@ryansrides9714]

We love you bill!!!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@drremulack6196]

I watch every video to the very end, and I have no idea why. You are the best man.

[@goodbonezz1289]

In 1988 I was 17 and was lucky to be able to buy a 1979 Town Car...for like, $800..the largest most beautiful vehicle I’ve ever owned.

[@retroguy9494]

WOW how did you get it so cheap? I bought my first one in 1987 when I got my first job out of college but I paid over 3K for it at the Lincoln dealer. It was a triple burgundy Continental Town Car with over 80K miles. And it had no options. It was just a basic model.

[@goodbonezz1289]

@@retroguy9494 a friend of mine sold it to me. I don’t know where/how he got it either...the only thing wrong was it was missing the lens covers for the parking/marker lights. Yeah looking back, that was a steal. Such a beautiful and amazing car.

[@retroguy9494]

@@goodbonezz1289 You DID get a good deal! I rarely drove mine as I had a 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood as my daily driver so my mother convinced me to sell it to a family friend. He died a year after and I wanted to buy it back but his wife refused to sell it because it was HIS car. She didn't drive so it just sat in the garage. I wish I still had that car! It was a '79 just like yours.

[@jacobhillanbrand7988]

I'm just here for the commentary 😂

[@robmastro8620]

This is actually a pretty nice car. Something about it draws you in.

[@seymorekuntz9152]

A NEW BILL!!!! perfect end to the day :)

[@doug9066]

What a beautiful Lincoln from the 70's. I'm about to watch video. 👍🙂

[@Deke1]

The car that's so big, you have to register it in two states!

[@styldsteel1]

HA HA HA HA BWAH BWAH HA HA . Oh that killed me HA HA HA 🤣🤣🤣🤣😜😄😄😄🤣🤣. First of the jackass comments.

[@shugahcaine4137]

@@styldsteel1 ...and this is the second.😳😁

[@styldsteel1]

@@shugahcaine4137 HA HA HA HA BWAH BWAH BWAH!!! Whew! You guys are too much to handle.

[@retroguy9494]

Or as my grandparents generation used to say "it will pass anything on the road but a gas station!" 😜

[@MarkEspinola]

The final full size Lincoln Town Car Coupé, a real plush floater, great on long trips.

[@sporkfindus4777]

I'd assumed that Ford created Lincoln! You learn something new every day

[@randolfo1265]

Guy from Texas said to me: "The only French I know is Chevrolet Coupé!"

[@michaelpfaff6009]

It is interesting to note that the AC compressor was supplied from GM!!

[@cb8868]

Love these Town Coupes. I love all lincoln's from the 70s and also Caddy's from that era

[@thomasc4753]

Love it! Excellent video as always!

[@frankb4199]

I wish I could change the buzzer sound. Actually, I think I can. Toto, Africa. Good job bill. You make great content. Please keep it up!!

[@TheUnsureFox]

That would actually make a pretty neat buzzer. LOL.

[@frankb4199]

Sir Timothy's Piano Time it was done on a Volvo youtube it;)

[@TheUnsureFox]

@@frankb4199 Oh wow. That's awesome!

[@andylucas8262]

Absolutely gorgeous.. love it, love it, love it!!!!

[@montymatilda]

Now this is quite the car. I actually had a 1977 Town Coupe' when it was 6 years old. Dove Grey with Burgundy top and velour interior. It was a fantastic car. 460 and they were still using the ribbon speedometer in '77. Had it until 1994 when I bought an 1989 Lincoln Town Car. Still have that one. No comparison to the '77 but then nothing compared to the Town Car in '89 except maybe some Cadillacs. I do like the Cadillac Broughams'. I do have an '83 Mercury Grand Marquis with 39,000 miles on it. All charcoal grey, (different shades), 1/2 roof with crushed velour.

[@joecatetal3889]

i once drove a 78 460ci 4-door version from RI to New Orleans those pillowy seats were awesome.....for the first 2 hours.... top tip you can fit 220 rossignols in the trunk!

[@seiph80]

While approaching the gate, if you listen carefully, you can hear the transmission whirling sound when it's still in first gear. I love that sound! My 2003 Ford Crown Victoria also has that whirling sound!

[@veronicahawthorne3452]

One of my favorite years for Lincoln. Absolutely gorgeous. THE PINNACLE of luxury at that time IMO.

[@ced9973]

Bill NOBODY 😳 IS going to review that 73 Buick Riviera like you! My ears are perched on that notification bell!

[@seymorekuntz9152]

me too!!!!

[@revgee93]

Granny and her Black Chevys needed one of these. Never would've need another.

[@joe6096]

I wish they’d kept the rotating drum speedometer from the previous dashboard. That would have even looked great in this newer dash.

[@flilguy]

My parents had a 1974 Lincoln Town Car and I thought the speedometer was very cool.

[@zeroone5097]

Many thanks Bill , more wonderful cars to gloat over , gonna come over for a visit when i get my inheritance to buy a car from you

[@ozzylozada9653]

I used to have it in the Givenchy Green with a Sun Roof. I was in love with it.

[@raylocke282]

My 79 Conti was loaded to the nuts when I went camping with my young family.Tents ,sleeping bags,even our backyard barbque.Got 17 mpg per Imperial gallon on the long pave.Had the young lad in his car seat and my fat wife riding shotgun! Good old days.

[@peterorlando4065]

Very,Very,Very beautiful car and great videos!

[@roysmemorylane]

Hey Bill, what's up with the gorgeous motor home?

[@RustyZipper]

That’s his former boss : Peter’s

[@jamescaley9942]

Calling the Deer Hunter the "feel good movie of 1979" is like calling United 93 the "uplifting comedy" of 2006.

[@242HP]

The Deer Hunter is one of my favorite movies from that period, but it definitely wasn't a "feel good" movie.

[@scdevon]

@@242HP It's depressing as hell, but good.

[@jamesparker6017]

A quality ride. Enjoyed vlog 👍

[@dimitristsampouniaris9245]

Welcome back Bill, hope you are well, superb video!! Greetings from Greece.

[@MIDTOWNE1]

My dad taught me how to drive in the 4 door version while talking on the car phone with my mother. It felt like driving a boat slowly on land and I had everybody behind us mad.

[@its.me.christopher3061]

It's a frigid 29 in Rochester NY right now. I think I can hear my car rusting

[@seymorekuntz9152]

Chris, rite bro? same here in pa. ugh.

[@TheUnsureFox]

It got down to 29° down here in FL this morning. Wowee!

[@ContiDemo]

Same here in Watertown NY area

[@phillanassa759]

What a effin' BEAST. I love it! Build up the 460 to the previous early 70's or higher power, and you have a good looking Hot Rod Lincoln! Ready for Guido's night on the town..! Thanks for sharing this one. You are right, we truly lost something the last 42 years, individualism in automotive styling. Now everything looks like a Tupperware bowl floating down the road into mediocrity whether you spend 100K or 20K. These cars allowed the owners to customize their vehicle from the factory. Who else but Lincoln is going to give you FORGED ALUMINUM wheels on a Town Coupe', with the Leather for Chinchilla Delete option? 400M with a C-6 and probably the ubiquitous Ford 9", as bulletproof a driveline as you were going to find. Only the 460 would have added that cherry on top, shame they didn't offer it in '79. I can see myself pulling up to the Yacht Club, or the Theater, or even better a Fine French Restaurant with my wife, completely isolated from what reality was in 1979, Iran Hostage era, 2nd oil embargo, Jimmy Carter's approval rating dropping faster than the proverbial prom dress in the back of that Lincoln on graduation night by the beach. Ensconced in luxury, in what I suppose you could call the LAST Personal Luxury Car. As you said, what a uniquely American experience owing this car or experiencing it brand new would have been. While guys like you and I had the '79 Trans Am (in my case Canary Yellow with the T-Tops) people a little older with means drove these brand new an loved it. Not even Cadillac by 1979 had anything remotely in the same class (0r size) as this, not even sure you could get a similar sized Coup Deville in '79. We've lost ourselves our, style, our individualism and identity, this uniquely American experience , coming up through the ranks, finally arriving, then owning a Cadillac, Lincoln, or even a Oldsmobile 98 Regency, Buick 225/Park Avenue, let alone the huge family hauler Custom Cruiser's or Estate Wagon's of old. Today we have trucks that are anything but trucks, incapable SUV's that all look alike or econo-hybrid commuter safety boxes that drive us in our boring lives around, stunning, messed-up Ambien/Xanax/Zoloft fueled lives of safe, stunning mediocrity. I miss the old days, and I'm only slightly less than a decade older than you brother...

[@johndodge2188]

Good show and information looks great

[@tsav6952]

A friends dad had the 4 door. He ended up trading the car for a couple acres of land in about 1982. This car is a beauty.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

My uncle always had a compass on the dash... He even had compasses made / branded with his company's name and logo on it for promo give-aways - the 70's and 80's were certainly simpler times...