51,880 original miles. Attractive color combination. Very original and nicely preserved. Powerful 460 cubic inch V8. Beautiful interior and everything works. Runs and drives very well, recently serviced. A lot of luxury for not a lot of cash!

The first thing everyone notices about these ‘70s Lincoln sedans is that they’re HUGE. No doubt about it, these are big cars. But they don’t drive like big cars and if you’re intimidated, please don’t be. They’re well-engineered and easy to handle, and the view down that nearly 6-foot-long hood is something to be savored. With just over 50,000 original miles, this handsome 1976 Lincoln Continental has obviously lived a good life and remains a pleasure to drive. The white paint is appropriate for a big Lincoln given how many white Lincoln limousines are running around out there, and helps to hide some of the car’s great size. It isn’t rusty and has never been wrecked, and aside from some chipping of the paint on the front end from normal usage, it remains in great shape. There’s a soft shine that’s appropriate to the 1970s and all four doors close with a solid THUNK thanks to a ton of sound-deadening inside. The white padded top is likewise in very good condition with no signs of rust issues underneath and very little discoloration (it is nearly 50 years old, after all). A pinstripe and chrome trim along the tops of the fenders accentuates the car’s formal lines and details like the panel spanning the rear of the car and the ornate parking light lenses still make it look special. They’ll never build a car like this again, so it feels special when you slide behind the wheel.

That lovely blue cloth interior was the epitome of luxury in the 1970s. Button-tufted seats that were as deep and soft as your favorite easy chair, enough legroom for the starting five of the LA Lakers, and a hushed feeling that’s like a library inside. Of course, every comfort and convenience feature was part of the deal, including A/C, power windows, locks, and seats, a tilt steering column, and a great-sounding stereo system, all of which are operating correctly. There are a few more gauges than you’d expect in a luxury car like this, plus that cool ribbon-style speedometer up top that’s always fun to watch. Some faux burled walnut warms things up a bit and even the clock keeps time. An aftermarket oil pressure gauge was added under the dash, along with an internal thermometer next to the climate controls, and both are welcome additions. The upholstery is in fantastic shape, with the back seat looking almost new and showing very little wear. Even the driver’s seat, which sees most of the traffic, is pretty darned nice. There’s also a gigantic trunk (this is where you make the joke about how many bodies it’ll carry) which is outfitted with a full-sized spare tire and all its original mats.

The engine is Ford’s reliable and under-stressed 460 cubic inch V8, which in the Lincoln was tuned for effortless and silent torque. Thanks to a recent service, it starts easily and idles nicely, and definitely moves all that sheetmetal without a lot of strain. That’s factory-applied Ford Blue engine enamel on the working parts, and you’ll note things like new ignition components, fresh belts and hoses, and super clean inner fenders—more evidence that this car hasn’t been subjected to harsh winter weather. The C6 3-speed automatic transmission is unobtrusive in operation and with 2.73 gears out back, this remains the ultimate road trip car (if you can afford to feed it!). It just loafs along at highway speeds with the world outside barely a whisper. The undercarriage is original and a bit grungy, but there is no rot or structural rust, even in the rockers. There’s a fresh dual exhaust system that sounds right for a luxury car and recent shocks keep the ride pillowy soft. 15-inch wheels with deluxe wheel covers carry 235/75/15 whitewall radials that have lots of life left in them.

Documentation includes the build sheet.

We love these cars—they’re an anachronism today but it’s still an experience to drive one of these luxury barges. With proper maintenance, nice colors, and a long list of functional features, this one is ready to enjoy. It’s not perfect, but at this price, it surely represents a whole lot of luxury car for not a lot of cash. Call today!

Harwood Motors always recommends and welcomes personal or professional inspections of any vehicle in our inventory prior to purchase.