Model History

The 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV epitomized American personal luxury in the 1970s, combining dramatic styling, advanced engineering, and an unmistakable presence on the road. As the flagship of Lincoln’s Mark series, the Mark IV built upon the success of the Mark III, offering buyers a blend of formal elegance and contemporary luxury. Its long, flowing lines, prominent grille, hidden headlamps, and signature opera windows made a striking visual statement, while the elongated hood and formal roofline reinforced its status as a car for those seeking prestige and refinement.

Beneath the elegant exterior, the Mark IV was powered by a 460 cubic-inch V8 engine, delivering smooth, effortless performance tailored for cruising. The car’s suspension and chassis provided a quiet, comfortable ride, reflecting Lincoln’s focus on comfort without sacrificing the commanding presence that its size and design demanded. Inside, the cabin featured sumptuous leather upholstery, rich wood accents, and a full array of power-operated amenities, from seats and windows to climate control and audio systems, all designed to enhance the driving experience.

What made the 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV especially attractive to the public was its combination of exclusivity, performance, and style. It was more than transportation; it was a statement of success, sophistication, and timeless American luxury.

Brief Description

This 1974 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is finished in black over black leather and is powered by a 460ci V8 linked with a C-6 three-speed automatic transmission. Equipment includes a black vinyl roof, 15″ steel wheels with covers, power-assisted front disc brakes, power windows, a push-button AM/FM radio, power-adjustable front seats, and automatic climate control. CMR purchased the car in 2022, and subsequent work involved replacing the fuel tank, fuel sender, and transmission pan gasket.

This Continental Mark IV showed 4k miles (at the time of sale) and came with a Marti Report, manufacturer’s literature, and a clean Illinois title in the seller’s name.

The Mark IV debuted for the 1972 model year and was stretched four inches over the outgoing Mark III. Opera windows were added as a standard feature, and vacuum-operated headlight covers returned from the previous generation. This example is finished in black, and the pinstriping was redone in 2022. Exterior details include a black vinyl roof, a power-telescoping antenna, and power-adjustable side mirrors.

The 15″ steel wheels feature covers and are mounted with Auburn Premium Radial tires measuring 235/75. Braking is provided by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.

The cabin houses power-adjustable front seats and a rear bench upholstered in black leather. Interior equipment includes cruise control, power windows, a push-button AM/FM radio, an electronic rear window defogger, and automatic climate control. Some of the power window motor gears were replaced under current ownership.

The tilting wood-rimmed steering wheel fronts a 120-mph speedometer, a Cartier clock, and a central fuel-level gauge. The rag joint in the steering column was replaced under current ownership. The five-digit odometer shows 4k miles, approximately 160 of which were added under current ownership.

The 460ci V8 was factory equipped with a four-barrel carburetor and was rated at 220 net horsepower when new. The fuel tank and fuel sender were replaced under current ownership.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a C-6 three-speed automatic transmission. The transmission pan gasket was replaced under current ownership.

Decoding the door jamb sticker reveals the following information:

Body 65D – Continental Mark IV two-door hardtop
Paint 1C – Black Paint
Trim BA – Black leather upholstery
Trans U – C-6 three-speed automatic Transmission
Axle 2 – 2.75:1 Axle ratio
DSO 41 – Chicago Sales district

The Elite Marti Report shows initial delivery to Art Hill Lincoln-Mercury of Merrillville, Indiana, as well as factory equipment. Manufacturer’s literature and photocopies of the original finance contract and title were included when CMR sold the vehicle in 2025.

Past Collection