The Mark III was unmistakably Lincoln; a natural progression and evolution of the slab-sided design they advanced in 1961. The Mark III was easily identified by its Rolls-Royce inspired grille, the smooth headlight covers, the open wheelwells and the spare-tire bulge on the rear deck, reminisce of the late 1950s Mark II. Acknowledging early 1970s aesthetics, the silhouette of the car featured “Coke bottle” styling through the rear fenders.
Inside the Mark III, occupants were treated to a truly sumptuous driving experience. As per requisite, everything was power operated: steering, brakes, windows and seats. Real wood appliqué, either rosewood or oak, depending on interior colours chosen, adorned the instrument and trim panels. The instrumentation itself was befitting of the Cartier timepiece mounted on the dash. Interior trim choices were plentiful in either vinyl with cloth inserts or richly finished leather. By 1971, vinyl roofs were expected in a luxury vehicle and Lincoln offered the choice of five different Cavalry Twill pattern vinyl tops on the Mark III.
Amply powered by its 460-cid, 365-hp four-barrel carbureted V-8 engine, the Lincoln naturally has an automatic transmission. Additional equipment to complement the many power-operated systems includes air conditioning, tilt steering wheel, cruise control, smog equipment, power antenna, remote sideview mirrors and AM/FM radio. Finished in “triple chocolate,” which translates to Dark Brown exterior and a Dark Tobacco interior and a similarly toned Cavalry Twill accessory top. The Continental has its original leather interior and carpets, excellent paint, chrome and trim elements.