eBay Find of the Week: A Continental time machine
Selling Lincoln Continentals in the early ‘70s must have been an awkward proposition. Remember that 1973 was a year of oil embargoes and rising gasoline prices. In this environment, it seems like this 1973 Lincoln Continental should have been anathema to car buyers. Maybe that’s why this example didn’t get driven much? (More on that in a moment.)
This body-on-frame luxury liner, the fifth generation, replaced the previous “suicide door” Continental in 1970. At more than 19 feet in length and weighing over 5,000 lbs with a 7.5-liter V-8 this vehicle was quite a statement, albeit one few likely wanted to make. Even by today’s standards, SUVs included, it’s large – nearly six inches longer than a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.
So why is this vinyl-topped leviathan our eBay find of week? Frankly, it is a 43-year old time capsule with increasing appeal. With a claimed 34,000 miles from new and in seemingly terrific shape, we’d love to know how it survived. Since it’s unlikely to ever be used for commuting duty, fuel efficiency is of little concern next to the wonderful experience of piloting this beauty to your local show or out to dinner with five (or more) of your closest friends.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 20 bidding was up to $5,655 with an unmet reserve and five days remaining.
