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1976 Continental Mark IV
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Could it be the rarest diamond of them all? |
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| BLACK DIAMOND LUXURY GROUP AT A GLANCE: Years Available: 1976 only Introduction Date: March 1976 Body Color Code: 1L - Black Diamond Fire Metallic Paint Stripe Code: Light Silver Vinyl Roof Code: UA - Black Cayman Grain Custom Landau Vinyl Roof Interior Trim Code: CA - Black Velour Cloth with Black Patent Leather Cross Straps DA - Black Leather with Black Patent Leather Cross Straps JS - Dove Grey Versailles Velour KS - Dove Grey Leather and Vinyl Price: $552.00 |
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 In 1973, Lincoln tried something new for the Continental Mark IV to increase
sales and exclusivity: they introduced a limited edition model. Basically
a pre-selected exterior paint color and interior trim package that wasn't
available otherwise, there was really nothing special about it that set
it apart, other than the unique color combination.This tactic had worked well for the Mark IV's twin over at Ford Division, the Thunderbird. In fact, it had worked so well that it had been done several times, although the T-bird had offered a few special items to set its special cars apart from the rest, namely vinyl roof colors not otherwise available, engraved dash plaques denoting the car's special status, or distinctive wheel covers and other trim pieces to set them apart. (See 1963 Thunderbird Limited Edition Landau or 1965 Thunderbird Special Landau pages for details.) Going forward, however, the Thunderbird would follow the Mark IV's lead and limit special models to mostly unique color/trim combinations, and special bodyside striping that couldn't be had on other cars.  The Black Diamond Luxury Group started off with a basic 1976 Continental Mark IV, painted in a special
Black Diamond Fire Metallic paint (code 1L), which was introduced late
in the year specifically for this option. Topped by a Custom Landau Black
Cayman-grain vinyl roof (code UA) with wide chrome mouldings which featured
a distinctive Alligator-grain vinyl pattern that came straight from the
1968-1971 Thunderbird, and was still available through 1973 on T-birds
without the Exterior Decor Group option. (This same vinyl pattern would
also be used on the 1977-1978 Continental Mark V Pucci Designer Edition cars.)A Power Sunroof or Power Moonroof was optional, and could be fitted at additional charge per the desire of the original purchaser. Additional exterior distinction was provided by a Light Silver paint stripe, which graced the body sides of the car and contrasted very nicely with the paint, vinyl roof, and interior color.  Inside, a choice of Black Velour or Black Leather was available, both with Black Patent Leather Cross Straps. A few cars were reportedly built with either Dove Grey Versailles Velour or Dove Grey Leather and Vinyl, which were the same interiors used in the Cartier Designer Edition, but they used a different sew pattern, and did not feature the unique cross straps on the seats. The sew style used on the seats was the same as that in the other Luxury Group interiors. Even the luggage compartment was detailed with black carpeting, side panels, and spare tire cover. The Black Diamond Luxury Group was announced late in the year, so the production run was a short one, which makes this a rarely seen option today. In fact, many may not even be aware of their Mark IV's special status, since this beautiful color combination is very understated when compared to some of the others available in 1976. In fact, as recently as a year ago one of these cars was offered for sale locally, advertised as "triple black with leather seats." The seller of the car, who just happened to be the original owner, had no idea as to its special status, or had long ago forgotten about it. Tucked inside the glove compartment, was the original window sticker for the car, which indicated the Black Diamond Luxury Group option, priced at $552. |
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Black Diamond interior shown below in Black Velour with Black Patent Leather
Cross Straps (code CA) |
Black Diamond interior shown below in Black Leather with Black Patent Leather
Cross Straps (code DA) |
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| 1976 Continental Mark IV Contents Recent Updates | Main Contents |
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