Convertible cannonball

Remember, when Edsel Ford first conceptualized the Lincoln Continental, he intended for it to have a folding top. So in that sense, Phil Brown’s interpretation of the Continental is true to the original vision. He sent us these photos of his 1974 Mark IV.  Phil says he rescued this Mark from an imminent date with the crusher. Don’t know if he removed the top himself, but the Lincoln appears to have retained its factory wheelbase.

Historically speaking, we ought to point out that both Cadillac (Allante) and Chrysler (TC by Maserati) later embraced the notion of premium roadsters with extra horsepower. This car would beat either of them to death. The Mark IV’s factory 460 is bored .040 over with ported and polished heads. Phil claims a dyno pull of 608hp. With 3.73 gears, the roll bar is more than cosmetic. We think Phil’s from Florida even though the Mark has a Tennessee plate.