1970 Lincoln Continental Mark Iii Series 29k Original Miles, Collector Condition on 2040-cars

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Ford Announces Four Recalls, 1.4M Vehicles Affected

Ford is taking a bit of the spotlight away from General Motors, announcing a major group of recall campaigns, covering a total of 1.4 million vehicles built between 2006 and 2013. Let's start with the big one, which covers the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner and, according to The Detroit News, Ford-built Mazda Tribute CUVs. 915,216 vehicles are covered, all of which were built in model years 2008 to 2011. 736,000 vehicles are in the US, while Canada then Mexico make up the vast majority of the remainder. The problem is due to an issue with the torque sensor in the steering column, which could lead to sudden power steering failure. Manual steering would still be available, though. "Dealers will perform one of three service fixes, depending upon what diagnostic codes are shown when the vehicle is taken to the dealer," Ford spokeswoman Kelli Felker wrote to Autoblog in an email. "They will either update software for the power steering control module and the instrument cluster module; replace the torque sensor; or replace the steering column, which includes upgraded power steering control module software." The most recent generation of the Ford Explorer is suffering from a similar malady, thanks to an intermittent electrical connection (we think that means short circuit) in the steering column. Like the Escape and Mariner, manual steering would still be available in the event of a power failure. Ford will recall 195,527 examples of its Explorer, 177,500 of which are in the US. This recall covers model years 2011 to 2013. According to Automotive News, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has stated that Ford will inform owners of affected vehicles by July 25. Ford is also recalling 200,000 Taurus sedans, over a corrosion issue in the license plate lamp. This particular recall, which covers vehicles from model years 2010 to 2014, is limited to drivers in northern climes. Vehicle owners in southern states are free to pass on the recall. Finally, 82,576 Fusion, Mercury Milan and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ sedans from 2006 to 2011 are being recalled because of floormats that can interfere with the accelerator pedal. Dealers will replace the offensive floormats with newer examples. "Ford is committed to providing our customers with top quality vehicles. We are equally committed to addressing potential issues and responding quickly for our customers," Felker wrote.

Lincoln opens the doors again to the Continental Coach Door Edition

Last year, Lincoln did a limited — just 80 — run of stretched Continentals with '60s-style suicide doors to mark the nameplateÂ’s 80th anniversary. (The Continental launched in 1939 as a special project of Edsel FordÂ’s.) Those cars, officially the 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition, quickly sold out. That enthusiastic reaction prompted Lincoln to commit to a return engagement. As promised, Lincoln is back with a Coach Door Edition of the 2020 Lincoln Continental. The essential elements are the same as last time. The sedans are based on the top-spec all-wheel-drive Black Label trim level and powered by the 400-hp 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6. TheyÂ’re stretched six inches between the axles, and the longer rear doors are rear-hinged. The work again is being done by Cabot Coach Builders in Massachusetts. The rear-hinged doors retain the ContinentalÂ’s signature exterior door handles that are integrated into the beltline molding with electronic releases. Inside, a full-length center console divides the rear seats and incorporates a table, wireless device charging, audio and climate controls, and tablet/notebook computer holders. The doors each house a Lincoln-branded umbrella, and the door sills are illuminated. Three exterior colors are offered: Chroma Crystal Blue, Infiniti Black and Pristine White Metallic, with the latter two available in a monochrome treatment. Inside, buyers have their choice of two themes: Alpine / Chalet or Jet Black / Thoroughbred. A standard all-wheel-drive Black Label starts at $75,470 (before options), but the 2020 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition will start at $115,470 (plus destination fee). This yearÂ’s production run will be approximately 150 cars, and order books open today (Friday, Oct. 4) with deliveries scheduled for spring 2021.

Lincoln MKC Concept shows real promise [w/video]

Ford's efforts to resuscitate its moribund Lincoln luxury brand began in earnest with the introduction of its 2014 MKZ sedan, a model many labeled as the marque's make-or-break offering. Of course, one model does not a comeback make, and with the MKZ just now starting to trickle into dealers, it will be some time before America's jury of consumers comes in with their judgment. More to the point, it's likely to take better than a decade's worth of products and sustained marketing effort to even begin to figure out whether Lincoln has a shot at redemption or if it will die of Mercury poisoning. After all, rival General Motors has been pouring resources into Cadillac since the late '90s, and if the sales charts are any guidance, it's still probably too early to declare its rebirth a success.
Certainly, a brand with Ford's resources, free of distractions (read: the now-defunct Premier Auto Group and various other side projects) should be able to successfully market a single luxury brand, particularly one with such a rich - if distant - history. Especially now with the Blue Oval enjoying more consumer goodwill than at any time in recent history. So let's all give Alan Mulally and friends a little room to work, eh?
We can start by focusing on the compact crossover seen before you, the Lincoln MKC Concept. Riding atop the same global C-platform that underpins the Ford C-Max, Escape and Focus, the MKC showcar here presages a production small CUV that will stick its distinctive nose into one of the auto industry's fastest-growing segments.