1971 saw the Golden Anniversary for the Lincoln marquee and the third and final year of Mark III production. Sales were better than ever, at 27,091 and was almost equal to the Eldorado's. As a true luxury car the Mark III was lavishly equipped. Everything was power: steering, brakes, windows, headlamps, and both front seats. The instrument panel and trim panels on the doors featured simulated wood accents in either English Oak or East-Indian Rosewood. Other options included leather interior, air conditioning, further power adjustments for the front seats, a variety of radios and 8-track tape players, tinted glass, power locks and all the rest. A limited slip differential could also be ordered, as could anti-lock brakes, called "Sure Trak". Cruise control was also an option. Finally, an automatic headlamp dimmer that dimmed the headlights for oncoming cars without driver intervention was available. Little changed from the 1970 model; tinted glass became standard, as did automatic climate-controlled air conditioning and Sure Trak anti-lock brakes. High-back seats became standard, and a rare special-order floor console was made available. This particular Continental Mark III is a 49,000 original mile car that has been meticulously maintained all of its life and it shows. Originally ordered by the home office, the car comes finished in its original color of Medium Ivy Bronze Metallic which was what Lincoln called a "Glamour Color". This was a pricey option in '71 and made the paint sparkle in the sun. The car has been accented with a darker blue accents on the sides, hood and spare tire hump. The original vinyl top is equally as nice with no bubbling underneath or tears to the vinyl. The front and rear chrome bumpers still have a great shine to them and show no areas of pitting or damage. The doors shut tight and with ease and have good gaps all around them. All of the glass is in good condition with no chips or cracks to be found. The interior of the car is in equally great condition and finished in its original color pattern of dark green. Everything is original and works, including the power seats, windows, headlamps, brakes, and even the power mirrors. All the gauges in the beautiful wood finished dashboard work perfectly, the only instrument that is currently inoperable is the Cartier branded clock. This car is also equipped with cruise control. The only spot of wear we have found inside is to the top of the steering wheel center where there is some slight wear to the wood grain finish. Under the hood the 460 c.i. V8 runs as smoothly as the day it was built, delivering every bit of the 365 hp it always has through the C6 automatic transmission. The engine is well detailed and everything is factory stock. The car goes down the road smoothly, shifts perfectly and is a pleasure to drive. The car is equipped with cruise control and does work with no problems. The wheels have been upgraded with the original style Continental hubcaps that look great and are wrapped with newer radial tires. This is a fantastic Mark III that is nearly as nice today as it was when it rolled off of the showroom floor. The car has always been garage kept and well cared for. The VIN # is 1Y89A826540 and the odometer currently reads 49,594 miles which is said to be original for the car.