Nastranders Ride

I just bought a car, and not just any car, a 1975 Lincoln Continental Mk IV. I have been looking for a big old boat ever since I arrived in Nastrand over 2 years ago. The car that brought me here long ago gave up the ghost, and the car I am currently driving, (Mrs Nastranders '90 Taurus), won't run for ever.

This one appeared in the local paper last thursday (Apr 7/00), ad said excellent condition, for only $750. I called and was told it was sold. I said, well, you have my number, and the next day, I got the call. A quick test drive, and I decided, it was the car for us.

The car is your standard Lincoln, power everything, most of it still works. The car has a 460 CID engine, a 4 barrel carb, and a 1:1 final gear ratio. All in all, a real highway cruiser. And that it does, rolling down the highway like you are floating on air. It is hard to believe that it is a quarter century old.

The car was repainted a few years ago, but the owner owned a body shop, so you know it got the best (and it looks it). It is truly in choice condition. A couple of tiny spots where surface rust is starting, but other than that, it is excellent.

The interior is red leather, showing its age a little, but some leather restorer should bring it back.

As soon as we got the car home, Mrs Nastrander and I got out the hose and a bucket of soapy water, and went to town. We thought the vinly roof was rather dingy looking, untill we washed it, it came out real nice. The paint is like a factory finish. As soon as the cleanup was over, we got out the camera, and took these pictures.

All we need to do now is change the oil and coolant, put on some new shocks, and have the front end checked out. There's nothing worse than driving down the road and having the wheels fall off. But, it feels like it is in good shape, no clunks, no sloppy steering, nice acceleration, good brakes. It has 120,000 miles, but for a car like this, that is nothing.

After so many front wheel drive cars, it is nice to pop the hood, and see everything where it "should" be.

Mrs Nastrander was a bit leary about us buying a car so old, but seeing this one, and riding in it, has made her a convert.

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