Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Automodello Lincoln Continental Mark III


Eric Macleod

Recommended Posts

Automodello 1970 and 1971 Lincoln Continental Mark III 1/24 scale resin models

Order from Automodello.com or call 877.343.2276

Priced at $299.95 (Bright Aqua 1970 with Black fixed roof-production limited to 150 models), $395.95 (Platinum Edition 1971 in Triple White-production limited to 100 models), $449.95 (Homage Edition 1970 in Black with fixed roof and Tan interior-production limited to 24 models) including shipping and handling.

Most readers of this publication know the Lincoln Continental Mark III was introduced in 1968 following nearly a decade of a single model offering by the Lincoln Division. The 1960’s ushered Lincoln from a brand with sales eclipsed by Imperial in the late 1950’s to a brand of stature comparable to Rolls Royce in the 1960’s with sales surpassing Imperial and with enough market penetration to give Cadillac pause. Such was the quality of the 1961-1968 Lincoln Continentals, thus they were a very tough act to follow.  Follow Lincoln did and with a spectacular offering in the Mark III.  While there was some controversy regarding the name that effectively dismissed Continentals of 1958-60, there was no doubt that the Mark III was a home run. Beautifully proportioned, the Mark III was an instant success and heralded as a styling highpoint.

Until Automodello introduced a set of resin cast models in several attractive colors there had been no 1:24 scale models of the Mark III. Not surprisingly, these models were an immediate success and sold out very quickly. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Lincoln Motor Company last year, Automodello has released a trio of very special, limited-edition models of the Continental Mark III. These are not merely a revival of the popular Mark III models previously released by Automodello, but a completely re-booted introduction, complete with new, model year specific, features and previously un-available color schemes.

I have seen other versions of the Automodello Lincoln Continental Mark III which featured easily removable sunroofs allowing a fine view of the interior. This feature continues on the Triple White Platinum Edition, though it does not represent the vast majority of actual Continental Mark III’s. To address customer requests to have cars more closely resembling their own cars Automodello is offering both the Bright Aqua 1970 car and the Black Homage Edition 1970 car with a standard roof, sans sunroof. Like previous editions, under magnification, dashboards are easily read with controls that appear to be in proper scale. Throughout the interiors, tiny details delight the eye. The steering column and wheel is a fine model in its own right with correct markings and authentic looking wood trim. To the eye of this reviewer, the light-colored interiors of the Homage Edition and particularly, the Triple White Platinum Edition, allow for the subtlest details to jump to life.  The correct wooden applique on the doors absolutely jumps to life in this application.

Like other Automodello offerings, the chrome trim is beautifully applied and arrow straight, a significant accomplishment particularly atop the edges of the fenders where this detail easily could appear heavy handed. It does not. This reviewer can also attest that it is quite securely applied thus not prone to being dislodged by heavy handed reviewers. Tiny details abound such as radio antennae in proper scale, sparkling taillights, chrome exhaust pipe tips, correctly finished windshield wiper cover and-my personal favorite-distortion free windows. Wheels and tires appear properly scaled and the slightly wide white-wall tires look just right inside the chrome trimmed wheel wells. 

Like previous versions of Automodello Mark III, this reviewer cannot help but to take a step back from the model. I continue to be impressed with the presence of the car and its size. Make no mistake, this is a big, heavy model of a big heavy car. Compared to its peers, the Mark III was imposing. The model deftly conveys this impression. It is a beautiful piece of art to behold, even if you have no interest in cars of this era, or even cars as a whole.

The Lincoln Motor Company turned 100 years old but once. While these are not inexpensive models, they are premium offerings of an already limited production run and will only be available once in a lifetime. If history gives any indicator of the value of this model as an investment, this author suggests potential buyers look at what has happened to the value of models that were offered at the Pebble Beach Concours from the Franklin Mint years ago. These models originally sold for around $250-300 and now are worth over $2000 in some cases. If you have any interest in the great luxury cars of the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, your collection will be incomplete without an example of these highly recommended model.

Respectfully Submitted,

Eric Macleod

Mark III.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah, those are a little too rich for my blood----------particularly with them being just curbsides. BUT! I'd love to have one just the same as this is the car I learned to drive in as my Stepdad had one. You hardly see them anymore, even at 1:1 auto shows you just don't see 'em.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/12/2018 at 11:33 AM, Geno said:

Albeit these are beautiful models they are too pricey for me. NEO does just as nice for $100. JMHO though.:)

What , where and how are NOE Lincoln Continental models for $100 please ? Do these really exist at the lower price ? Still out of reach for me , just curious .. Thanx .. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry for the misunderstanding John. NEO has a couple of beautiful 1/24 Cadillacs in resin and are just as nicely detailed for $100. I can't come off paying $300 or more for a model. My wife would have me in the doghouse as well LOL. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/13/2018 at 3:20 PM, dimaxion said:

Ok , how do I contact NEO . I think we might have a Tax Refund this 2017 Year ? Thanx ..

John, try this link. https://www.american-excellence.com/ look under "Brands" for Cadillac, they have a '33 & '49 Caddy in 1/24. the '33 is $120, the '49, $100. Hope that helps.

Edited by Geno
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Bright Aqua? You guys are killin' me - this was my '71:

my1971continentalmarkIII.jpg.f322f8bd19d6af474380e3eb74ba9a93.jpg

20k miles. Pictured here after being pulled from the garage it had occupied since new in Pacific Palisades. Long story short - got it running, went broke, sold it to a friend who still has it. Must be a fairly rare color - the Marti report said there were around 115 built in aqua and white.

Too bad AMT's '69 Mk III kit was canceled.

Edited by ChrisBcritter
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am well aware these are expensive models but who can argue when they repeatedly sell out? I have nearly everything Automodello has produced and will attest that they are stunning in the flesh and are highly satisfying.  While i enjoy building models as much as the next guy there is something about the instant gratification that is wonderful when opening the package.

One other thing, while i know these look like commercially produced reviews,  the author is 100% me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/15/2018 at 11:31 PM, peteski said:

These are sellouts because they are nice models, they are produced in limited quantities, and there are plenty of collectors out there with deep enough pockets to buy them.  It is as simple as that.

True. If there are four collectors in each state of the union willing to pay the price, and there are, they sell out. And you are right; they are very, very nice models, often depicting a subject unavailable anywhere else in this scale.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 1/14/2018 at 11:10 PM, ChrisBcritter said:

Bright Aqua? You guys are killin' me - this was my '71:

my1971continentalmarkIII.jpg.f322f8bd19d6af474380e3eb74ba9a93.jpg

20k miles. Pictured here after being pulled from the garage it had occupied since new in Pacific Palisades. Long story short - got it running, went broke, sold it to a friend who still has it. Must be a fairly rare color - the Marti report said there were around 115 built in aqua and white.

Too bad AMT's '69 Mk III kit was canceled.

You gotta get one!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 year later...

Those are nice replicas no doubt.   But just not affordable to many.  Me included.   Would love to have one though.   thanks for the review, which does look very much like an ad.   Are you an ad copy writer by chance?  Maybe you should be...:D

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 3/30/2019 at 5:31 PM, Ron Hamilton said:

These cars are beautiful. My dad had a 71 Mark lll when they were new cars. I wanted the Black one without the sunroof to do something close to his car, but unfortunately, I cannot justify the price.

Oh well. I bought a white one with the sunroof. I haven't gotten it yet, but this may be the only chance I have to get one while I can afford it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, THarrison351 said:

I think $100 plus shipping is my absolute limit for 1/24 scale cars and that's brand new from the manufacturer. Right now that's reserved for the latest University of Racing diecast Dodge Daytonas. Supposed to be 5 more versions released after the Marty Robbins car.

Be sure to do some photos when you get the Daytona.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/8/2019 at 7:54 PM, Ron Hamilton said:

Oh well. I bought a white one with the sunroof. I haven't gotten it yet, but this may be the only chance I have to get one while I can afford it.

And it is drop dead gorgeous. I do not regret the purchase. It is the most expensive model I own. Now I have to sell something off to justify it in my mind. Oh well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...