The automotive dark ages of the late 70s and early 80s are long gone, but there's still an uncomfortable notion in the United States that the rest of the world laughs at our cars. Many look back on those gas-sucking leviathans with contempt, assuming that if we don't respect the cars we made, why would anybody else?
As I found out, there are quite a few people abroad who love American cars—and not just obvious ones like Mustangs and Corvettes. There are DeSotos in Sweden, AMCs in New Zealand, and Cadillacs in Austria. But what is it about these automobiles that attracts people to them? The answer seems simple enough; they have big engines, big interiors, and even bigger personalities. If you grew up in a world where a VW Passat was considered "big," imagine how crazy an Eldorado would seem! American cars are truly unique in that sense.
Recently, I had the chance to talk with Tom Bringewatt, the owner of a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV in Germany. I asked him a few questions about what it's like to own an American car in Europe.
As I found out, there are quite a few people abroad who love American cars—and not just obvious ones like Mustangs and Corvettes. There are DeSotos in Sweden, AMCs in New Zealand, and Cadillacs in Austria. But what is it about these automobiles that attracts people to them? The answer seems simple enough; they have big engines, big interiors, and even bigger personalities. If you grew up in a world where a VW Passat was considered "big," imagine how crazy an Eldorado would seem! American cars are truly unique in that sense.
Recently, I had the chance to talk with Tom Bringewatt, the owner of a 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV in Germany. I asked him a few questions about what it's like to own an American car in Europe.
Tom with his Mark IV parked next to other, smaller cars.
What other cars do you drive?
I drive a 1997 Audi A4 Avant, but I'm on the search for a VW Golf Mark 2.
When did you buy the Lincoln?
I bought the car in January 2015, then I had a broken motor, and in October I got it fixed so I can drive again.
I drive a 1997 Audi A4 Avant, but I'm on the search for a VW Golf Mark 2.
When did you buy the Lincoln?
I bought the car in January 2015, then I had a broken motor, and in October I got it fixed so I can drive again.
The Mark IV dwarfs his daily drive, an Audi A4 Avant.
Are there many American cars in Germany?
We have a very big American car scene in Germany, in the summer months there are many US car meetings and shows in Germany.
What do people say about the car?
Other people wonder about the size of the Mark IV. It's a meter longer than the VW Passat, and the Passat is considered a long car in Germany!
We have a very big American car scene in Germany, in the summer months there are many US car meetings and shows in Germany.
What do people say about the car?
Other people wonder about the size of the Mark IV. It's a meter longer than the VW Passat, and the Passat is considered a long car in Germany!
At around $5.50 for a gallon of gas, it's expensive to drive a car that only gets 7.8mpg in Germany.
Do you drive the car often?
I try to use every sunny day and car meeting as a reason to drive my 30 liters/100km (7.8mpg) car!
Why do you love the car?
Its still the best looking car of this time, the 'clap' lights (concealed headlights) are very nice... I love everything on this car—every detail, and the 460 (7.5 liter) big block gives the power for the best car on this planet!
I try to use every sunny day and car meeting as a reason to drive my 30 liters/100km (7.8mpg) car!
Why do you love the car?
Its still the best looking car of this time, the 'clap' lights (concealed headlights) are very nice... I love everything on this car—every detail, and the 460 (7.5 liter) big block gives the power for the best car on this planet!
Tom loves the Lincoln's concealed headlamps and the massive 460cu in (7.5 liter) V8 engine. Who wouldn't?!
Lincoln built the Continental Mark IV from 1972 to 1976. Earlier ones can be more desirable, as horsepower ratings continued to plunge as emissions laws became stricter. The Continental Mark IV is notable for re-introducing the rear opera window, which starting a styling fad that would continue throughout the 70s.
Even though we may look down on our automotive past, it's exciting that there are people around the world like Tom, who recognize what makes these American cars so special. Hopefully he will continue to drive and enjoy his Mark IV for years to come. I'd like to thank him for sharing his story with us!
Even though we may look down on our automotive past, it's exciting that there are people around the world like Tom, who recognize what makes these American cars so special. Hopefully he will continue to drive and enjoy his Mark IV for years to come. I'd like to thank him for sharing his story with us!
Note: Tom's answers were modified slightly for translation and syntax issues. His English is MUCH better than my German!
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