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Ford has always been successful at marketing special editions. Not that they were necessarily designed to sell in large numbers, but they did attract attention, and were successful at pulling buyers into the showrooms. The Mark IV introduced the Silver Luxury Group in 1973, which was repeated again in 1974. The Gold Luxury Group, introduced in 1974, attracted more buyers. This was expanded in 1975 to include the Blue Diamond, Saddle/White, and Lipstick/White Luxury Groups. Basically trim options, the Luxury Groups allowed Continental customers a bit more distinction than the traditional models, and the cost of the option was largely profit for Ford. If a special color assortment could attract buyers, what would happen if a real designer put his name on it? The answer came in 1976. The Mark IV Designer Series included sensational color combinations and special equipment specified by Bill Blass, Cartier, Givenchy or Pucci. Each very different, they expressed the taste of their namesake. Bill Blass chose a deep blue and cream combination; Cartier, in keeping a precious jewelry theme, chose a creamy grey--the color of freshwater pearls; Givenchy sought to create a sparkling turquoise reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea; and Emilio Pucci, known for his unique color combinations, selected a stunning vintage burgundy and silver to make his mark.