I’ve heard people say before that too much of a good thing is sometimes not rewarding in the long run, but that’s really not the case at all for the Lincoln Mark V. Production ran between 1977 and 1979, a time when many manufacturers were focused on downsizing, so it was positive to find that the personal luxury coupe was still alive and well at Lincoln dealerships during this period. Adding even more bling to an already opulent offering was also possible by selecting a designer package, such as this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V Bill Blass Edition. This beauty is located in Bradenton, Florida, and can be found here on Skyway Classics. It’s a bit pricey at $34,997, but with the low miles and condition, this one may be worth the cost for the right buyer. Mitchell G, thanks for your excellent tip here!
The Mark V was over-the-top luxurious to begin with, but those who wanted more had four optional extra packages to choose from. These included editions from Cartier, Pucci, Givenchy, and Bill Blass. In 1979, the latter got buyers a beautiful two-tone color combo of white and Midnight Blue Metallic, plus the choice of a vinyl roof or a carriage top. This one features the simulated convertible material, and while it doesn’t retract, the appearance certainly makes a bold statement outside. With only 11,752 miles of use plus a garage as its former home, the original paint still presents wonderfully, and the level of care this one’s received really shows through here.
Stepping inside, drivers were also reminded that their Bill Blass was no ordinary Mark V, as the seats featured white leather with Midnight Blue accents, or vice versa. I’m not sure how much more like-new a 46-year-old interior could be, as it’s hard to spot any defects in here. All of the niceties one would expect in the late seventies can be found, such as power seats, power windows, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio. The seller describes the interior’s condition as remarkable, and it seems like he’s on the right track.
Unfortunately, by 1979, the 460 engine was no longer available, leaving the 400 V8 as the sole choice. Providing just 159 HP, it was a plus to have all that luxury everywhere, to help take your mind off the lack of power. There wasn’t even a dual exhaust system, but it’s a real treat to see how solid and immaculate this car appears underneath. I’d probably prefer a 1977 or ’78 model with the 460, but considering the exceptional condition and low miles here, I may be able to learn to live with the 400. Any thoughts on this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V Bill Blass edition, and its cost of nearly $35k?
I’m with you about preferring a 460 Mike. But honestly, the condition and color combination is just simply beautiful to me. I’d make an exception for this one for sure. These Marks are so nice. I mean, yes, you’ll be in the slow lane at times, but man you’ll look really good driving in it!! Great write up Mike!!! And a great job finding this beauty Mitchell!!!
I 100% agree, Driveinstile. It’s like going back in time here, not only in condition, but also in performance! This one’s a beauty for sure, and that’s what it was supposed to be, not a neck snapper!
Large and in charge. Over-the-top paint and trim scheme. Definitely catches one’s attention, but wasn’t that the point. Excellent original condition. But pricey. Still, what a way to experience late 70’s effortless cruising.
Good job Mike.
if memory serves, they also offered Givenchy and Gucci editions too, with their own trims and paint schemes. I preferred the ‘regular” ones, they looked nicer.
I remember test driving one of these several years ago, same year, and the thing was a real dog. It was like driving a living room with 4 wheels. And the car magazines of the time called these “mockeries of real classic cars”. Ironically, now these are becoming “classics”. If I was to buy one of these and the motor needed work, I’d find a healthy 351C engine to put into it. You’d get more power with the smaller motor and it will bolt in.
It’s a beauty. I’d just love to drive this baby up to my local Lincoln dealership and see the ooo’s and aaaaaa’s from the mechanic’s. As horrible as the fake tops were this one wears it nicely
This was my least favorite designer edition. The other two designer additions looked for better. This designer edition looked like it should be sitting next to a yacht. It was probably half the size of a yard on top of it. I think the standard models were very nice. I liked the little oval window in the side of the roof. Anyway, they’re asking a huge price for this boat. It looks nice for what it is, but I wouldn’t wanna be driving it. Good luck on the sale.
I have had one of these for 16 years now – I bought mine in 2009 – for get this – only $3,500 ! Mine is a really nice driver (with the oval window too) – with about 85,000 miles now (had like 70k when I bought it) …… but, still looks good for its age, etc. It gets a TON of attention and thumbs up, etc. It really has held up well – with just minor issues over the years that I have owned it – some electrical, etc….. But, yeah, it REALLY does need the 460 ! haha. It’s like 0 to 60 in 5 minutes! haha
I had a Bill Blass mark 5 Lincoln, Mine had the 460 in it. The Bill Blass had a handling package that made it ride like a Lincoln But handle like a corvette. This was 1 of my favorite cars.
$34K?!!! More like $3.4K. It’s nice, but it’s not worth that much, not even close.
For all those whining about the lack of a 460, Jon Kaase won Engine Masters almost 2 decades ago with the 400M if you don’t care to break with originality. They CAN be made to rip with the right combination of parts. Of course it’d be sacrilege to do something like that to this beauty but for one a bit less special, it’d be fun to turn it into a real Hot Rod Lincoln.
I’ve seen this car in person, it IS in choice condition but the ask is way high. This is a newer high-end dealer in the most expensive area of town that is non-beach, in a newer building with lots of glass & lots of overhead to go with it.
A lady in the neighborhood bought one of these new in 1977 when her husband passed and a windfall came through. Her naughty sons were always power braking and burning a right rear with that 460. Not a powerhouse but an ample amount of torque.
I also used to drive my girlfriend’s 1974 Torino 400-2 barrel single exhaust. I can only imagine how inadequate that power plant would be in this nice Lincoln. This Lincoln is a classic of its era. Too bad the energy crisis and EPA standards robbed this cruiser of a 460.
LINCOLN, what a Luxury car should be and ONCE was. My usual, It’s HUGE! It guzzles gas! It pollutes the air! It scares the birds! Other cars part like the Red Sea to get out of its way! What’s NOT to love? I’ve been under the weather. The 55 Firedome was a Bon Marche, if it sold. Still rolling down one hill and Can ardly get up the next. But still thankful for every day. You all take care.
I’ve never had one of these Lincoln’s or thunder chickens of this body I honestly had to look up who Bill Blass was to try and figure out why they would be doing a package like this nice cruiser but I personally would prefer a actual convertible top not a pretend one
My grandmother had a 79 Pucci addition. The seats are exactly like the Bill Blass edition. They were white, blue and had a peach colored trim that outlined the center of the seat. The sun visors had a paisley design on the mirror cover and seemed like a silk material. I remember the eight track that came with the car showed off the quadraphonic sound with Star Wars music. Childhood memories, would love to have her and that Mark V now.