The last time that I covered a Lincoln Continental Mark V, such as this 1978 subject from Loch Haven, Pennsylvania, I was a bit disparaging, something that I will not do this time. Late ’70s cars are far from my favorite but they’re entitled to a fair shake and this 22K mile Lincoln is in fabulous condition. We won’t see a rig like this Mark V manufactured again so let’s see what automotive excess was like 45 years ago. Listed here on craigslist, this big Lincoln is available for $12,700. Thanks to Pat L. for this tip!
Offered for three years, ’77-’79, The Mark V measured in at two inches longer (230) than its Mark IV predecessor but tipped the scales at about 400 fewer lbs. (4,800). Yes, it’s still a huge car and definitely what I would call a “Whammer-Jammer”. Popular? You bet, 72K found first-time driveways in ’78 (probably too long for first-time garages!).
I’ll call this example a survivor, it’s all original and it has spent many years in storage. The Dove Gray finish is a bit bland but this big Continental wears it well and there’s no indication of degradation, fade, parking lot mayhem, etc. I suppose opera windows’ main purpose is to provide additional visibility, necessary due to this Mark V’s sizeable C-pillars but they seem like a pointless “luxury” appointment. And it’s not just this Mark V, I’ve questioned their purpose anywhere that they’ve surfaced. I suppose you could load all of your friends into the back seat and they could wave through them, to whomever, as you cruise through town, but that’s about it in the purpose department. Nice to see is the full-length vinyl roof covering, it allows for a more stately appearance as opposed to a half-sized landau covering which is right there with opera windows for purposefulness. Yes, the five MPH bumpers are jutting, but this Lincoln is so outsized that it accommodates them well and they work.
Under the great plains sized hood, is a 210 net HP, 460 CI, “385 Series” V8 engine. The seller doesn’t describe this Mark V’s operating characteristics but I imagine with only 210 HP on tap, acceleration is “leisurely”. The listing does mention, however, “The following is all new: 235/75/R15 WSW tires, shocks, brakes, front end idler arm and bushings and radiator. Recent front-end alignment“.
I’m on the fence with the interior. It’s in fabulous condition, mind you, but that striped fabric upholstery is unlike any that I’ve ever experienced in a Lincoln of this era or any era for that matter. I like it, it’s just not what I would have expected. The front split bench seat is power-operated, the original Lincoln floor mats are still in place and the A/C blows cold. As with the exterior, the interior appears to require zero attention.
Buy, drive, and enjoy is what I’d say. There is nothing made today that comes even close to this Lincoln coupe’s outsized personality. And in time, cars like this likely won’t even exist. At $12,700, I’d say that this Mark V’s ask is in the ballpark; but what says you, priced right or not quite?
Gorgeous, w 460 🙌 effortless motoring. Love the truck size tires w huge sidewall for even more cushioning added to the ride.
I guess with the regular wheel covers and the cloth upholstery, this would be considered a base model Mark V. It is very nice. Would like to see the Marti Report to view the window sticker. I like these huge 70’s personal luxury coupes as examples of models no longer in the market, that (as Jim notes) did what they did very well– cruising in style and comfort.
They may have been leisurely off the mark,but once past about 40 they were fast,like a locomotive or dreadnaught building steam :P
All I can say is that when I drove Aunt Jane’s ’74,
there was absolutely nothing else like it.
Torque is what moves these land yachts and the 460 has 329 ft-lbs at a low 1800 rpm. As always, I would convert to a true dual exhaust system (with or without cats) for even more.
Always loved the Lincoln’s, driving one of these back in the day said you were successful. This is a beautiful car.
Nice car, yeah the base interior is bland, but it’s in great shape and the mileage isn’t bad if it’s as well maintained as it looks in the pictures. I’d also do dual exhaust, wax it and enjoy it.
I drove one of these from Indy to KC once. The front had a whistle at 90 or so, kind of like a gentle speed warning. It was like driving a fast, mushy cloud.
I can smell Brylcreme, Avon and Preparation H in these pictures
lmao
Ahh the old ‘lead sled’. I loved my ’77 Mark V. I’d be doing 100mph and not even notice…LOL Great ride for long trips for sure.
You wouldn’t ’cause the speedometer topped out at 80…lol.
It’s spelled Lock Haven. With a K, not the Scottish Loch.
All of this detail on this bygone, beautiful car and that’s what you’re focused on?
JO
This has to be the Mark V bargain of the year! Bland interior or not, this is a time capsule.
That 460 with nearly 360ft lbs of torque gets that ship moving rather easily.. I know, I had a ’77 and it accelerated briskly for a land yacht and would cruise all day at 75 without breaking a sweat.
I like it! The only thing that would make me like it even more, would be the deletion of the vinyl top entirely. This base model, in my humble opinion, would look even better as a slick top.