23k Original Miles: 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V

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Low-mile survivors are not a new phenomenon at Barn Finds, and some show greater promise than others. Barn Finder Ed spotted this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V as a perfect example of that trend. It presents exceptionally well for its age. This is understandable because its odometer displays 23,000 original miles. It is in excellent mechanical health and is ready to hit the road for some luxurious motoring with a new owner behind the wheel.

Lincoln produced the Continental Mark V from 1977 until 1979, with the new model based on its predecessor’s underpinnings. The company focused on weight reduction with the Mark V, slashing over 400 lbs from the vehicle’s weight by the time it hit showroom floors. Our feature car is a final-year example that presents nicely in Code 9D White. The seller confirms that the White vinyl top was replaced at some point, but it appears the rest of the car is unrestored. The paint retains a healthy shine, and the close-up shots reveal no evidence of significant flaws. The panels are straight, the bumper fillers haven’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and there is no evidence of rust. I’ve always liked the alloy wheels featured on this car, but believe they lack visual impact when teamed with a light paint shade. However, their condition is as impressive as the trim and glass.

The first owner made what I believe to be a wise decision by ordering this Mark V with its interior trimmed in Burgundy leather. It is classy and provides a striking visual contrast to the pale exterior paint shade. Finding anything worth criticizing is almost impossible, with the seller citing the condition as evidence of the odometer reading. The leather has typical age creases but no wear or distress. The remaining upholstered surfaces and carpet are spotless, and the dash and woodgrain trim are excellent. The Mark V is a luxury vehicle, making the creature comforts inside unsurprising. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power front seats, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player. That last feature works as it should, and the seller includes a large box of tapes to provide tunes on the move.

Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the 1979 Mark V’s mechanical components. All buyers received a 400ci V8, with the 460 consigned to history at the end of the previous year. Ford’s three-speed C6 automatic transmission handles shifting duties, while power assistance for the steering and four-wheel disc brakes was standard. The power and torque figures of 159hp and 315 ft/lbs look modest in a car that tips the scales at 4,786 lbs, but the Mark V was still an effortless open-road cruiser that could also cope with the cut and thrust of city traffic. The seller believes the odometer reading of 23,000 miles is original, although they aren’t totally sure. However, the included documentation dating back twenty-four years seems to support that belief. It rides on tires that have only clocked 200 miles. The Lincoln is in excellent mechanical health, running and driving perfectly. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.

This 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V is a gentle giant that is remarkably well preserved. It has no apparent needs and would suit someone seeking the finer things in life. The seller listed the Lincoln here on Craigslist in Willoughby, Ohio. Their price of $9,900 represents a lot of steel for the buyer’s cash and is below market expectations for a vehicle of this caliber. It has been on the market for under a week, and I’m surprised it hasn’t already found a new home. Is that a situation you are tempted to change?

Comments

  1. Barry

    Bought one recently in like condition for $7000. No ugly top on mine either.

    Like 7
  2. Nevadahalfrack NevadahalfrackMember

    Nice example! A neighbor has one like this in 4 doors and it glides along as it sails over our dirt road even when we haven’t run the tractor with the drag box across the road in a while.
    This is a beaut-also surprised it hasn’t sold yet.

    Like 0
  3. RICK W

    Although I’ve owned several real convertibles and several TOWN CARS, this one DOESN’T hit the MARK for me. The 400 was not enough for this big boat. And the faux convertible top (while not peeling) is definitely NOT appealing to me! But for some the price MAY make it APPEALING.

    Like 3
  4. Fox owner

    This so tempting. This car lives on the other side of the Cuyahoga river from me. I don’t have a problem with the top. In fact I think it looks better than the overpadded mock tops you see on some late model Cadillacs done by Roman Chariot shops. I’m still jonesing over that Cobra SVT Mustang on auction here. Speed or luxe? Decisions decisions.

    Like 3
    • Fox owner

      BTW, a crate full of eight tracks? That’s hilarious. The streets of my youth were littered with those plastic casings.

      Like 2
    • Billy

      Fox owner,
      I have a decent 91 Lincoln MKVII LSC with moonroof for sale $1000 if you know anyone interested. Craigslist, Boise. Rust free, 127k miles. Needs both rear air springs and a A/C heater blower motor. I’m the third adult owner. All original car.
      Billy

      Like 0
  5. Billy

    First thing you do is pull the engine and add 200 h.p., now you have a cruiser.

    Like 2
  6. al

    I had a 1978 mark v bought it in 1980 was my first Lincoln and the start of a long relationship with them right to 2006 but this one diffently had the longest hood loved that car

    Like 3
    • Jon.in.Chico

      I, too, had a ’78 – Givenchy series … traded in a ’77 Vette … that green was a stand-out color with the chamois top … and the 460 gave it a lot of power … had “anti-skid” brakes and hydro-boost power steering … had a moonroof installed … the only thing it lacked was the heated vibrating seats … loved the sound from the Quadrophonic sound system … put well over 200k miles on it … finding the same type car is on my bucket list …

      Like 0
  7. Nelson C

    Nice Mark in good condition. To reiterate others remarks would only be picking nits.

    Like 0
  8. Billy

    Does CARVANA have a antique category?

    Like 0

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