23k Original Miles: 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V

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?