We frequently see classics cross our desks at Barn Finds featuring extraordinarily low odometer readings, which sometimes must be taken with a grain of salt. Such is the case with this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V. The seller states it has a genuine 8,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t indicate whether they hold verifying evidence. However, its overall condition and presentation make the claim plausible. The Mark V is listed here on eBay in Gladwyne, Pennsylvania. The auction opened at $11,200 but has received no bids. There is a BIN option of $27,000 for those who feel they must own this classic.
Lincoln introduced the Continental Mark V for the 1977 model year. It remained in production until 1979, and while it rode on the same chassis as its predecessor, a concerted weight loss program by the company resulted in a car that was several hundred pounds lighter than the earlier model. It retained the brand’s renowned presence, but the development program was designed to improve fuel economy. This Mark V makes a bold statement in Code 1C Black with a matching vinyl Landau-style top. Its overall condition is consistent with the seller’s mileage claim because there is little worth criticizing. The paint retains a mirror shine, and any flaws are too insignificant to show in the supplied photos. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm this classic is as solid as the day it rolled off the line. There is the occasional area of surface corrosion, but nothing that might cause its new owner sleepless nights. The contrasting Red pinstripe and dazzling trim contrast the dark exterior, and the tinted glass is spotless.
The theme of spotless presentation continues inside this Lincoln, with a sea of rich Red trim in exceptional condition. The seats sport the creases that are part of the character of aging leather. However, there is no visible wear or signs of deterioration. The leather looks soft and supple, while the matching carpet is in a similar state. The timber trim is in good order, with the dash, pad, and other upholstered surfaces free from UV deterioration. This car brings every luxury touch within the company’s armory to bear. The new owner receives air conditioning, a factory glass sunroof, power windows, power locks, power seats, cruise control, and an AM/FM radio/tape player.
The Mark V demonstrates how profound the impact of emission regulations was on engine performance during the period. Its 400ci V8 produces a relatively modest 159hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque. The ponies feed to the limited-slip rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission, with power assistance for the steering and brakes standard fare. Although Lincoln had put its new model on a weight loss program, that motor still had 4,786 lbs to shift. Outright acceleration was not the object of the exercise, but this classic should still cruise comfortably all day at freeway speed. The seller is sparing with their information about this classic’s mechanical health. They claim it has 8,000 miles on the clock, but not whether they hold verifying evidence. They also don’t indicate how well it runs or drives. However, the visual indications are that the news should be positive.
The BIN figure for this 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V is hardly pocket change and is well above the market average. However, recent sales results confirm the figure isn’t unprecedented. Whether it is justified depends on whether the odometer reading can be confirmed as genuine with documentary evidence. If that’s the case, this car could be a winner, and it will be the key to finding a new home at the seller’s price. With no bids submitted, it suggests potential buyers harbor doubts. What is your opinion?
This is a scam ad on eBay! This was my car and pictures. I sold this car on Bring A Trailer to Griot Garage of Tacoma, Washington. My username on BaT is REJ where you can see original post.
Thanks
Jason Belvedere
If this car only had 8,000 miles on it, the drivers seat would not be sagging at all. Not saying it’s not an absolutely beautiful car. I had an 81 like this one only mine was baby blue with the same color velour interior. Mine had 111,000 miles on it and looked every bit as good as this one and drove like brand new and my drivers seat looked exactly like this one. Really stupid getting rid of that one but at the time I didn’t like the 302 with zero power. Still like power but also interested in comfort. Would take a much closer look at this one though.
When I was a kid(born in 1970), these things screamed money. If you had one of these, you had done well for yourself, or you were maxed on credit!😀. Either way this is a nice looking car that takes me back to my early appreciation for cars. GLWTS.
My parents bought one brand new in 1979 and it was solid maroon with white pin stripes. 460 CI and it drove on a cloud! loved the car, but we were not rich by any means, just had a great car. I took my driving test in the Lincoln when I turned 16, but never was allowed to drive it after that.
Rather have the black fwd caddy or Toronado.
Definitely do NOT agree, but respect your opinion. Thankfully we can STILL have our own opinions!
A real Black Beauty, complimented by red interior screaming automotive sex appeal. And a MONUMENT to upscale OTT excessive chromed luxury on the GRAND scale. 79 MARK V and TOWN CARS were the last and biggest vehicles, unfortunately never to built again. Once owned a 78 TOWN Coupe. Never should have let it go. Even if 8k is not accurate, these can easily go 300,000 with proper maintenance, which seems to have been done here. The only drawback is the 400 engine. 460 was not available in 79. I believe that had something to do with federal regulations. But anyone who drives this is likely to be cruising in style, rather than putting the pedal to the metal. At this stage of life, this MARK is not an option for me. I hope the lucky new owner treats it with the loving care and respect it deserves, as the last of real American luxury vehicles. LINCOLN, What a Luxury CAR should be and once was. My current 2007 Signature Limited is the last gasp of traditional American Luxury vehicles. Now even LINCOLN concentrates on SUVS and crossovers.
missing a zero?
80,000 miles??
beautiful car though
Gorgeous car, loaded with options. I wish I could buy it. One would have to look it over very carefully before spending big money on what they believe is an almost new 1979 car. Especially underneath.
At this stage of life, this MONUMENT to OTT chromed Luxury is beyond my reach. 8K or not, these will easily go 300,000 or more when properly maintained. The 400 motor (only one available) is enough for drivers who want to enjoy cruising. You are right. A careful underside inspection should be done. The 79 MARK V and TOWN CARS are the last and largest. Unfortunately we will never see their equal again 😕. While my 2007 Signature Limited is the last gasp of traditional American Luxury, it doesn’t quite measure up to these. But I will never let it go. LINCOLN, what a Luxury CAR should be and ONCE was!
I don’t want to doubt the 8k’s but the leather looks a bit on the worn side (unless it spent its life in the sunlight and was never cared for with proper leather products) the carpeting looks beautifull as the engine bay. Again the black metal plate in back of the hood latch seems scratched up a lot for 8k milles. If it add’s up upon proper inspection, a minimal amount of cash and time would make it perfect. By the way the e- bay offer is no longer there so it probably found a home
No longer there because it was a scam ad.
$27k, for a ’79 with the weezy 400? Nope.
My wife’s uncle had a Mk V, in Kansas, exactly like this one. We use to drive it, when we visited him. It was a nice ride but, when I drove it, I thought that I was looking down the deck of an aircraft carrier.
EXACTLY! Loved looking across acres of hood with Lincoln emblem like a site to aim my 78 Town Coupe down the street as smaller cars moved aside! When vacationing in San Francisco in 88 had a rental Town Car. When going up a steep hill, it felt like a 747 being launched! What a rush!
Yeah when I drove my dads new ’79 triple black w/460, never worried about an accident as with that hood, it was so far in front of me to not have to worry!
Looks like an honest car to me….very highly doubt odometer rollover, car is too pristine. And leather will show some natural aging and cracking after all these years; the “sagging” could be due to age and maybe whomever drove this car for 8,000 miles had a large carcass!
The first Lincoln I drove was a 76’ Mark IV
When clipping 100 mph and it felt like 30mph I was amazed just amazed and then going over bumps was like what bumps.
The owner of our company had 2 of these for his wife, a light green ‘77 and a blue/green ‘79. He also ordered 2 Town Cars in those same years for himself, the ‘77 was silver and the ‘79 was black. Back then you could order them both without the rear oval opera windows, which he did on all 4 cars. Looked so much better that way I thought. I use to wash those cars for him every Friday by hand out in front of the factory. Man those cars were beautiful.
These never came with a 460 in 1979. I had one of these many years ago and the 400 was ample power for the day. I dunno why people have an aversion to opera windows? I think they are unique and cool. To each their own I suppose.
The SCAM ad has been taken down.