Bill Blass Edition: 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V

Edsel Ford is credited with ushering Lincoln upscale with a makeover of the Model L in 1923, which was the beginning of something big. In just a few short years, the company elevated its profile to compete with Cadillac, Marmon, Packard, and Duesenberg. Decades of catering to luxury buyers ensued, as the company weaved among nameplates from Continental to Lincoln-Mercury and back again. Today’s example hails from the late 1970s and the apex of the full-sized platform. The Mark V was 230.3″ of majesty, with concise, angular lines, an upright radiator, opera windows, a “continental” trunk lid, and a vinyl roof. Augmenting the mid-70s Lincoln line-up were “designer” versions from Bill Blass, Cartier, Givenchy, and Pucci – each of whom received royalty payments for lending “influencer” status to the company. Low mileage examples of luxury land yachts have attracted collectors lately; this one is a worthy prospect for the right buyer. Rocco B brought us this tip – thanks!

After offering either a 400 cu. in. V8 or the slightly more powerful 460, Lincoln cut buyers’ options to just the 400 in 1979. This downshift was one in a series of changes in response to corporate average fuel standards and emissions regulations; both engines had already been detuned in prior years. The 400 V8 now produced a paltry 160 bhp. While torque was reasonable, that motor had to haul around over 4800 lbs of metal, so acceleration was stately rather than brisk. Zero to sixty took almost 16 seconds and top speed was a slightly embarrassing 109 mph. A three-speed automatic was the only transmission offered. The seller says the odometer reading of 32,716 miles is original. The car runs well and the only changes from stock are replacement pedal rubber and an aluminum radiator.

Though performance took a knock in 1979, the interior did not. Swathed in leather, the seats could double as your favorite sofa. Generous use of trim and wood accents set off the square instrument panel. In 1978, Lincoln introduced its “miles to empty” indicator; accouterments such as entry lighting around the doors and switches were available. All of this example’s power options work, except the driver’s side window which declines only halfway. The trunk is tidy, though the paint appears blemished around the seal.

The Mark V was made from 1977 to 1979; thereafter, Ford pursued downsizing with a vengeance. Plastic parts crept into the mix, too, making this 1979 the last of a breed. This photo shows off the continental kit trunk lid, those opera windows – where “Bill Blass” would be inscribed – and the special wire wheel covers installed on these “designer” Lincoln; a sunroof rounds out the equipment list. Selling for about 15% more than a “regular” Mark V, the designer series cars were low-production machines. Advertised on craigslist for $12,500, this Mark V is located near Euless, Texas. Who has a garage big enough to house this quintessential American chariot?