The market is awash with potential candidates if an enthusiast is considering dipping their toe into the water of classic ownership for the first time. The decision can sometimes be difficult as they balance affordability with their heart’s desire. If you lean toward luxurious 1970s land yachts, this 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V deserves a closer look. It features a known ownership history, a low odometer reading, and has been garage-kept its entire life. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting the Lincoln listed here on Craigslist in Attleboro, Massachusetts. The seller set their price at $11,500, although it appears they may consider offers.

Lincoln introduced the Continental Mark V for the 1977 model year, with the latest offering essentially an evolution of its predecessor below the skin. The most significant change that the Mark V brought to the table was a dramatic weight reduction program as Lincoln sought to recover performance that was lost to tighter emission regulations. The first owner ordered this first-year example in Silver Diamond Fire with a matching vinyl top. Its presentation is exceptional for its age, with no significant paint or panel issues. The vinyl appears perfect, with the same true of the trim and glass. The seller is the car’s third owner and has been its custodian for around three years. They know its history, confirming that the Mark V has been garage-kept since Day One. Therefore, its rust-free status is unsurprising. The turbine wheels are free from stains and physical damage and are wrapped in new narrow whitewalls.

Lincoln offered 1977 Mark V buyers a choice of two engines to power their new purchase, with this car’s first owner selecting the range-topping 460ci V8. The company teamed the engine with a three-speed automatic transmission and power-assisted steering and brakes, as befits a luxury car. The 460 generated 208hp and 356 ft/lbs of torque when this Continental left the factory, and there is no reason why it shouldn’t go close to matching those figures today. It appears to have been appropriately maintained and, with 44,000 genuine miles on its odometer, this bulletproof drivetrain should still have years of reliable service to offer. The seller recently replaced the brakes and power steering pump on a classic that appears to be a turnkey proposition.

If I could ever provide an owner with a single piece of advice when listing their classic, it would be to provide the best possible photos, because these will catch the eye of potential buyers and help to “sell” their vehicle as effectively as any written description. Therefore, it is disappointing that this is the best of the two interior shots provided in this case, although both paint a generally positive picture. The Red leather trim is in good order, with the seats sporting the creases of elegantly aging leather. The headliner looks nice, and what is visible of the dash shows no evidence of problems. Buyers would expect lavish interior appointments in a car of this type, and this Lincoln delivers from a 1977 perspective. The buyer receives climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power seats, a power antenna, cruise control, a tilt wheel, remote exterior mirrors, and a Cartier clock. The seller states that the clock works when the mood takes it, but doesn’t mention any other functional shortcomings.

I don’t know if this 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V is the best example in existence, but it is undeniably a car that will cause its new owner pride when they slip behind the wheel for a spot of classic motoring. It has no apparent needs, and the price slips within the affordable category. Of course, if the seller is willing to negotiate, a lower figure could be possible. If you prefer your classics with plenty of luxury, is this Lincoln one that you might consider?