I sorta stepped in it when I covered this 1971 Lincoln Mark III two weeks ago. I stated, “the Mark IV which was kind of OK at first but then it developed into a porcine, underpowered, disco-duck of a Brobdingnagian pile by ’74. But wait, it gets better, as the full-hoss Mark V replaced the IV in ’77 and it was, I dunno, fuggedaboutit“. Yeah, maybe a bit severe but now I’m going to bite the bullet and cover this 1978 Mark V “Diamond Jubilee” edition. There’s just so much here that it’s a hard car to ignore. Located in Villa Park, California, this full zoot suit Lincoln is available, here on craigslist for $29,500. Numskal gets the nod for this find!
First up, does this one look familiar? Well, it is, we covered it here on Barn Finds in June of 2020. At the time it was a resident of a museum in the Badger State and was auctioned on eBay – for how much, I don’t know. Like so many, this Lincoln took the admonition to “Go west young man” and beat feet (probably in an auto carrier) to Orange County. It only has 200 more miles on its odometer than it did two-plus years ago. Whammer jammer? You bet! How about 230 inches in length (19.2 ft) and 4,800 lbs. of curb weight. While I intimated that this car is extreme, in a wretched excess sort of way, buyer’s proved me wrong – approximately 230K Mark Vs were sold over its three-year life cycle. Yes, they were popular.
The seller tells us that this Diamond Jubilee example is one of 5,100 produced and 2,500 that were painted Diamond Jubilee Blue Metallic. OK, but is that really rare? Those attributes pale compared to this car’s condition and low mileage. Of course, it’s hard to deny the attraction of that padded trunk lid tire hump…
The interior is a full-on living room, what else, right? It’s one of those kinds of arrangements where you settle in, get comfortable, drive off and fall asleep, especially if you take a cruise right after lunch. Regardless, the tufted fabric upholstery is in spectacular condition, likely owing to this car’s low mileage. And its 44 years of existence appear to have had no impact on its condition, probably thanks to proper storage. The instrument panel seems pedestrian for a car of this clout but ornate, finely detailed examples seemed to disappear from the autoscape about fifteen or twenty years earlier. After all of these years, I still can’t get used to seeing a federal 85 MPH speedometer. Lincoln summed up this Diamond Jubilee adorned Mark V by claiming this car as the, “most luxurious production automobile we’ve ever built“.
So what motivates this mass around? Lincoln offered two V8 engines, a 166 net HP 400 CI or a 208 net HP 460 behemoth. The listing doesn’t state which is in place but I’m certain that our Ford aficionados can make a call based on pictorial observation. I would imagine that either powerplant would struggle to move this Luxo-barge in style but the torque from the 460 would certainly be welcome. Besides, this lincoln is all about cruising, not acceleration. The seller adds, “New radiator and all rubber hoses replaced two years ago. Runs great“.
I’d like to know more about this car’s backstory considering that it changed hands just a bit over two years ago. I wonder if the thought was to acquire it, sit on it a bit, and then flip it for a profit. Which begs another question, what’s the market like for a car of this nature? Considering its long-disappeared body style, low mileage, and superb condition, it’s reasonable to assume that there will always be some acquisition interest, wouldn’t you agree?
What! No moonroof! That’s is one anemic 460, but it can be an easy fix.
If there’s acquisition interest for Vega’s, Pinto’s, Gremlins, 80’s Chargers, etc and other such heaps shown on here.
There would certainly be acquisition interest for this grand ole luxo-cruiser !
It’s a 460,easiest cue to tell them apart is the 460 had a blue air cleaner with filter..the 400 has a silver air cleaner no filter.
Thx!
JO
Also the AC compressor is mounted on top of the engine on the 400. And always on the drivers side down low on the 460
Have to agree about the Mark 4. It got bloated and the great 460 was choked to death with emission controls. The Mark 3 had better build quality and still had some horsepower. HOWEVER I never understood any love for the Mark 5. They are lighter which is good but they lost any semblance of uniqueness. Just my opinion because they do have a good following
I have never seen bucket seats in one of these.
Buckets were a Diamond Jubilee standard and later carried over to the ‘Collectors Edition’ in 1979 Mark Vs, which was essentially the Diamond Jubilee with a few more colour options.
As David mentioned, no moonroof which was an option, but most Diamond Jubilees have them, so this one will be less desirable. It’s also missing the trunk leather bound tool kit which should be tied top the right side wheel arch. they come up occasionally on ebay for around $300 – $400, depending if the kit is complete.
I’m in Australia and have imported 3 gold Diamond Jubilees over the past decade with another on the water now, to arrive in mid-November. Paid $22,000 for that one with 13,000 miles complete with moonroof and complete tool kit. A decade ago I paid between $8,000- $12,000.
Anything over $20,000 10 years ago was considered either over priced for a Mark V Diamond Jubilee or an exceptional example.
It amazes me these are not worth more, being the most expensive, most luxurious American car of the 1970s.
In 1978 you could purchase a Cadillac or mark V Lincoln for around $10,000 – $11,000.
A Diamond Jubilee as twice the price at $22,000.
Most owners drove them only sparingly, as a special second car for church or special cruises to impress clients.
The most under rated, under valued collectable car IMHO.
Driving one is like floating on a cloud. Pure indulgence.
Personally while the Mark III was probably a better car, I like the Mark IV better and the V the best. It just epitomizes the sharp creased styling with its long, sharp lines and sheer presence.
These cars are undervalued because of decades of demonizing them as gas guzzlers, boats, etc. My take is different. They come from a time when the US was proud of its existence and frankly exuded confidence and superiority in designs like this. Conforming to worldly fashion was beneath us.
I miss that time, and that attitude. Plus lest I forget, Jock Ewing drove one of these Mark V coupes in the first few years of “Dallas”. This car reminds me of his characters personality. Confident, accomplished, hard scrabble come from behind success.
This car must be preserved but I’m out of room.