Some paint and trim combinations are ageless, while others are very much of their time. The latter is probably true for this 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V. In a modern market dominated by White exteriors and varying shades of Gray inside, this Triple-Green classic is sure to turn heads and draw crowds. Adding to its appeal is the seller’s claim that it has a genuine 27,000 miles on its odometer. If that can be verified, it means that this classic should offer its new owner years of comfortable and luxurious motoring. We always appreciate input from our readers, and I must say a big thank you to eagle-eyed Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this stunning survivor.
The automotive landscape changed markedly during the 1970s, with American manufacturers forced to focus on safety and emission compliance. The “land yachts” that once represented the embodiment of wealth and status were rendered largely irrelevant, and Lincoln wasn’t immune from this trend. It released the Continental Mark V in 1977, with many viewing it as the last “large” Lincoln. It perfectly suited the taste of Ford President, Lee Iacocca, and the Mark V is often considered his last hurrah before his inelegant exit from the company. Our feature Continental is a first-year example finished in a stunning combination of Dark Jade Green with a vinyl top in a slightly lighter shade that matches the pinstripe. What this car lacks is subtlety. It is bold and brash, declaring to the world that its owner is successful and isn’t afraid to show it. Faulting its presentation is challenging, with the paint holding an excellent shine, and the panels laser-stright. There is no evidence of rust or bubbles beneath the vinyl that might be harbingers of doom. The trim is in good order, and the tinted glass is spotless.
The Triple-Green theme continues inside this Lincoln, with the first owner selecting two-tone leather to coat its upholstered surfaces. As with the exterior, finding faults is virtually impossible, with the seats showing nothing beyond the character creases of aging leather. I doubt the back seat has ever seen service, while the carpet, dash, and pad, are impressively clean. Of course, a luxury car deserves creature comforts, and this Mark V delivers within a 1977 context. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a tilt wheel, remote mirrors, and an AM/FM radio/8-track player.
The 1977 model year signaled the first signs of change for the Continental, with the Mark IV’s standard 460ci V8 becoming an option on the new Mark V. This car features the new entry-level 400ci V8, developing 179hp and 329 ft/lbs of torque. A three-speed automatic was the only available transmission, while power-assisted steering and brakes were standard fare. The curb weight of 4,839 lbs demonstrated that Lincoln focused heavily on luxury at the expense of performance, although it is fair to say that most buyers were more concerned about quietness and isolation, and not how fast their new purchase could complete a ¼-mile sprint. I am disappointed by the lack of information supplied by the seller, especially considering their claim that this Mark V has a genuine 27,000 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence or supply an insight into how this classic runs and drives. However, their use of the term “excellent” in their description suggests there should be no problems or issues facing the new owner.
The automotive industry is sometimes difficult to fathom. We live in an era where manufacturers are being more bold and daring than ever with engineering and development, embracing zero-emission and composite technologies to maximize performance and efficiency. And yet, many have lost the desire to adopt the same approach with paint and trim, which are the most visible attributes of the models they offer. That is why I like this 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V. The company didn’t tread a safe path, blessing this classic with an appearance that would undoubtedly draw crowds at a show or Cars & Coffee. The seller has listed it here on Craigslist in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. It could be yours simply by handing them $17,000, which represents a lot of car for your cash. Do we have any readers who are bold enough to pursue this Lincoln further? I wish you luck if you do.
Somebody who’s won the Masters ⛳️ should pick up this Lincoln.
My least favorite Mark, but I still love it.
That interior looks to be in amazing condition, and green.
Really green. But I love that too.
If I am reading the numbers correctly on automotive-catalog.com, it looks like they made just over 27,000 of the 2 door hardtop, only about a 1/3 of the 4 door production numbers.
I thought it seemed a little over priced at first, but with the lower production numbers, this Mark might be priced very well, especially if the mileage is verifiable.
I’d love to have this. GLWTS!
In the Mark V era, 4-doors would have been Continental Town Cars. The 4-door Mark didn’t come along until the Mark VI in about 1981
Great analysis Panther 👍
So seventies, that green, but I’d like it better with a saddle colored interior. Or better yet white, like the Mustang shown elsewhere on Barn Finds.
I had this exact car. Except mine had a half, white padded roof. With white leather interior, 460 engine. Drove that car for 17 years. What a great car!
Some car Gary. 460 Fords 👍
This 77 Mark was definitely, the last hurrah of the Lincoln, luxury land yachts. I had a 76 Thunderbird, that shared much of the same platform as this year Mark. Mine had the 460 instead of the optional 400, as this one, but pretty much the same car. If mileage can be verified, its not a bad price, as it’s in exceptional condition.
The 1973 OPEC oil embargo was in the rear view mirror, but the Iranian Oil Crisis was just around the corner, and cars like this, that got less than ten mpg on the highway would soon consigned to “the ash heap of history”, when gas prices once again skyrocketed to over $1.00 per gallon, with prices less than that magic number never to be seen again! They were the last examples of Detroit’s philosophy that “nothing succeeds like excess” before the quadruple bogeys of emissions controls, fuel mileage, safety regulations and foreign competition would put Detroit back on its heels for the next forty (40) years!
Cruising effortlessly down the highway in almost total isolation from the road surface, with over boosted power assisted controls leaving the steering and brakes almost totally devoid of road feel, and pillow-soft suspensions that felt like floating on a cloud, but wallowed like a garbage scow in the gentlest of turns, younger consumers left them in droves, buying Mercedes and BMW sports sedans by the thousands instead, and later, Asian competitors, like Lexus and Infiniti. Cadillac made significant strides to recover lost market share, but Lincoln has yet to recover its former glory, and is a mere shadow of its former self. This car is a fine example of the last of the dinosaurs, body-on-frame “personal luxury” coupes, with the engine in front, driving the rear wheels through a solid rear axle.
And boy do I miss those days!
Now THAT is a classy classic! I live in MA. Would you trade for a 1977 Corvette. I know you won’t, but that is the only way too afford it.😎