Special edition vehicles are nothing new to the automotive world, and most manufacturers will take a swing at the concept at least once. Lincoln proved it could compete with the best by releasing the Designer Editions of its Continental Mark V range in 1979. The Cartier proved the most popular, although the Bill Blass Edition sold in respectable numbers. Our feature car is one of those vehicles, but it needs plenty of TLC to regain its former glory. However, it could prove an affordable project for someone willing and able to be hands-on. The “Blass” is listed here on Craigslist in Sellersville, Pennsylvania. The seller set their price at $5,000 OBO, and I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting this gentle giant.

The original owner ordered this Bill Blass in Midnight Blue Moondust Metallic and White, adding a White vinyl top. The car makes a positive first impression, although a close examination reveals potential buyers face some work whipping its panels and paint into shape. Starting at the top, the viny has deteriorated and shrunk, leaving the new owner to replace this before moisture does too much damage beneath. The paint has the usual assortment of chips and marks, but the panels are straight. The seller indicates the underside is solid. However, there is external rust requiring attention. None is severe, but tackling the issue sooner rather than later would be wise. There are small areas in the driver’s side quarter panel and the filler seam between the roof and trunk lid. More difficult to address will be what appears to be rust developing in the passenger side’s lower door shell. Rot in this location can be challenging to eliminate due to the double-skinned aspect, but it isn’t impossible. The trim looks acceptable for a driver-grade classic, and while the windshield is cracked, the remaining glass is okay.

Designer Edition Cadillacs from this era were never renowned for subtle trim combinations, and this “Bill Blass” is no exception. Its interior features acres of White leather, contrasted by Dark Blue plastic and carpet. The condition is better than the exterior presentation might suggest, but it isn’t showroom fresh. However, there are no signs of severe wear or abuse. It is possible that some thorough cleaning and leather conditioning could lift the presentation significantly without the buyer spending a fortune. It’s a Cadillac, so there are plenty of luxury touches. The new owner receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, a rear defogger, cruise control, lashings of timber trim, and a fully functioning AM/FM radio/8-track player. The seller suggests the A/C requires recharging, but it would be worth investigating to determine if there is a leak that has released the refrigerant before performing that task.

The listing has no engine photos, but Cadillac followed a “one size fits all” approach to the ’79 Mark V’s drivetrain configuration. This car rolled off the showroom floor with a 400ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Although the Mark V shared much of its underpinnings with its predecessor, Lincoln focused on pruning away some unnecessary weight. While this car will tip the scales at 4,843 lbs, that figure is over 600 lbs lower than the equivalent Mark IV. Its V8 produces 159hp and 315 ft/lbs of torque, and while those figures allowed the car to cruise effortlessly on the open road and cope with heavy city traffic, it was never going to break the land speed record! The seller states the car runs and drives, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the suspension feels tight. They suggest it would benefit from a tune-up, but that’s a straightforward process that won’t consume much money.

Producing cars like this 1979 Continental Mark V Bill Blass Edition was an inspired move by Lincoln. These cost the company mere pennies to develop because most of the trim pieces required and the paint shades were available in the company’s existing parts inventory. Lincoln merely assembled them in a unique combination, added a prestige name, and charged buyers a healthy premium above the sticker price that was almost 100% profit. Buyers took the bait, hook, line, and sinker. The company sold 6,720 examples of the Bill Blass in 1979, and a surprising number are still plying our roads. This one needs work, but would you take it on at the price?