Land yachts from the 1970s spent years in the automotive wilderness. They were typically considered too large, ostentatious, and inefficient to be worthy of inclusion in any classics list. However, times have changed, and an original and tidy example will often generate significant interest. Such is the case with this 1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V. Its condition is impressive, and with a long list of factory options, it is little wonder that it has attracted twenty-six bids. Located in Carol Stream, Illinois, the seller has listed the Mark V here on eBay. Bidding sits below the reserve at $10,200, with plenty of time for that figure to climb before the hammer falls.
I described this Continental Mark V as a land yacht, and I wasn’t being derogatory. However, with an overall length above nineteen feet and a curb weight of 4,960 lbs, it is no automotive minnow. These cars were designed to be quiet and comfortable, isolating occupants from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This they achieved remarkably well, and with societal pressures becoming higher recently, it is one reason why these cars have grown in popularity. The first owner ordered this Lincoln in Code 9D White, and its presentation is all you might expect from a garage-kept vehicle that has been treated respectfully. The paint holds an excellent shine, complimented by the matching Landau-style vinyl top. The panels are straight, and this gem is rust-free. The first owner elected to fit the car with the optional aluminum wheels, although potential buyers may be more interested in their decision to tick the box beside the power Moonroof. This is in good order, with no evidence of leaks. The trim shows no evidence of deterioration, and the glass is crystal clear.
Lincoln offered the 400ci V8 as the entry-level engine in the 1977 Continental Mark V, but this car’s first owner kept ticking those boxes by selecting the optional 460ci powerplant. Standard equipment in 1977 included a three-speed C6 automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The 460 places 208hp and 356 ft/lbs of torque at the driver’s disposal, but with such a high curb weight, outright acceleration is pretty sedate. However, the effortless steering and brakes allow the Mark V to cope surprisingly well in city traffic, and to cruise all day at freeway speed. The seller purchased the Lincoln earlier this year, and it wasn’t running well. They traced the problem to old fuel, replacing the fuel tank and treating the carburetor to a professional rebuild. The shopping list also included rear shocks, a steering box pitman arm seal, rag joint, distributor cap, rotor, and spark plugs. The vehicle runs and drives well, and the winning bidder could fly in and drive it home.
I agree with the seller’s belief that the interior is one of this Lincoln’s highlights. Trimmed in Dark Red velour, it is 1-of-642 Mark Vs to combine that upholstery with White paint. This type of trim is prone to wear and UV damage, but I can’t find fault with this gem. There are no issues, stains, or other defects. The carpet is spotless, the woodgrain is excellent, and the pad is crack-free. However, it isn’t all about good looks, because the first owner kept wielding their pen when selecting interior options. This car has air conditioning, power windows, cruise control, a headlamp convenience group, a rear defroster, remote mirrors, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/8-track “Quadrasonic” stereo. The seller states that the stereo doesn’t produce any noise, but it appears the remaining features work as they should.
There is no such thing as the perfect classic. Every car will have its detractors, whether those people dislike the style, color, or mechanical specifications. Land yachts from the 1970s are no exception, but there is a growing affection for these cars amongst enthusiasts who couldn’t afford to park one in their garages when they were new. This 1977 Continental Mark V is a perfect example of the breed and needs nothing but a new home. So, if you fancy the idea of viewing the world from a 1970s classic offering splendid isolation, perhaps joining the bidding war could transform the dream into reality.
This is indeed a “tidy survivor.” Very sharp Mark V.
I suggest reading the ebay ad. Despite it being one very long paragraph, it provides lots of info on what the most recent owner has done to the car, both mechanically and cosmetically. For example, hand cleaning the undercarriage which was “way more work than I expected” (been there, done that).
These were at the complete other end of the automotive spectrum from what I was driving in 1977. It might be kind of fun to own, to visualize what the well-heeled were driving back in those days.
Thank you Adam.
Power rear disc brakes too, in addition to the fronts mentioned in the article. I had a set on my Bronco years ago from one of these cars.
4 wheel discs were standard on Marks from at least `77 onward.
I was in 8th grade when this one hit the dealership and I remember seeing them in our neighborhood.
Too bad they are such long vehicles. On one hand it’s cool but they just take up so much storage space in a garage or shop. It would be a challenge to park in and out of a parking lot as well.
Greg once you start this big boy up, you don’t turn it off, until it’s home lol. It ain’t a grocery getter. 🍻
Nice car, and that overstuffed interior rings my chimes, plus it has the only engine that should have ever been put in these “classics”, a 460.
The way it’s parked I thought it was a BMW at first! (don’t shoot, I give up lol). Beautiful car in a world that is not as welcoming to land yachts as it once was; even converted to EV, it’s still huge!
(Quote)
“Lincoln offered the 400ci V8 as the entry-level engine in the 1977 Continental Mark V, but this car’s first owner kept ticking those boxes by selecting the optional 460ci powerplant.”
(Unquote)
The 460ci V8 engine was standard except in California where it was the 400ci V8 (due to emissions standards)
If the car is this immaculate I’ll bet you no shoes are allowed in his house. Had a friend like that to a fault. Love her to death but don’t think you were going to get comfortable in her house .