Sleepers are typically vehicles that hide their automotive light under a bushel. Exteriors can be conservative and understated, while their mechanical specifications provide enough power to pin occupants in their seats should the driver hit the “loud” pedal. That should be the case with this 1978 Lincoln Continental Coupe following an engine upgrade. It continues to offer the comfort and luxury buyers expect from the marque, but with vastly improved performance. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting the Lincoln listed here on Craigslist in Waupaca, Wisconsin. The seller set their price at $20,000 for a classic that is anything but ordinary.
Lincoln’s Fifth Generation Continental range enjoyed a long production life, gracing showroom floors from 1970 until 1979. This Coupe emerged from the factory in 1978, ordered by its first owner in Code 1Y Silver with a matching Landau-style vinyl top. The seller indicates that it underwent a repaint in its correct paint shade several years ago, and the car’s presentation is still extremely nice. There is no evidence of patchiness or matte areas, the vinyl looks excellent, and the seller states that this beauty is rust-free. The trim and glass have survived without major problems, and the overall impression is that this is simply a very clean and tidy luxury car. However, it hides a big surprise under the skin.
Let’s be brutally honest. With a curb weight perilously close to 5,000 lbs and a 460ci V8 generating 210hp and 357 ft/lbs of torque, the 1978 Continental Coupe wasn’t a fast car. Of course, buyers were typically far more interested in a Lincoln’s ability to waft along quietly than its ability to scorch the ¼-mile. However, the seller didn’t share that sentiment, attacking this car’s engine bay to produce something genuinely special. The original V8 was stroked, raising its capacity to 521ci. They added Edelbrock aluminum cylinder heads and a matching intake, topped by a Quick Fuel 750cfm carburetor with an in-tank pump. Internally, the V8 received an Eagle crank and forged I-beam conrods. A Lunati roller valve train, long-tube headers, and Dynomax mufflers complete the package. The results justified the effort, with this motor verified to produce 590hp and 590 ft/lbs of torque. However, there is more there for the taking, with the seller stating that bolting an 850cfm carb will boost the power and torque further. All of those ponies feed to a 3.55 Traction-Lok rear end via a three-speed automatic transmission, with the Lincoln retaining its standard power assistance for the steering and the four-wheel disc brakes. Those who are worried about the prospect of sorting such a wild package shouldn’t be, because this beauty is a turnkey proposition that can be enjoyed immediately.
Trimmed in Black leather, this Lincoln’s interior features all of the luxury touches you would rightfully expect from any vehicle of this type. The buyer receives air conditioning, power windows, power locks, cruise control, and a tilt wheel. I can spot a column-mounted tach, and someone has done a stellar job of integrating a modern stereo into the dash. A close inspection will probably reveal minor imperfections, but the supple leather looks excellent, there is no carpet wear, and the flawless woodgrain trim reinforces the Continental’s luxury leanings.
Some readers may question whether this 1978 Lincoln Continental Coupe is the ultimate sleeper, and that’s a fair point, given the vibrant custom scene. It isn’t the most radical vehicle I have seen, with the Lincoln-powered 1981 Porsche 911 that I wrote about in 2018, pretty left-field. However, the performance gains from the engine upgrades will be significant, and you would struggle to buy another ’78 Continental and perform the changes for the price. That’s why it deserves a close look.
590/590 will qualify Clarkey.
3.55 Trac-lok is icing on the cake.
HotRod Lincoln 🏁
Mama gonna drive herself to drinkin’ because whoever buys this ain’t gonna stop drivin’ this Hot Rod Lincoln
What will they think of next.
I wonder if the back story is nothing more than “because I could” or “who doesn’t want more power.” But to keep the rest of the car stock is almost as amazing.
I should write a book. His name was Bill Faust and he was one of 2 salesmen at a body shop supply I drove for in the 70s. They sold Acme paint and White Lightnin’ bondo, a LOT of bondo. Anyway, this guy could sell air conditioners to the Eskimoes and had a car exactly like this. His big account was Excalibur automobiles. All Excaliburs had Acme paint, and I delivered it, for a while anyway. It was known, he insisted on Excalibur was always my 1st stop.
Fantastic cars, for people like Bill and my old man that loved big cars, but a dinosaur they were, and downsizing was right around the corner, putting an end to the big car forever. Awesome cars, and by rights, should be the modern “full classic”, but that’s gone.
Acme paint? I thought they just made rockets and anvils.
And bird feed….
Love Excalibur cars Howard 👍
I’ve never bought any White Lightning bondo, but I have bought my fair share of White Lightning.
Beautiful Lincoln. Monster motor!!! Huge props to the builder for keeping it stock, including keeping the original wheel covers and proper white walls too. You’d never see this coming.
Standard engine in ’78 was the 400. Seller nowhere says engine was the optional 460
No one cares.
Stroking a 400 to 521cid would require a 5.18″ stroke, resulting in a very oversquare 4 x 5.18 bore & stroke, assuming the block could even take that much stroke. Stroking a 460 would require a 4.36″ stroke, making for a square bore & stroke. Which would you start with if you were building a stroker for performance?
Having had 6 Lincoln’s I can see the need for speed. If I didn’t have a money pit ’89 Alfa in progress this would be on the way to my garage, QUICKLY. Hope the buyer enjoys the toys.
It’s a beast of a vehicle and a sleeper!
Not only would you look like you were shot out of a cannon under full steam, you are driving the detectives car or was Cannon a private investigator car?
I’ve always wanted a hot rod Lincoln. This is just right, A/C still intact, luxurious interior. I’m not a fan of aftermarket radios, but this one looks very well done.
That’s old-school cool.
My pappy said “boy your gonna drive me ta drinkin’
If you don’t stop drivin’ that – hot – rod – Lincoln.”
How original!
It would truly melt the tires
I can just see Angel driving this car and leaving rubber wherever she goes. I recall that if you wanted more ponies from a 460,
you used a pair of 429 heads and
an intake from that same engine.
But the gain you got from that setup was nothing compared to
this beast. The old setup may have been good for MAYBE an extra 75 to 100 or so extra ponies, but that’s peanuts compared to what I see here. Looks like this guy watched Power Nation, looked at his Lincoln, and said “Why the eff not!”. He must’ve learned his lessons well as this car is a real
rocketship! And as for the Hod
Rod Lincoln, we opened for Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Air Men in late “72 or early
’73. They were all Air Force guys
stationed at Chenault Aug Force
Base in Rantoul, Illinois. Those fellas actually made making music 🎶 a lot of fun back then.
And Howard, while you were hauling Acme auto paint, 🎨
you didn’t happen to see Wile E
Coyote did you? Well folks, time for me to make myself useful.
Great car!