1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V

1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V

Your first impression when you approach this 1978 Lincoln Town Coupe is that it's simply mammoth. On a 127-inch wheelbase, it rivals the biggest cars of the '50s, and today anything with 127 inches between the wheels is a full-sized dually pickup. In fact, this car is more than 18 inches longer than a new Lincoln Navigator! But it isn't merely big for the sake of being big, it has style and proportion and a gothic look that has aged pretty well. These cars have enjoyed a nice uptick in values ever since the guys in the Scorsese flick "Casino" were motoring around in such things, and in 1978, if you owned one of these, you had well and truly made it to the top.

For consignment taking up significant real estate in the Classic Auto Mall, is this 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V. This car is among the last of the no-holds-barred, full-size luxury cars, representing the pinnacle of American motoring at the time. At 230 inches long, this Mark V is the largest two-door coupe ever sold by Ford Motor Company, with the 233-inch long two-door and four-door Lincoln Continental sedans (produced alongside it) as the only longer vehicle ever marketed by Ford. Distinguished by its sharp-edged exterior design, design themes of the Mark V would be adapted onto Lincoln vehicles throughout the 1980s.

ExteriorLong straight rust-free steel panels, with well minded gaps, are all bathed in Gold Cream paint. This paint shows some areas of minor crazing and cracking, but the car retains its shine. On the backs of the wheel wells, there is some invasive rust which has invaded itself under the paint, and created bubbling, but it is very slight at this point. Hidden headlights, a big chromed radiator surrounding, cathedral lights flanking on all 4 corners, and some chrome trimmings running the length of this car several times, it's looking very proud. Bumpers show some slight wear, and the finish is crazed just like the paint. Other trimmings and badging is all good condition. On top of the passenger compartment, is a rarely seen moon roof option. Just behind this option, is a cream vinyl landau top, with an oval B pillar opera window. The top is good, with just a slight cracking in the center of the rear window surround just above the massive trunk lid. Square and rectangle design chop nice sections into this car's design, and bottoming off this monster is a set of body matching and polished turbine style wheels with a large chromed nut hub in the centers complete with the continental star within a black background inside the nut.

InteriorA swing of the doors and we have padded vinyl in faux leather pattern cream, aiding tastefully with molded vinyl, and wood appliqu burl panels which house some of the many convenience options available at the driver's fingertips. Gold carpet is on the bottoms and courtesy lighting makes sure you do not get out and place a Bruno Magli into a surprise puddle. Rich cream leather covers a split bench front seat setup and talk about padding aplenty you will not go without on these seats. Several padded "pillow sections are presenting with some dark brown inset "belts" between the inserts and bolsters. A big fold down central armrest is noted, and the rear bench also does not have us wanting for more luxury, matching the front seating. All seats have nice aging with some folds and slight wear showing. For the dash more feathered wood grained appliqu with squared off white faced gauges, chromed slider levers, and lots-o-warning lights. An original steering wheel with more wood appliqu is in front and has cruise control levers within the spokes. Gold carpet floods the floors, and has a few stains and spots, but no tears or areas of overwhelming wear. Headliner is nice and tight.

DrivetrainWith wires and hoses aplenty along with some blue painting for the engine block and valve covers plus the air cleaner, we note a 460ci V8 insertion. 4 barrels of carburetor are atop, and a C6 3-speed automatic transmission is on back with a Ford 9-inch 2.75 rear axle.

UndercarriageAs the photos show, the undercarriage has some surface rust peeking out from under the peeled off undercoating paint. Framing is solid as are these peppered floorpans and rockers. Power disc brakes are on all 4 corners, and stock style exhaust is on this car.

Drive-AbilityA quick starter, and smooth runner, this car provides a beautiful ride, and good handling, as well as bias free panic stopping. All conveniences were in working order, and the seats were like sitting in my home favorite recliner.

Our consigner states that after purchasing this car in New York, he had the best ride of his life when driving back to Pennsylvania. Based on this car and my interaction with it, I believe him! A beauty of an example, needs some updated paint work, but still shows well as is. Luxury right out of 1978.

VIN DECODE8Y89A8428188-1978Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant89-MKIV HardtopA-460ci V8 4bbl842818-Sequential Unit Number

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 600 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.