1979 Lincoln Mark V Convertible

1979 Lincoln Mark V Convertible

It's human nature to want to feel special and unique, and we all choose personal accessories, like clothing and jewelry, that we feel reflect our taste. Those with the means to do so often treat automobiles as personal accessories, and in the late 1970's Lincoln's bold 4 door Continentals were sought by those with discretionary income and expressive taste.

The Mark V had more ornate styling than the Town Car, befitting its place on top of the model line. It sported vacuum-operated concealed headlamps, non-functional fender vents, a "Continental-esque" trunk lid, and a prominent grille and surround. Two tone paint, a red convertible top and some wire wheels. Let's go for a cruise, all in 1979 square and rectangle style.

ExteriorMerlot side panels adorn this mile long 2 door squared off design luxury car, and it all is in a pearl white background on the side panels, and hood and trunk, save for the Continental spare tire covering. Maroon canvas is the contrasting top, and when it's down the tonneau covering looks as though someone pitched a tent on the back of the car because that top needs to cover a large passenger compartment! The long, long hood presents straight and true, and is fronted by the concealed vacuum operated headlamps. These flank a chrome grille with chrome trim and a Lincoln star hood ornament, which is reminiscent of the classic luxury cars like the Rolls Royce. Stainless wide rocker trim runs from front to rear fender, adding bling to the bottom of this car. In the rear are 2 vertical Cadillac-esque taillights, along with the "spare" tire Continental trunk lid. Chrome and stainless are in good condition. Wire wheel covers with faux knock off hubs are seen on all 4 corners, wrapped in thin white wall rubber.

InteriorA swing of any door reveals an amalgamation of many materials that come together to create a luxurious entry to your pillowed environment of the passenger compartment, (or should I say apartment?!). Some wood veneer, padded white vinyl in a maroon smooth field vinyl along with molded plastic for the power control panels on the doors and finally some maroon carpeting for the lowers, and this is just the doors! Moving our wandering eyes to the inside we see wide padded buckets that butt up against each other. They are that wide. These are covered with smooth maroon padded leather, and white leather pillow inserts. The split backs move forward for easy access to the rear bench in the same color and pattern as the buckets. The dash is square and rectangle with white faced square instruments within a wood appliqu frame background. Padded red is on the dash top, and along with the rich looking gauges are plenty of buttons to make everything work. A Sanyo aftermarket AM/FM/Single CD radio has been put in to replace the factory radio. Also seen is a digital trip computer if you will, with a digital display. Maroon carpeting floods the floors and is slightly faded, and above is a fuzzy red headliner that is sagging just a bit.

DrivetrainBefitting to the aforementioned luxury, this car comes equipped with a 400ci Ford V8 engine. It resides in an unrestored and original engine bay and is surrounded by all the trappings of convenience powering such as air conditioning, power steering, and power brakes. Attached to the rear of the V8 is a 3-speed automatic C6 transmission and a Ford 9-inch rear axle. A glass pack style exhaust is on to aid with the exhale.

UndercarriageA few light spots of surface rust are seen otherwise it's a fairly unscathed landscape underneath. Rockers look good, as do floor pans, toe plates and gas tank areas. Independent coil spring suspension is in front and providing the rear ride is a 4 link with coil springs. Power discs are reserved for the front, and power drums for the rear.

Drive-AbilityShe fires right up and off to the test track I went. I noticed a bottom end knock at specific RPMs, and the engine has a definite miss. Otherwise, it rode smoothly, and the interior functions are all in working order save for the aftermarket radio.

Our consignor tells a story that these Convertible Lincolns were converted in Texas and that the story goes there were 100 of them which were shipped to various Shriner locations to be used as parade cars, hence the color scheme and convertible conversion. So, don your fez and practice your parade wave!

VIN DECODE9Y89S6304859-1979Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant89-Continental Mark VS-400ci V8630485-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.