16,786 ORIGINAL Miles. The Lincoln Continental Mark V is a
personal luxury coupe that was sold by Lincoln from 1977 to
1979.
For the 1977 model year, after a five year production run, the
Continental Mark IV was replaced by the updated Continental Mark V.
Lincoln chose to re-use the same chassis and underpinnings as the
Mark IV.
Using the Mark IV styling as a starting point, Lincoln-Mercury
designers replaced much of the rounded, flared detailing of the
Mark IV with sharp-edged "bladed" fenders; the theme carried over
into the greenhouse with a squared-off roofline. Styling cues
unique to the Lincoln division (concealed headlights, oval opera
windows and classic revival radiator grille) and the Continental
Mark series (simulated trunklid "spare tire hump") were retained.
To aid engine cooling, the Mark V gained functional fender
louvers.
In a sign of the changes to come in the automobile industry, the
Mark V made steps towards improving the fuel economy of luxury
cars. While physically larger than its Mark IV predecessor, careful
weight reduction measures trimmed 400 pounds from its curb weight.
To further improve fuel economy, the 460 V8 was no longer standard
equipment; the standard engine was the 400 Cleveland shared with
the Ford Thunderbird and the full-size Ford and Mercury car
lines.
For 1978, a larger radiator was added, the 400 engine was detuned
for better fuel economy and a full imitation convertible “carriage
roof” top and an LED “Miles to Empty” gauge became options. This
gauge represented a first for an American automobile manufacturer,
as it was the first dashboard LED display of an automobile's
mechanical function.
Standard on all Mark Vs are four-wheel disc brakes, a Cartier
in-dash clock, a padded vinyl roof and full power accessories
including automatic climate control. The Bill Blass edition was a
cosmetic upgrade, with a custom set of exterior and interior colors
and trim. In 1978 it was produced in Midnight Cordovan with a
Cordovan interior. 3,975 Bill Blass editions were produced in
1978.
This car is totally original including the Goodyear Custom radial
tires. It is loaded with Bill Blass options including turbine spoke
aluminum wheels, Cartier day/date timepiece, champagne colored
landau roof, designer signature opera windows, cordovan
ultra-velour cloth interior and AM-FM radio with Quadrasonic 8
track tape.
This Mark V has been in the same family since it was new and is
accompanied by its original window sticker. This top of the line
Lincoln was listed for $15,673 when new. It is beautiful in every
way and has only 16,786 original miles. You won’t find a finer
example of the Mark V.
