Vehicle Description
Until you've sat behind the wheel of a 'Motor City Behemoth' from
the disco era, you just don't know what smooth cruising truly is.
Lexus has made a fortune selling isolation, but classics like this
documented Lincoln Continental Mark V take that mindset to an
entirely different level. A special treat for Ford gurus, this
fantastic full-size is an extremely well preserved survivor that
was owned by the same family for 35 of its 38-year existence. And
if you're looking for a collectible that's not only vintage but
unique, and not only unique but comfortable, you'll have a hard
time finding ANYTHING cooler.
BODYWORK/TRIM
'70s metal features some of the most ornate styling from the
Malaise Era. And this coupe's eye-catching combination of White and
Midnight Blue Metallic paint proves the perfect canvas for
far-flung detail. The car's untraditional, 2-tone pigment is
decidedly flashy, proving that variety is the spice of life. With
that paint comes vast sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of great
maintenance, appears straight, clean and almost as crisp as the day
the Motor City stamped it. That solid fuselage lines up
beautifully, featuring wide doors, which open and close with ease.
Spears of gold outlining stripes stretch 19.5 feet down the sides
of one of the longest profiles ever built. And overall, this
Lincoln's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.
Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Detroit
creation is exceptionally well planned. And the car carries just
the right amount of ostentatiousness to make an impassioned first
impression. At the front of its massive body, a broad bumper frames
folding, "Continental" branded headlights and a "MARK V" branded
grille that's centered on a sharp Lincoln gun sight. A
characteristically linear profile complements intricate parking
lamps, massive fender vents and original Ford cornering lamps with
optional door guards, monochromatic bodyside molding and polished
rocker guards. A stainless-trimmed greenhouse floats an optional
Carriage Roof above traditional door handles, classy mirrors and a
power antenna. And out back, a second broad bumper frames spotless
taillights and a fully dressed Continental decklid that's finished
with a small "MARK V" script, a cleverly disguised lock cylinder
and a vintage dealer emblem that was applied by the car's second
retailer.
ENGINE
Motivation for this 4,800-pound beast is provided by Ford's 400
cubic inch Cleveland V8 which, according to the factory, twists a
conservative 159 horsepower into 315 ft./lb. of smooth torque.
Believed to be largely original, the massive engine bay is in great
condition throughout, featuring many correct components and factory
markings. All major service items are 100% functional, including
factory air conditioning. The big mill still reflects splotches of
bright Ford Blue engine skin. The car's Satin Black fenders are
clean, its firewall straight, and all the places you'd expect rust
to hide are resoundingly solid.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Bottom-side, this Continental is equipped with Ford's reliable and
sturdy C6 3-speed automatic transmission, which drives a 9-inch
axle and mild, 2.75 gears to effortless highway cruising. That
powertrain hangs in a heavy-duty suspension, which mixes sturdy
disc brakes with requisite power steering. Exhaust is handled by
factory-spec pipes, which fame a Ford-branded muffler. Like the
car's engine bay, that undercarriage is clean, honest and certainly
not afraid of wet weather. And everything rolls on stylish alloy
turbines, which spin 225/75R15 Hankook Optimo whitewalls around
gold-stamped center caps.
INTERIOR
Decked in bright white leather, the Bill Blass-themed interior is
just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in
exquisite '70s luxury. Pillowy seats, featuring a reclining option
for the front passenger and standard power adjustment for the
driver and front passenger, are nicely padded pieces that feel
every bit as supple as they look. In front of those mitts, a
wood-trimmed dash hangs an optional CB radio, an optional
Quadrasonic 8-track player and a cool Miles to Empty fuel indicator
amid factory climate control, conservative factory telemetry and a
requisite Cartier clock. At the sides of that ledge,
leather-trimmed door panels frame an array of chrome power
accessory switches. And in front of the driver, an attractive
steering wheel highlights factory Speed Control.
OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION
An original Owner's Manual
Original factory accessory literature
An original Ownercard
Purchase documents from the car's 1982 sale (to its most recent
owner)
- Manley Motor Sales Purchase Order
- Manley Motor Sales invoice
- Odometer Mileage Statement
- A Ford Dealer Used Car Owner Security Plan
A stack of vintage Illinois registrations that begins in 1992 and
runs through 1998
Now that they're over the AACA's 25-year age limit, '70s luxury
cars are becoming increasingly popular as both show queens and road
kings. These days, it seems everyone wants a high-strung curve
carver, making this Continental's superlative road manners,
full-size comfort and smooth V8 the fruits of a bygone era. There
simply can't be many Malaise Era cruisers that are more interesting
than this dauntless beast. And since the car is a designer Lincoln,
it's certainly the cream of the crop. If you're looking for a cool
classic that's also tastefully unique, this opulent coupe will not
disappoint!
SUMMARY
A well-maintained survivor that was owned by the same family for 35
of its 38-year existence
Correct 400 cubic inch Cleveland V8
Correct Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission
Factory air conditioning
Bill Blass leather interior / Optional 8-track audio / Optional CB
radio
Bill Blass White and Midnight Blue Metallic paint / Gold outlining
stripes / Bill Blass optional Carriage Roof
15-inch alloy turbine wheels
Sale includes an original Ownercard and purchase documents from the
car's 1982 sale (to its most recent owner)
Factory power steering / Factory 4-wheel power disc brakes
Ford 9-inch rear axle / 2.75 gears