Vehicle Description
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.
Exterior
Long 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.
Interior
A swing of the doors and we have padded vinyl in faux leather
pattern cream, aiding tastefully with molded vinyl, and wood
applique 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 applique with squared off white faced gauges, chromed
slider levers, and lots-o-warning lights. An original steering
wheel with more wood applique 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.
Drivetrain
With 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.
Undercarriage
As 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-Ability
A 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 DECODE
8Y89A842818
8-1978
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
89-MKIV Hardtop
A-460ci V8 4bbl
842818-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.
