Vehicle Description
1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V
The Lincoln Continental was a series of mid-sized and full-sized
luxury cars produced by Lincoln, a division of the American
automaker Ford Motor Company. The model line was introduced
following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford,
who commissioned a coach built 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible,
developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln
buyers. In what would give the model line its name, the exterior
was given European "continental" styling elements, including a
rear-mounted spare tire. Along with the creation of the personal
luxury car segment, the Lincoln Continental marked the zenith of
several designs in American automotive history. The Continental is
the final American vehicle line with a factory-produced V12 engine
(1948), the final four-door convertible (1967), and the final model
line to undergo downsizing (for the 1980 model year).
For consignment, a last year holdout to the eventual downsizing
that was going to take place the very next year. This particular
car comes to us in need of some TLC but still presents well and has
plenty of life left in it. It comes in very nicely preserved
condition and makes heavy use of white on the exterior steel slabs,
and the padded Landau roof. Blue is the accenting color inside, and
there are plenty of conveniences added to this large and in charge
square and rectangle design of the times car. This will be a head
turner in any driveway, mostly because of its large and in charge
presence.
Exterior
A big squared off chromed grille is flanked by dual hidden
headlights and has a big chrome bumper with rubber inserts below.
Vertical rectangular parking and signal lights are on either corner
of the front quarters, which frame the front tire, have a few vents
in the side, and run up to the massive doors on either side. A
white vinyl top in good clean condition can be seen above chrome
framed trimmed windows. We do note some invasive rust starting and
leaving a stain at the base of the roof on the drivers side. On
back the ubiquitous covered spare tire, and cars namesake, now
integrated into the trunk lid and serves only as embellishment at
this point. Dual vertical V shaped taillights are on each corner,
much like the front signal lights, and a nicely preserved bumper is
below. Some white vinyl moldings are above a stainless rocker trim,
and these trim pieces run the length of the car. A dual pinstripe
is on the beltline, and chrome surrounds the wheel wells on all
corners. Turbine style wheels with a big central wheel nut shape
are wrapped in thin whites on all 4 corners.
Interior
Blue overstuffed square buttoned leather covers the split front
bench and rear bench. All of the seating areas show some wear to
one degree or another with the driver's seat being the worst and
showing a few tears and deep cracking of the upholstery. Upfront a
center armrest folds down for each of the driver and passenger.
Door panels are blue, all clean, and have some chrome trimmings
along with a wood applique panel which houses the power windows,
seat controls, and side view mirror toggle. These panels are very
nicely stitched and padded to the hilt. The original square and
rectangle design dash is upfront and is topped by a blue padded
dash top and sides. Inside are wonderful wood veneer applique
panels which show in a crotch walnut grain pattern, and beautifully
provide a background for the square chromed gauges. The steering
wheel is also blue and has the wood applique with cruise control
buttons at your fingertips. Climate controls, and a digital readout
AM/FM/8 Track stereo unit with a Ford CB is inserted. Above is a
nice tight clean headliner draped in blue, and blue carpet floods
all floors presenting in respectable condition.
Drivetrain
A rise of the massive hood that the NFL could have played their
last game on (yes...it's that large!) reveals a clean unrestored
big 400ci V8. It is topped with a 2-barrel carburetor, and on back
is a C6 automatic transmission. A Ford 9-inch rear is noted for the
rear axle.
Undercarriage
Nice aged patina surfaces with copious amounts of surface rust are
seen underneath. We do note some invasive rust at the rear of the
frame near the bumper supports that will need remedied. Independent
coil springs for the front suspension, and a 4 link with coil
spring setup is on the back. Power disc brakes aid the stopping
upfront, and power drums complete it on the rear.
Drive-Ability
This big 400 cubed engine Ford right up and idled with a whisper.
However, our test drive was cut short as the brake pedal went to
the floor when we pressed it. In the meantime, we were able to
check other functions, and all were good with the exception of the
reverse lights.
A cruiser in need of some TLC right out of 1979 that states "gas
crisis be damned", back in the day if you could afford the car, you
could certainly afford the gas to go into it. A small price to pay
for the ultimate luxury you are treated to on the interior, and
visually you are an instant big shot with the exterior size. Cared
for but not pampered, minimal rust, this car is late 70's luxury
before the downsize candy, and it's in all day sucker form and
size.
VIN DECODE
9Y89S740212
9-1979
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
89-Continental Mark V
S-400ci V8 2bbl 159hp
740212-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 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.
