1978 Continental Mark V - Spectacularly Preserved -- 14,409 Actual Miles on 2040-cars

1978 Continental Mark V --  Spectacularly Preserved --14,409 Actual Miles

Here is a fully-optioned Mark V that has rarely seen direct sunlight, stored since the end of the 70s under blankets in the original owners' garage. Not 

a designer edition, this striking automotive landmark represents Lincoln's full-sized, personal luxury coupe in its purest form. 

The 1977-79 Mark V was Lincoln's final three-year run of the Mark in a decade that celebrated "huge". It is widely considered the best built and designed of the later 70s American luxury coupes, sharp of line and still elegant. This car, uncovered not far from the dealership that sold it, retains all the sparkle and freshness it had when it was purchased brand new.  

Attention-grabbing in Dark Red Metallic Moondust and larger than life, this gorgeous Mark V has clocked a scant 14,409 miles since it left the assembly plant in Wixom, MI. It is highly optioned and fully-documented, and comes complete with every tag, manual or piece of paperwork it was factory or dealer supplied with, including the original window sticker, metal ownercard, and not one, but two build sheets. The smallest details original to the car are intact -- a reminder label to make sure the gear selector is engaged in park, the Ford plastic envelop that can also "be used as a litter bag", even the driver's starting instructions still mint and wrapped around the visor.     

Purchased in July, 1978, for a hefty $16,082 at McKinney Lincoln-Mercury in Salem, Oregon, this Mark was little driven, and lovingly stored for decades.  

Motive power is the 7.5 litre 460, an option for 78 and phased out in 79. The big block is complemented by a four barrel and optional dual exhaust system, and though all Detroit engines were now de-tuned, it still packs 360 lbs. of torque. In standard trim, the Mark V was already loaded, but this coupe came with an additional 21 options as shown on the window sticker. Among the extra-cost amenities are power vent windows, miles to empty indicator, and a time-capsule quadraphonic eight track. (See full option list below). 

The massive doors swing easily. Opening one, you are greeted by the Red/Rose Luxury Group interior, well padded with leather and a delight. All is as new and unmarked, and amazingly fresh. By appearance, no one has ever sat in rear. Simulated wood paneling is shiny and rich. Air conditioning keeps the cabin wonderfully cool, the second hand on the Cartier clock fluidly spins, and the silence and comfort while gliding down the road are unmatched. You feel the weight and solidity Lincoln engineered into this car. 

So did Lincoln's customers. The new for 77 Mark V handily outsold its nearest competitor, the barge-like Eldorado. Larger than the previous Mark IV, yet 400-500 pounds lighter due to weight-saving metals, the Mark V returned better fuel economy and stopped better as well -- with the advanced Sure-Track four-wheel disc brake system. 

Extreme originality is what this Mark V is all about. It's still rolling on the Michelin 225-15 X radials as equipped, with generous tread left. The optional full-sized spare and jacking equipment has never been remove. The paint and chrome are lovely, the landau roof unfaded, mechanical and electrical systems faultless, every switch or button operates as designed.       

The Continental Mark V, last of the breed. Jock Ewing drove one in the TV series Dallas. That show is gone, but Jock's taste in large and exclusive automobiles is still with us. A survey of the recent sales prices for this American luxury classic shows a dramatic appreciation curve, with no end in sight. This Mark is in the topmost tier of documented, as delivered, extremely low-mileage cars and is offered at an obtainable price. Shipping arranged nationally and internationally. 

Extra Cost Options:

ROOF VINYL - LANDAU

7.5 LITRE/460 ENGINE

PAINT STRIPES - CUSTOM

DUAL EXHAUSTS

FUEL INDICATOR - MILES TO EMPTY

ILLUMINATED ENTRY SYSTEM

INFLATABLE SPARE TIRE - DELETE

DEFROSTER GROUP

STEERING WHEEL - TILT

SPEED CONTROL

SEAT RECLINING - PASSENGER

RADIO - AM/FM STEREO W/ QUADRASONIC  8 TRACK TAPE

WINDSHIELD WIPERS - INTERVAL

RED/ROSE LUXURY GROUP

APPEARANCE PROTECTION GROUP

MIRROR- RIGHT HAND REMOTE CONTROL

INTERIOR LIGHT GROUP

POWER LOCK CONVENIENCE GROUP

POWER VENT WINDOWS

WHEEL COVERS - WIRE

MOLDING - ROCKER PANEL

PREPARATION CENTER SERVICE