Bill Blass Edition Mark V Survivor 23,959 Actual Miles 400V8 Auto A/C

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!

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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