Documented 12,032 Actual Mile Triple Black Continental Mark V 400 V8 Leather AC

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 backs a full ownership history with a Deluxe Marti Auto Works report. And if you've been 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.

HISTORY/CONDITION

'70s metal features some of the most ornate styling from the Malaise Era. And this coupe's classy black paint is the perfect canvas for far-flung detail. In fact, the car's luxurious yet traditional pigment is decidedly stately, proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. While that paint is largely original, it has been touched up and blended in a few areas due to an overzealous buffer. That's right, the only repairs this Lincoln has ever endured were because one of its previous owners cared a little too much.

Speaking of previous owners, this classic enjoys a fully documented ownership history. Ordered new from Stu Evans Lincoln in Southgate, Michigan, the car was delivered to Edward Lewandowski, a resident of Wyandotte, Michigan who also happened to be a Ford Executive. Ed kept the car in great condition for a little over 25 years, eventually parting with it in 2004. Owner number two, a Vancouver, B.C. resident, kept the car for 10 years before trading it on a Cadillac. Owner number three sold the car almost as fast as he purchased it, since he mentioned the acquisition to a friend, owner number four, who had always wanted a big Lincoln. And the car's present owner, a North Carolina resident, signed the title back in 2014.

Today, thanks to 40 years of great care, this cool Dearborn creation is in excellent condition. 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, color-keyed bodyside molding and polished rocker guards. A tinted, stainless-trimmed greenhouse centers an optional moonroof amid traditional door handles, classy mirrors, small opera windows and a correct Valino roof. And at the back of the car, a second broad bumper frames spotless taillights and a fully dressed Continental decklid that's finished with a small “MARK V” script and a cleverly disguised lock cylinder.

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. Bright Ford Blue skin covers the mill from its unique air cleaner all the way down to its deep oil pan. The car's Satin Black fenders are clean, its firewall straight, and all the places you'd expect rust to hide are essentially solid and untouched. And overall, this Lincoln looks every bit as road ready as it was in 1979.

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 and drum brakes with requisite power steering. Exhaust is handled by factory-replacement pipes, which fame a replacement muffler. Like the car's engine bay, that undercarriage is clean, honest and certainly not afraid of wet weather. And everything rolls on gorgeous alloy turbines, which spin 235/75R15 American Classic whitewalls around gold-stamped center caps.

INTERIOR

Naturally, the plush leather 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 conservative telemetry and a stylish Cartier clock next to factory climate control, an optional 8-track player and a cool Miles to Empty fuel indicator. At the sides of that ledge, leather-trimmed door panels frame an array of power accessory switches. And in front of the driver, an attractive steering wheel spins factory Speed Control around a tilting column.

PROVENANCE

According to Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works, this clean coupe was bolted together in Wixom, Michigan on May 17th, 1979. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report:

DOOR DATA:

SERIAL NUMBER: 9Y89S758636
* 9 – 1979 model year
* Y – Built in Wixom, Michigan
* 89 – Mark V 2-door coupe
* S – 400 cubic inch, 2V V8 engine
* 758636 -- Serial number of this Lincoln scheduled for production at Wixom
* 05-79 – Scheduled to be built in May of 1979
* 1C – Black paint
* 34 – Detroit DSO (District Sales Office)
* 65D – Mark V 2-door coupe
* VA – Black Valino full vinyl roof
* BA – Black leather interior with twin comfort lounge seats
* A – Air conditioner
* 5 – AM/FM stereo that's complete with an 8-track player
* B – Power moonroof
* 2 – 2.75 conventional rear axle
* U – C6 automatic transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* Black Valino full vinyl roof
* Power moonroof
* Miles to Empty fuel gauge
* Steel-belted radial tires with white sidewalls
* Collapsible spare tire delete
* Defroster Group
* Speed Control
* Tilt steering wheel
* Power seats
* Reclining passenger seat
* AM/FM stereo that's complete with an 8-track player
* Intermittent windshield wipers
* Appearance Protection Group
* Right hand remote control side mirror

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OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

* A vintage sales brochure
* Two original Build Sheets
* A vintage Owner's Manual
* Vintage photos of car being used in a wedding
* A complete ownership history
* The aforementioned Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
* A reproduction Window Sticker
* A Marti Auto Works production breakdown
* A small tool kit
* A few spare parts

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 nicer than this, and a classically themed Lincoln is most definitely the one to own. If you're looking for a cool classic that's also tastefully unique, this opulent sedan will not disappoint!

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SUMMARY

* A well-maintained survivor that's believed to have logged only 12,032 miles
* Correct 400 cubic inch Cleveland V8
* Correct Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission
* Factory air conditioning
* Leather interior / Optional 8-track audio
* 15-inch alloy turbine wheels
* Sale includes: Two original Build Sheets / A complete ownership history / A Deluxe Marti Auto Works Report
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes
* Ford 9-inch rear axle / 2.75 gears