The last time that I covered a Lincoln Continental Mark V, such as this 1978 subject from Loch Haven, Pennsylvania, I was a bit disparaging, something that I will not do this time. Late ’70s cars are far from my favorite but they’re entitled to a fair shake and this 22K mile Lincoln is in fabulous condition. We won’t see a rig like this Mark V manufactured again so let’s see what automotive excess was like 45 years ago. Listed here on craigslist, this big Lincoln is available for $12,700. Thanks to Pat L. for this tip!

Offered for three years, ’77-’79, The Mark V measured in at two inches longer (230) than its Mark IV predecessor but tipped the scales at about 400 fewer lbs. (4,800). Yes, it’s still a huge car and definitely what I would call a “Whammer-Jammer”. Popular? You bet, 72K found first-time driveways in ’78 (probably too long for first-time garages!).

I’ll call this example a survivor, it’s all original and it has spent many years in storage. The Dove Gray finish is a bit bland but this big Continental wears it well and there’s no indication of degradation, fade, parking lot mayhem, etc. I suppose opera windows’ main purpose is to provide additional visibility, necessary due to this Mark V’s sizeable C-pillars but they seem like a pointless “luxury” appointment. And it’s not just this Mark V, I’ve questioned their purpose anywhere that they’ve surfaced. I suppose you could load all of your friends into the back seat and they could wave through them, to whomever, as you cruise through town, but that’s about it in the purpose department. Nice to see is the full-length vinyl roof covering, it allows for a more stately appearance as opposed to a half-sized landau covering which is right there with opera windows for purposefulness. Yes, the five MPH bumpers are jutting, but this Lincoln is so outsized that it accommodates them well and they work.

Under the great plains sized hood, is a 210 net HP, 460 CI, “385 Series” V8 engine. The seller doesn’t describe this Mark V’s operating characteristics but I imagine with only 210 HP on tap, acceleration is “leisurely”. The listing does mention, however, “The following is all new: 235/75/R15 WSW tires, shocks, brakes, front end idler arm and bushings and radiator. Recent front-end alignment“.

I’m on the fence with the interior. It’s in fabulous condition, mind you,  but that striped fabric upholstery is unlike any that I’ve ever experienced in a Lincoln of this era or any era for that matter. I like it, it’s just not what I would have expected. The front split bench seat is power-operated, the original Lincoln floor mats are still in place and the A/C blows cold. As with the exterior, the interior appears to require zero attention.

Buy, drive, and enjoy is what I’d say. There is nothing made today that comes even close to this Lincoln coupe’s outsized personality. And in time, cars like this likely won’t even exist. At $12,700, I’d say that this Mark V’s ask is in the ballpark; but what says you, priced right or not quite?