My father bought this vehicle new. Other than routine maintenance and a carburetor rebuild in 1989, the car had no problems.
Upon receiving the car as a graduation present in 2001, I did a complete overhaul on engine and trans as well as the rear end, brakes and suspension systems.
Recently had car interior re upholstered and repainted with a new vilino grain top and trunk cover.
What can I say? I treat this vehicle as if it were a dear family member. I drive it only on the best days and on special occasions. Just about every waking moment of my young life is filled with memories of this beautiful sentinel. I don't think I could ever sell it. It would be too much like selling a part of my life.
The car has just about every option you could get in a Mark V of that year. (My dad did not opt for the C/B Radio, thankfully) I have the triple Midnight Blue with the crushed velvet interior and moonroof (really cool to have on a starry night).
Through the years I have bought other Marks from the 70's (7 total) all of which have been restored except for my 1978 Wedgewood Blue Luxury Group Mark V daily driver, and my current project 1975 Blue Diamond Luxury Group Mark IV (Not to be confused with the 78 Diamond Jubilee) I truly am obsessed with these cars I guess... But hey, I could spend my money on far worse things and not have the rep as that damn show-off kid and those big ass cars!!
I too bought a mark V new in 1977. It was white with maroon half top and two tone maroon and white interior. Paid 12.500 for her with just about every option including the 460 motor.
But what really made the car was I had the 3 fins, the hump on the trunk, and the whole car from front to back, from the door down, was painted maroon to add a little different touch to the look. Also put basket wire wheels on it, and if I must say so, it was one of the most beautiful and classy looking cars on the road. I got stopped wherever I went and got compliments. Till this day I have never seen one that looked like mine in the color scheme that I did, or any other color scheme in the same way I did mine.
I have about 20 pictures of her, and to this day, every time I look at them, I wish I had her back. That car rode better than any car I have ever owned, and I have had 14 new cars in my day. Even in today's cars, the Devilles and Town Cars couldn't shine the Mark V"s shoes. That car was light years ahead of any car at the time.
I had it for 3 years before I sold it, but I would give my left arm to have it back now. They don't build cars like this anymore!!!
I can never see me ever selling any of my cars except for if my wife or young son was to fall ill and I needed the money. My son loves the collector series most because of the chrome tips on the "gills" whenever I go riding in it he HAS to come with me. One day the cycle will continue and it will be him writing about the car that grandpa bought, daddy grew up with and gave to him when he graduates in about 20 years...
I have had three 70's Lincolns since I was 16. A silver blue starfire 1976 Continental Town car and two 79 Town Cars in cream, and the only girl left in all my cars, my triple black sedan with power moonroof. The one car I have never experienced is the Mark V. I was a kid in the late 70's and the V to me seemed to have a life of its own. I might have a chance at a blue Collectors, but I have to drive across the continent to see it. I am throwing caution to the wind and going to see this car. Wish me luck.
To the guy going on the Collector's Series odyssey.
Good luck man. I wrote the comment before yours. If you've never experienced a Mark V, then it's not a good idea to get a Collector's series first. The reason being is that this car completely spoils you and no other Mark even compares after it. It was the meant to be the best Mark that Continental ever made, and it truly was. I hope you are finding one in good condition. If you ever need any technical advice (I happen to be senior technician at the Hyundai dealership in my area, not to mention that I've restored a total of 11 Marks since I started driving and own 7 now) or source for parts or info, email me at Miketastic1982@yahoo.com
Happy motoring and have a safe trip.
M.O.C.
The Lincoln Nut.
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