This Enormous Lincoln Mark V was a Decadent End to the Full Size Personal Luxury Coupes of the 1970s
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- Yes, I know we did a Mark V a couple of months ago, but this one is a better example, and more fun to highlight. This Wedgewood Blue 1978 model is loaded with options, and has the desirable 460ci under the hood, the last giant engine offered by the big three in a production car.
The Mark V, though cliched even upon its arrival, was the right car for the right time (in terms of customer tastes), but the wrong car for the Malaise era, where downsizing and small engines ruled the day - In defiance of all that, the Mark V was actually larger than its predecessor, and retained a 460ci V8 after most companies had gone to a displacement far lower.
They sold well, though Ford sacrificed long-term planning for short term gain, and their failure to establish a smaller coupe earlier cost them going in to the 1980s. Either way, the world is now better off with a few of these gorgeous dinosaurs prowling the boulevards today.
Full review and test drive by Bill of Curious Cars. Vehicle is for sale at Autohaus of Naples, online at www.autohausnap..., or on the phone at (239) 263-8500.
For anyone who thinks land yachts ended in the 70s, I had a 95 Fleetwood Brougham. 225" long. Right up there with many of these 70s beasts but with an LT1, overdrive trans, air bags, ABS, traction control, etc. Best of both worlds, from the factory.
Bill’s sigh is my new ring tone for my X wife
Look at his Ford Probe video. I commented all the times he sighs in that one. 😆
She sounds like a lovely woman.
Don't cut down on any rambling, your videos are my new favorite car videos on TH-cam. Your ramblings are what make your videos so geniuine and organic! Nothing scripted!
The most beautiful car ever!! My favorite of all time. Please Bill don't shorten the videos! Make them longer, much longer!! Your knowledge of the cars, the history of the company, model etc is amazing as is your presentation and humor! You are my favorite channel by far!! You could do a 3 hr review on a sunbeam toaster from 1975 and I would be glued to my phone, not to mention an expert on sunbeam toasters!!
Never been a Ford/Lincoln guy but man I have an itch for one after watching these videos. Teenager in the seventies. Best era ever.
Yeah... best era ever if you were white!
For God's sake never cut down on the rambling, it's what we're here for... and the cats... and the goats... and the birds... and the Canadians... and... oh, you get the friggin' idea.
Gun compartments and child retention nets
I tell him the same thing! He says he ought to shorten the videos, but I say ramble and rave on. It makes it well worth the time to watch his videos.
Spot on. Add to that all the history of the car being reviewed makes a rollicking video.
Not to mention the many places to store a nice gun or some drug in the cars ! 🤣🤣🤣
I love it too, Michael. Bill, hope you're reading this. Don't forget to say "SHIT!" when you're aggravated!
My older brother had this car in like 83-85 when I was 16-18. But something tells me that his was a 77? Same color. Brings me back! ✌🏻😍👍🏻
My first car was a 90 Mark VII, I can tell you as an older millennial, the personal luxury vehicle, I will never forget. Lincoln did it right!!!!
Little old lady next door still has her 1979 Mk V, it's still pampered & driven almost daily. No accidents, beautiful original pale yellow paint. Haven't even tried to buy it off of her, she has 5 kids who all want it, but she's determined to have church auction or raffle it off for charity when she can't drive any longer, just to do an end run around any possible family bickering over it.
I have a 91 LSC Special Edition and I don’t think I’ll ever get rid of it. I love that car and the Mark VII is probably my favorite design next to the III, V, and late 70’s Town car. They’re all so beautiful it’s hard to pick my favorite
@@billolsen4360 maybe you can date her and drive the car
@@davidjames666 She might get excited to date me on the sly and do an end run around my wife as her swan song!!
Life is so much better when accompanied by Bill's world weary sigh.
Indeed!
People say they'd like Morgan Freeman to narrate their lives, I'd rather Bill
@@V8_screw_electric_cars Haha.
Look at his Ford Probe video. I commented all the times he sighs. 😆
@v8 Bill should do my eulogy and he’s welcome to smile, chuckle, complain have coronavirus whiskey and slap my mother on the back side if he pleases she’d probably like it 🤪😜
My first car was a late 70’s Lincoln continental town car in silver with a red velour interior that I paid $500 for. Being a young man, I had some memorable rendezvous in it. I took it to an old drive with friends and we’d lie down on the hood. The 8 track worked, and it drove like a champ. I still miss that car.
Same here!..in ‘88 I bought ‘79 a silver/grey Towncar..crushed red velour interior also lol..$800..best money I EVER spent.
I’ll never forget that car. It truly was something else altogether.
@@goodbonezz1289 you get it. That crushed red velour beat the pants off leather. I drove it from Nashville to upstate NY the day after I bought it. I bought it in ‘91. No trouble at all, except staying awake on the way. It was almost too comfortable.
I would LOVE to have a Lincoln Continental Town Car. I appreciate the vehicle so very much. I’m looking for one as a first car, and I’ve got some money, but finding one for sale in New England has been a struggle. It’s all a game of waiting!
I like how the Mark V was supposed to be more "sporty" than town car lol
@@e.f.clarke2041 you honestly can’t go wrong with a Town car. Very reliable, safe, and the best ride available. There are a good amount listed on CL..the last one I had was a 2004 and the wood on the steering wheel was the best. There’s one for sale in Braintree for $4k..not too bad :)
how have i gone years without knowing about this channel, killer reviews Billy. informative yet comedic, amazing.
Did anyone else's respect for Bill get kicked up a couple of notches when he put in the George Jones tape?
Calton liked that
This is easily the best car review channel on the internet, even though Bill seems to be nostalgic for George Jones, malaise era engines, Jimmy Carter and the second gas crunch as much as he hates animals and hot weather. It makes the channel.
Dude talks too much about non-issues. These videos could easily be half the length and would keep my interest.
Fourteen minutes to open the trunk ........ I'm lovin' it ! Keep up the history Bill . As a Brit , I'm learning heaps .
I think everyone knew they were in for a treat without even watching a second of the video! Thanks a ton, Bill!
You're very kind, E.F. Thank you.
I hit like before the videos even start
@@justinstiff5641 He could review goat crap and we’d still all be interested. 😆😁
@@justinstiff5641 same!
@@curiouscars9282 I love your videos and I don't even watch them, I listen to them as I drive my truck down the highway. I m about your age and I grew up listening to radio shows and I imagine all the things you're talking about. Keep the rambling up. Love the storied history of make, models and car companies. Love the humor.
Keep up the reviewing. We all will be here waiting. Racing stuff, shop stuff, the cars , drive around naples, just do what you want and we will be here to watch. Thanks again. Keep up the good work and the whiskey therapy lol
You mentioned the lack of "woo-ooo" when you got on the gas - the large oil filter-like container hanging off the side of the 460 air cleaner is the resonator that cancels the drone of open secondaries. I had a '76 Thunderbird in the past, and one of the first things I did was remove that resonator and cut a hole to mount another factory Ford breather tube on the driver's side. You could REALLY hear all 4 throats open then!
I like the way you think ! 😀
I had wondered what that "out of place" looking piece was on the air cleaner? It makes sense now. Pull that setup off and put in a nice aftermarket old school open element for cruising and effect and slap on the factory one for the car shows.
i dunno, i always thought the deafening silence of these behemoths as they eerily glide down the motorway was a part of the charm
The more miserable you are (weather and animal wise) the MORE entertaining the video is 🤣😂 I Love IT
I don't wish ill on anyone but I love it when he's crabby about something.
He actually loves the weather and animals.
As much as I LOVE Jay Leno and Jay Lenos Garage.. I enjoy watching your videos MORE! I have been watching your content since the beginning and right now you're in your prime with telling the history of the cars history and of course your natural organic rambling comedy! I LOVE IT! Keep it coming!!!!
This Mark reminds me of the '72 Mark IV my brother bought in the middle of the first energy crunch, late '73, from a freaked out owner for $4,000. What a deal even though it got 9 mpg. Great memory of a land yacht.
I started watching your videos about 3 weeks ago and I can't get enough of them. I want to see you make a video on EVERY car ever made!
Bill, do NOT shorten your vids! I consider myself to be pretty well versed in American automotive history, and I'm roughly 10 years older than you, but Dude, you kick my ass in your knowledge! I've learned a lot of interesting automotive tidbits from you! Keep 'em coming!
Bill’s at the top of his game today!
Not only by bringing us this 70’s jewel, but also his always savvy comments.
(....George Jones music included).
And rambling
That model was the entry level. Most had leather, upgraded stereo, turbine solid wheels and gold accents everywhere. 1979 was the last year for the big Lincoln and T-Bird from Ford.
That was the top-of-the-line stereo - the quadraphonic 8-track with AM/FM stereo.
This one is much nicer than the one with the crazy wheels reviewed earlier.
When I was a teenager up near Boston, I used to deliver alot of brand new Mark V's for Ford. Loved driving them. They were the pinnacle of luxury, alongside the big ass caddy which I delivered alot of. Fabulous vehicles. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.
Seeing this Lincoln it's like watching an episode of Cannon.
@Dale Kanis ... That's hilarious, phat law-man Cannon, P.I.
Cannon never drove the Mark V
He started out in a Lincoln Continental sedan and went straight for the Continental Mark III after smashing the sedan.
He drove all model years of the Mark IV.
That's IT! I'd forgotten all about him.
@@billolsen4360
I have the DVD box set with all episodes. I wanted a Mark IV ever since I watched it on TV. 😊
CANNON.... starring William Conrad.... tonight's episode... deception in the desert.... also featuring other stars from The Rockford Files
I should be doing yesterday’s homework but Bill matters way more, especially when it’s an early upload!
Same here 😅
Thank you for showing this vintage land yacht and love your presentation of it, you are a character.
Absolutely beautiful car. These enormous tanks typified, especially to the rest of the world, American culture as much as burgers and fries. It's such a shame American's drive cars now as boring as the rest of us...
This is a great looking car. The moonroof was one of the most expensive option on the Lincoln in the 70's.
I only thought those were on the Diamond Jubilee‘s and the Bill Blass edditions
@@e.f.clarke2041 No. If you had the money, the sky is the limit ☺.
I can comfortably watch the videos multiple times. Keep em coming Bill.
I worked at a Lincoln dealership in Stillwater, OK in the 70's in the body shop. So I worked on these when new. Loved it.
Mike were then VERY expencive ??
You are very brave taking that car for a drive with 1/8th of a tank of gas....
I try to commission a tanker whenever I go cruising in my Mark 3 so I can fuel mid-flight, lol.
Too bad the chime wasn’t standard equipment. It sounded like the elevator at Bergdorf’s. Great review, though. Here’s hoping for more Marks!
This was when Chrysler added voice reminders,,,"A door is ajar",,,or A door is a jar,,,always wondered which one it was,,,lol
Love this guy. I'd buy a car from you sight unseen if I lived in the US. Keep the vids coming. Superb coverage and lovely choice of vehicles.
Bill's sigh is all of us if we don't hear about baby containment, goats, cats. birds, and random 80's nostalgia.
Wait. This thing has an emergency Credence 8-track cassette? SOLD!
High-5s to everyone who knows what "quadrophonic" was 🖐
Sitting around the campfire in Nova Scotia discussing your fabulous videos. Sorry about the anoying Snowbirds we send you each winter.Please do not lump all Canadians in with your back seaters. Love this car my hubby's dad died in 1980 and he loved this kind of car even though he only had a 77 T Bird.
Love the channel . I'm 38, just getting into collecting old Lincoln's and Cadillacs. Your channel is a great source of cold hard facts and irrelivent happenings going on behind the scenes in the era of car your covering.
The dark green givenchy with velour interior is my fave😊
I liked the Bill Blass blue one best but all 4 were awesome. Great times back then!
I follow you all the time,I’m 57 and totally understand you
I had the same eight track tape. Used to play it when we went on road trips. My son who was about ten at the time became a big Jones fan as a result.
My neighbor had a brand new one back in 1979 and it was pink outside and pink inside. I always called it the Pink Panther
Too funny! What a wild combo!
Neat a Mary Kay reward car
@@byronoda1258 No she was an older woman who wasn't a Mary Kay lady. It was a special order right from Ford. It was a metallic pink and it was actually cool looking
@@hamerplayer1229 That’d be one neat MK V to have.
I am sure it would be easier if he just silenced his phone but I am glad he doesn't. His reactions are priceless!
For the love of god says Bill
@@justinstiff5641 Siiiiiigh.....
When cars like this died America died to became an imitation of Europe an imitation that most Americans don't understand!!!
Damn, as a European I have to say that, of the US did try and become Euro, you didn't achieve it. At best a caricature, but realistically the US never really tried to be Euro.
"Ive got 50 pictures of people calling me" - Classic Bill. 🤣🤣🤣
My parents bought a new black one with a splt vinyl roof in silver with silver velour interior, I drove it on vacation and took my drivers test in it; it was breathtaking.
Who else wants Peter to get an ostrich just for bills videos.
Please god please yes yes yesterday
I could just imagine that viscous thing pecking at him while he circles the vehicle cursing 🤬 for the love of god why
He’d shoot the fuck out of that thing.
It would be like The Omen only with an ostrich.
@@kyletaylor9550 LOLOLOL This made me smile.
Always entertaining and always educational .This channel is easily top 5 of YT car channels, thanks Bill .
26:37....HOW did you manage to get the one song that epitomizes this car (Billy Joel: "Best bet's a true baby blue Continental..." on the radio when you turned it on?!? Absolutely EPIC!!! 😃
Thanks again for another informative and funny video Bill. You always make my day better....
i love my 1978 Mark V. That thing flies with it's 460 motor. Mine is white,with burgandy half top and moon roof, Maroon cloth interior. heck even the clock still works.
I have a 79 just like this except with blue leather and absolutely LOVE it. I get a thumbs every time I drive it, second glances and comments from people too young to remember this car and from those who do and loved them back in the day. I NEVER get tired of looking at it and the lines so wonderfully sculpted on it. It is a masterpiece of design despite being too long for my garage. Get one if you ever have a chance and enjoy the frequent trips to the gas station as it is a thirsty big car but totally worth every penny!
I have been glad to own my 79 also bro 😎 these cars are amazing to me
There are so many things from the 70’s that we can’t explain away easily. The huge personal coupes being right at the top of the list. Everyone had one. Car and Driver described it best - it’s like opening a bank vault to find a piggy bank inside (although I think they were writing about a Camaro)
That's right. And I think the appeal of the personal luxury car was in its looks and not in its practicality, as it was huge on the outside and not all that roomy on the inside. Style played a big part in everything in the 70s.
@Vincent James Voice I know. I had a '77 Grand Prix. Same deal.
as a family we had a couple of Lincolns, I am a Cadillac guy myself but man o man Lincolns were so comfortable to be a passenger in, I just miss them.
Great car! I owned a 1977 Thunderbird with the optional vinyl roof and the 400 ci V8. It also had the sports instrumentation group which gave you the turn style aluminum dash with the full gauge cluster. Also had the sports suspension. I loved that car and was infatuated with Farrah Fawcett that promoted the Thunderbird in the tv commercials.
The best car reviewer out there🥇
Tired of all those wannabe teenager that call themselves car guys.
More 60s-90 American cars👍🏼
Funny how the steering wheel in the ultra luxurious Lincoln is the same one found in the pickup trucks.
I grew up with these cars as I had an uncle that worked at the Ford plant in Mahwah, NJ for decades until it closed down and he retired. They had a 1978 Colony Park wagon that was the biggest car I'd ever seen and it fit with just bare inches to spare in their single car garage.
My uncle worked for Ford too. Was he an early employee when it opened in 1955/56 or start at another plant before transferring to Mahwah? Not many retired from Mahwah and many were forced to go to Edison. Some went to Lorain and Norfolk.
Ya paint a helluva picture cruisin in that buggy !🥃🥃👊🏼
"I have like 50 photos of people calling me" Im fucking ded, love you Bill 😂😂
This V is gorgeous! A great find! It's fun when you show pics of stuff -- even that handsome Dalton. (You should make him shave his gnarly beard as a contest prize) Loved the Cordoba reference too. You have a certain magic when you present these. Thanks!!
Still love these cars. They are the pinnacle of the enormous American luxury coupe, especially the Bill Blass edition.
Don't change a thing about the show. Love this car! Thank you
Love it! Always a pleasure coming along for the ride...and listening to your knowledgeable and entertaining commentary😄
Probably the most satisfying car I ever owned was my 1972 Mark IV. It was yellow/white. I really wanted the, don't know the official name, chocolate brown paint. "Going for a drive" had meaning with that car. I think of it often still.
I know this is crazy... I like the 5 mph bumpers.
One of my favorite things in curious car videos is "FOR THE LOVE OF GOD"!
I love these big old cars, took my drivers test in 53 Cadillac funeral limo. Didn’t have to do the parking test😀
Drove many of these mid-late 70's living rooms while in my 20's. Pure cruising machines ! Steer with your pinky, slam on the brakes with the tip of your toe - bedroom in the back seat - lighters and ashtrays everywhere - simple to repair. I had to switch to pick ups when they stopped making tankers like this. Thanks for the ride-along ! Great Memories !!!
Bill - Takes screen shot when he doesn't want to 'Stupid iPhone'
Me - Cannot take screen shot even when I want to 'Stupid iPhone'
lol
I have acquired a 79 Mark recently, 24000 original miles, still had original tires, she's white with maroon leather interior along with Maroon landau vinyl and maroon body side moldings. Everything works including the 8track. Wife and I took her out for maiden voyage this evening, to the gas station. Lol then back to garage before rain. Love this car, no money could make me part with it, EVER
How do you know the 8 track works? Where the heck did you find one to test?
I love these big sleds, I had one way back when, I wish my 18 Continental rode like this. No real problems with goats, birds cats or Dalton!! Great day in Florida!!! 👍🙂
My grandparents had this car in the same color with real wire rims and white walls. Such a plush car!
you broke the needle from the speedometer haha. A few days ago i saw a Mark V here in Germany , on the streets in the city it looks like the Queen Mary on a River . The PI Frank Cannon drove this car in a TV Serie , since this time i love the car .
That speedometer was definitely not working right. It must have been reading at least 25mph higher than the actual speed when Bill was on the highway.
We had a family friend .A Dr my mom worked for .He had one of these Mark V it was all white ,interior ,vinyl ,and paint 2 door coupe. I loved that car.
Thank you Bill! Super review of an american classic. I owned a mk3, mk5, and a mk7. Agree with you, I am an absolute pushover for hidden headlights. I loved all my lincoln's, but the mk3 was my favorite. It was a real sleeper, way more motor than the suspension could handle.....
Wish they still made seats like that these days as almost everything now days is rock hard with rock hard ride quality.
How can somebody be so negative? You have a beautiful day and a beautiful car.
This is unquestionably the BEST LOOKING LUXURY CAR FORD EVER PRODUCED, PERIOD. That includes cars that are in production today. The Mark V beats them all. This is the car that I wish Ford would go back to and build a modernized version for today.
The fact that this thing has auto dimming headlights n that’s not even base model option in today market is insane
In 2005 I bought a red '79 Mark V, and I loved watching my DVD's of "Starsky & Hutch", seeing the villains driving my car! My car had zero cup holders, and six ashtrays! Priorities!
Nothing says I have ARRIVED like one of these cars love it!
Damned birds - what was God thinking? lol My mom's friend always had a Lincoln, and she had one of these in a deep blue. You could live out of one of these with all that storage space! Billy Joel on the FM - perfect for '78 - did you stage that? Love your videos, love this car. I had a 280ZX Turbo - most fun car to drive I ever owned. Bill you are so darned funny - the "smoker's window". Perfect name.
I normally prefer GM and Chrysler, but this Continental is BEAUTIFUL! Such a clean, nicely styled and appointed car. That wedgewood blue with the square white and crystal clocks. Gorgeous!!
Your ranting makes my ranting better. You are the king.
Deep Purple! Hell yeah! Now you’re talkin’ my language. The heavy metal rock band with the organ! 😎
Wowza that color is so beautiful. Baby blue I see youuuuuu
I sold these brand new in 1978 and 1979 to law firms in Los Angeles. The four door Continental got 6 mpg. . . well, gas was 68 cents a gallon.
I WORK FOR FORD -I DID WARRANTY WORK ON THESE /THESE WERE ONE OF THE BEST CARS FORD EVER MADE-/LOVE THE 460 V8 MOTOR
Thank you for sharing. You can appreciate the luxury and style on this vehicle. They do not make cars like this anymore...
My grandparents had a canary yellow 1975 LTD coupe with a black vinyl top. WOW was that thing just a TANK! I LOVED that car as a child / young teen.. it had a 400 or so (i looked at the blue sticker on the side of the block but can't exactly remember 400 403 whatever it was) man was that car awesome! It had the old Ford power steering if you just bumped the wheel it would start that long wheelbase turning with such ease.. Sadly it was sold when I turned 16.. the family really didn't want me having that much power as a kid, and I totally understand now, but was broken at the time.. : )
Lot of good childhood memories in that car.
My grandfather owned one.
Dove gray Cartier edition.
Sheer beauty, we will never see the like again, why oh why, did they stop producing them.
People stopped buying them
More proper than the white one w the Bronx wheels indeed 👌
Just look at it. That’s a CAR!!!
Lincolns were presidential cars. Every mob boss or a corporate leader had a Lincoln. Elvis had a Mark iv. Cadillacs were more for new rich types.
I'm in Northern Wisconsin, Bill, and we absolutely hate humidity. Love your videos!!
The large bumpers really spoiled the looks of these big coupes. The ones in 72 were the original intended look. A neighbor of mine purchased a new 76 "Conti" as he called it, with a 460 and a towing prep package to pull his 28' Airstream trailer. He said that the car towed the silver trailer like a dream.
My dad was pretty impressed by the special braking system that was called Hydro boost. We also pulled a large RV trailer and the neighbor and my dad discussed this unique feature at some length because of how much better it performed. These big coupes had a very good 4 wheel disc brake setup from the factory, which must have been a big factor in his choice of the "Conti" as a tow vehicle.
Great report. I had two Mark IVs, best cars ever. The quad (4 channel) 8 track was amazing.
NOTE: LEAVE your cell phone in the house.
Bill, you have no idea the joy of seeing a new video uploaded! Thanks !!!
Ahhh the 70's. Cars almost 20' long, a vinyl roof, and a trunk that sleeps 6.