1978 Lincoln Continental

The 1978 Lincoln Continental, available as both a hardtop coupe and a sedan, was similar to the prior year's model. Exterior changes include modifications to the rear fender skirt and wheel lip molding. The interior was given a new wide center folding armrest and changes to the door armrests. The instrument panel had restyled knobs and controls, along with a new high gloss wood-tone applique. A low windshield washer fluid warning light was also new. The glovebox door received padding. New options included wire wheel covers, lighted outside thermometer, and an integral garage door opener.

The Lincoln Town Coupe and Town Car option packages continued. The base engine was an overhead valve V8 that displaced 6.6 liters and offered 166 horsepower and 319 lb-ft of torque. An optional 7.5-liter V8 brought horsepower to 210 BHP. A SelectShift three-speed automatic transmission with column shift was standard.

Mechanical changes were made to the engine, which included a low-restriction fresh-air intake, helping to improve its fuel economy. An electronic voltage regulator and maintenance-free batter was also new.

Prices on the 1978 Town Car and Sedan rose by $500 in comparison to the prior year's models. The Hardtop Coupe sold for nearly $10,000 while the 4-door Sedan had a base price of $10,165.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2017