1977 Lincoln Continental Mark V

The Lincoln Mark V replaced the Mark IV in 1977 with the most significant change being the downsizing of engine options with the standard 460 cubic-inch V8 replaced by a significantly smaller 400 CID, but remaining part of the factory options list. Styling revisions, described as 'sculptured styling,' saw a return of creases and long, straight, knife-edge lines. It was boldly contemporary yet consistent with the traditions that had evolved from the first Continental, with a distinctive chrome-plated grille and the familiar simulated spare tire detail in the rear decklid. They wore concealed headlamps and oval 'opera' windows on the sail panels, vertical taillamps with thin horizontal trim strips, and sharp-edged-style vertical parking lamps. The triple fender louvers were functional, the bumpers had black bumper guards and rub strips, and a bright star stand-up ornament resided on the hood. It wore body side molding and the standard roof was painted metal.

Standard Equipment
The list of standard amenities included power disc brakes at all four corners, numerous lighting accessories, power steering, Michelin steel-belted radial whitewall tires, space-saver spare tire, and functional fender louvers to aid underhood heat dissipation. The interiors were luxurious and well-appointed with Twin Comfort Lounge sets in pleated design with ultra velour fabric, a six-way driver's seat, a new Cartier quartz-crystal clock, automatic temperature control, and an AM/FM monaural radio with four-speakers and power antenna. There was air-conditioning, a two-spoke steering wheel, tinted glass, four lighted ashtrays with lighters, and power windows. New optional items included a CB radio, high-altitude option, illuminated entry, turbine-style cast-aluminum wheels, and a heated left-hand remote mirror with an electric rear defroster.

Performance
The performance was plenty and performed in a quiet, confident, and smooth manner. the 400 CID V8 had Dura-Spark ignition, a cast-iron block and head, 8.0:1 compression, hydraulic valve lifters, five main bearings, a two-barrel Motorcraft carburetor, and delivered 180 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 329 lb-ft of torque at 1,600 RPM. The optional 460 CID V8 produced 208 horsepower at 4,000 RPM and 356 lb-ft of torque at 2,000 RPM. A SelectShift three-speed automatic transmission with column shift controls was standard. The steering was handled by a power-assisted recirculating ball and disc brakes were standard on the Mark V and Versailles. The Continental had front disc and rear drum brakes. Both the Continental and Mark V continued to use a body on perimeter-type ladder frame construction while the new-for-1977 Versailles used a smaller and more efficient unibody setup. The 120.4-inch wheelbase of the two-door, six-passenger Mark V was shorter than the Continentals of 127.2-inches, as was its length of 230.3-inch compared to the 233-inch of the Continental. Its wheelbase was the same as the previous year's platform but its length had decreased by approximately one-inch, and it had shed approximately 300 pounds, mostly from the downsized engine.

Colors
The standard colors for the 1977 Lincoln Mark V included cordovan metallic, light cordovan, black, white, midnight blue, dove gray, dark jade metallic, and cream. The optional Diamond Fire colors were rose, black, light jade, yellow gold, or silver. Optional Moondust colors were ice blue, cinnamon gold, dark red, or ember.

Designer Editions
The optional Designer Editions remained a popular feature of the Mark V, adding a higher level of exclusivity style, and standard amenities. The Bill Blass edition was finished in midnight blue paint with a chamois-color landau vinyl roof with pigskin grain, chamois or midnight blue body side molding, dual chamois paint stripes on the decklid and body side, and a pigskin-grain leather-and-vinyl interior in a new chamois color. The pigskin texture was also utilized on the seating surfaces, door panel inserts, and straps. A full vinyl roof was optional. The Bill Blass insignia adorned the front fender and the opera window, and the 22K gold-finished instrumental panel nameplate with the customer's name engraved was a no-cost-extra option. The turbine-styled cast-aluminum wheels help to convey the distinctive style and opulence of the designer series, and the six-way power passenger's seat added even more luxury for the occupants.

The Cartier Edition was similar to the Bill Blass Edition but was finished in dove gray paint and landau vinyl roof. The interior followed a similar theme with a dove gray leather-and-vinyl interior or optional majestic velour. The body sides wore dove gray moldings and a thin dark red bodyside paint stripe. There were Cartier signature, a Cartier interlocking-C logo on the decklid, and insignia in the opera windows.

The Givenchy Edition was painted dark jade metallic with a chamois-color pigskin half-vinyl roof. The bodyside moldings were chamois-color complemented by dual paint stripes on the bodyside, decklid, and hood. The stripes on the hood and decklid ended with a double-G Givenchy insignia. The interiors were leather and vinyl or dark jade majestic cloth.

The Bill Blass and Emilio Pucci Designer series added an additional $1,600 to the base price. The Givenchy Designer series with the leather interior was also priced at $1,600 while the velour option raised the price by $2,100. The Cartier series was $1,600 with the leather interior and $2,100 with the cloth interior.

Production
The Lincoln Continental Mark V was assembled alongside the Lincoln Continental at the Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan, and was in production from 1977 through 1979. 1977 was the most popular year with 80,321 examples built, followed by 75,939 in 1979 and 72,602 in 1978. Compared to the 1976 Mark IV, the 1977 Mark V was more popular with 24,211 more units sold. The combined Mark V production was 228,862, slightly less than the combined four-year Mark IV production total of 231,454 units.

Along with 80,321 Mark V vehicles produced in 1977, Lincoln also sold 15,434 of the Versailles and a combined total of 95,600 Continentals.

by Daniel Vaughan | Feb 2021