∙Beautifully kept ∙Largely original ∙Plush interior ∙Rare special edition
The Background
The Lincoln Continental has long been a symbol of luxury and wealth in the USA. Production started in 1939 and continues even today with the latest evolution the Mk10. Over the years Ford have celebrated a number of milestones in their history by producing special edition models for sale in limited numbers as a commemoration of their success.
The Mark V Diamond Jubilee Model was produced to commemorate Ford Motor Company's 75th Anniversary, and being a special edition it came with a number of choice upgrades and options.
Most notably fitted to this particular vehicle is the rear Landau vinyl roof, the new (in 1978) and quite revolutionary Digital LED Miles to Empty display, new wire wheel covers (non-locking), a fully integrated garage door opener control which was physically built into the lower edge of the driver's side illuminated visor-vanity mirror, a new driver's side outside mirror-mounted illuminated thermometer, as well as the optional Ford 40-channel CB radio with fully integrated hand-held microphone and controls. There are very pretty front markers on the ends of the front bumper which illuminate and even the door locks illuminate so you can see where to put your key in at night.
1978 also marked Ford's first usage of (the short-lived; 1978–79) electro-mechanical seat belt warning chimes - available and standard only on the Diamond Jubilee Edition.
In addition to the special edition options there was also an optional “Designer Label” cosmetic upgrade pack. These designer packs colour co-ordinated exterior paint options with upholstery and trim, changed the shape of some exterior mouldings and, depending on the pack chosen, embedded the designer's logo in the side opera windows.
This raised the Diamond Jubilee Model to the status of most expensive Ford ever produced at that time, and of the designer Cartier model as seen here, only 8,520 were made which makes it very rare in the USA let alone extremely rare this side of the pond.
Incredibly popular with film stars and celebrities of the time, this is one cool luxury coupe.
The current owner is an Americana fanatic. The Lincoln was imported to the UK by the previous owner in 1997 and kept in a private collection in dry storage and not used. When that owner passed away his collection was auctioned off and the current owner purchased it.
Since his ownership it has seen little use but has had a TV appearance, when it appeared in a 2020 Burger King Advert.
It is believed the car came from the state of Ohio originally.
With a collection of American vehicles and not enough time to use them all, the current owner would like the car to go to someone who can use it more.
The car comes with the necessary transfer/export and corresponding UK registration documentation and even the Auction paperwork from when it was acquired. There are a few MOTs, even though the car is MOT and Tax Exempt due to its age. There is also a service booklet holder and some other receipts for minor works.
Think of a 1970s film or music star's living room, and you’ll pretty much be imagining the inside of this Lincoln. Wide seats, very plush cushioning, very plush carpets and just enough blend of wood veneer and stainless trim. It really is very 70s and shows just what the luxury end of the market was like at the time, which is why it was largely bought by celebrities and film stars. It would have been the ideal car to pull up to a red carpet event in with a massive cigar in hand.
Everything works as it should including the LED Miles to empty gauge. Being the Diamond Edition with additional Cartier Design option it also has a dash clock embossed with the Cartier logo and some other small model-specific treats as well.
There are connections for the optional CB radio that was available on this model, but the CB itself is not present.
In the humongous boot the original space-saver spare wheel is present complete with inflation kit, and the car even has the original tool kit with nearly all of the items still present!
The exterior is very clean for its age, with the paint believed to be all original apart from just the rear passenger side quarter. Its bright work is clean and overall it's in incredible condition. The Landau roof is also in immaculate condition with no rips, tears or marks and no fading having been stored inside.
The Cartier Design Edition extras are also present, such as the replica diamond on the opera side window embossed within the script. The electric operated aerial/CB aerial is also present and functional.
The 460 cu. in. (7.5 L) 385/Lima V8 purrs nicely and starts very well. No funny noises or smoke visible. It's an absolute behemoth of an engine needed to power along all of the 19ft 2inches of golden coupe body. Whilst it's more than adequate 208HP and 356ft lb of torque is delivered smoothly through the 3 speed transmission, don’t expect it to terrify any sports cars. This car is definitely for those wanting to waft along at their own pace.
Underneath there is some surface rust as to be expected with a 42 year old vehicle - but due to the dry state she has been kept in, she is solid.
She starts, stops and rides as expected and is a rather nice cruiser.
Reportedly, the likes of Elvis and Evil Knievel are among the stars that have owned luxury Lincoln Continentals.
Long, low and wide with a V8 burble and incredible luxury inside, this is a car to be seen in rather than go fast in, and its presence on the road is incredible due to its sheer size and also rarity.
Any American car fans would be honoured to own such a well looked after example, and that’s before you factor in the rarity and designer touches this particular model sports. Low mileage and dry stored, you’ll be hard pushed to find another one of these in this kind of condition without a full restoration.
If you're in the market for a luxury American automobile that oozes 70s high-roller and would look at home on the Las Vegas Strip, then look no further - this is it!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
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NO RESERVE! 1978 Lincoln Continental Diamond Jubilee & Cartier
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