1977 Lincoln Other for sale $15,900

This beautiful 1977 Mark V is one of those beautifully preserved survivors that seem to show up now and then, particularly from this era, and it shows just 59,870 original miles. The Dove Gray color is a timeless choice, far superior to many of the earth tones of the era, making this Mark V more desirable than most. As far as we can determine, itandrsquo;s wearing 100% original paint, which has a soft shine that only time can create and which looks exactly right on the big, flashy coupe. It appears to have spent a majority of its life in Florida, which means no winters, not salt, and no rust in any of the usual spots.! The only issues might be some faint micro-blisters on the hood, but theyandrsquo;re all but invisible unless you go looking for them, and perhaps a small smudge where part of the burgundy pinstripe was rubbed away. Quite honestly, you wonandrsquo;t find many 40-year-old cars that look better than this.

The chrome is, of course, in excellent condition with only the most modest signs of age, and the padded roof is original and quite nice. Youandrsquo;ll also note the opera windows show Cartier, indicating that this is the top-of-the-line Cartier edition (many enthusiasts wrongly believe that the presence of a Cartier clock makes a car a Cartier editionandmdash;all Mark Vs had Cartier clocks). This is a big car that delights in showing you its details.

The leather interior is in excellent order, showing only minor comfort marks that are well within expectations for age and mileage, very plush carpets that are protected by a set of heavy-duty mats, and perhaps most surprisingly, a dash pad that hasnandrsquo;t been cooked by the sun (while in Florida, this car was surely garaged). The door panels are also original and thereandrsquo;s some minor discoloration on the arm rests, which is pretty typical, but otherwise itandrsquo;s quite nice. Thereandrsquo;s plenty of faux wood on the dash, door panels, and steering wheel, which warms up the otherwise monochromatic interior, and it appears that this car has virtually every available option: automatic climate control, cruise control, power windows, locks, seats, and mirrors, a reclining passengerandrsquo;s seat, an AM/FM/8-track stereo radio, twilight sentinel and auto dimmer system, and a glass moon roof, which remains fully operational. The back seat looks almost completely unused, and the trunk is as beautifully furnished as the interior, including what might just be the original full-sized spare tire with jack assembly.

With just 59,000 or so original miles, this carandrsquo;s 460 cubic inch V8 has never been opened up and owners of similar vehicles will report that the engine will last virtually forever with just basic maintenance. Emissions controls were not a huge issue yet, so a basic 4-barrel carburetor helps build power and never gets fussy, starting quickly and idling smoothly even when cold. Throughout the engine bay there are signs of proper maintenance and care, and thatandrsquo;s factory-issued Ford Blue engine enamel on the block and air cleaner. Itandrsquo;d tidy, clean, and nicely preserved, if not detailed for show. Extensive recent servicing makes it a reliable travelling partner and thereandrsquo;s nothing this car loves more than to gobble up huge expanses of highway on a long road trip.

Looking underneath, you might be surprised by its specifications: dual exhaust, big front and rear sway bars, and 4-wheel disc brakes, making the Mark V a surprisingly competent machine under all conditions. A C6 3-speed automatic transmission is robust and durable, shifting all but imperceptibly under normal conditions; squeeze the accelerator and suddenly you find yourself cruising at 60 MPH without much sensation at all. Out back