8,533 Actual Mile Continental 400 V8 3 Speed Automatic PS A/C Survivor

SUMMARY

Until you've sat behind the wheel of a 'Motor City Behemoth' from the disco era, you just don't know what smooth cruising truly is. Lexus has made a fortune selling isolation, but classics like this well-built Lincoln Continental take that mindset to an entirely different level. A special treat for Ford gurus, this fantastic full-size is an extremely well preserved survivor that's believed to have logged only 8,533 miles. And if you've been looking for a collectible that's not only vintage but unique, and not only unique but comfortable, you'll have a hard time finding ANYTHING cooler!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Mid '70s metal features some of the most ornate styling from the Malaise Era. And this sedan's classy Light Champagne-on-Burgundy color combination is the perfect canvas for far-flung detail. In fact, the car's luxurious yet traditional pigment is decidedly stately, proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. With that paint comes vast sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of spending time in a dry garage, appears straight, clean and almost as crisp as the day the Motor City stamped it. That solid fuselage lines up beautifully, featuring wide doors which open and close with ease. Spears of Burgundy outlining stripes stretch 19.5 feet down the sides of one of the longest profiles ever built. And overall, this Lincoln's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.

Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Dearborn creation is exceptionally well planned. And the car carries just the right amount of ostentatiousness to make an impassioned first impression. At the front of its massive body, a broad bumper frames folding, "Continental" branded headlights and an oft-imitated grille that's centered on a sharp Lincoln gun sight. A characteristically linear profile complements traditional door handles, modernist parking lamps and original Ford cornering lamps with optional door guards, color-keyed bodyside molding and satin rocker guards. Stainless-trimmed glass rides between classy mirrors, a padded roof, designer opera windows and requisite opera lamps. And at the back of the car, a second broad bumper frames spotless taillights and a fully dressed decklid that's finished with a small "LINCOLN" script and a cleverly disguised lock cylinder.

ENGINE

Motivation for this 4,800-pound beast is provided by Ford's 400 cubic inch Cleveland V8 which, according to the factory, twists a conservative 159 horsepower into 315 ft./lb. of smooth torque. Believed to be largely original, the massive engine bay is in great condition throughout, featuring many correct components and factory markings. All major service items are 100% functional, including factory air conditioning. Bright Ford Blue skin covers the mill from its unique air cleaner all the way down to its deep oil pan. The car's Satin Black fenders are clean, its firewall straight, and all the places you'd expect rust to hide are essentially solid and untouched. And overall, this Lincoln looks every bit as road ready as it was in 1979.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Bottom-side, this Continental is equipped with Ford's reliable and sturdy C6 3-speed automatic transmission, which drives a 9-inch axle and mild, 2.47 gears to effortless highway cruising. That powertrain hangs in a heavy duty suspension, which mixes power front disc and rear drum brakes with requisite power steering. Exhaust is handled by a factory-replacement muffler, which fronts a replacement tailpipe that's bent around a small resonator. Like the car's engine bay, that undercarriage, highlighted by a new fuel tank, is clean, honest and certainly not afraid of wet weather. And everything rolls on rugged steel wheels, which spin 235/75R15 Kumho Solus whitewalls around traditional, Lincoln-branded wires.

INTERIOR

Naturally, the plush cloth interior is just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in exquisite '70s luxury. Pillowy seats, featuring a reclining option for the front passenger, are nicely padded pieces that feel every bit as supple as they look. In front of those mitts, a wood-trimmed dash hangs conservative factory telemetry next to factory climate control and a classy Cartier clock. Below that dash, monochromatic floor mats ride virtual acres of plush carpet. At the sides of that carpet, wood-trimmed door panels found an array of power accessory switches. In front of the driver, an attractive steering wheel laps factory Speed Control. And behind the cockpit, a massive trunk features enough room for a month's worth of travel.

Now that they're over the AACA's 25-year age limit, '70s luxury cars are becoming increasingly popular as both show queens and road kings. These days, it seems everyone wants a high-strung curve carver, making this Continental's superlative road manners, full-size comfort and smooth V8 the fruits of a bygone era. There simply can't be many Malaise Era cruisers that are nicer than this, and a classically themed Lincoln is most definitely the one to own. If you're looking for a cool classic that's also tastefully unique, this opulent sedan will not disappoint!