1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V, Low miles, Light Jade, 460 V8, Spectacular!

Description

Up for bid today is "Gladys", an absolutely exceptional Lincoln Continental Mark V. A super solid and straight example with just over 74,000 original miles. Finished in a specially ordered Light Jade Metallic, part of the "Jade Luxury Group" package that allowed the customer to select a harmonizing combination of colors within a particular palette. Also selected was the monstrous 460 (7.4 liter to you metric folks) V8 with bespoke dual exhausts. I'm the 3rd owner of this wonderful gem, but alas, the time has come to see Gladys move on to "greener" (sorry, couldn't resist the pun) pastures.
Before we go into her particulars, I feel I should share a little history.Back in 1978, a young girl and her father were car shopping. The Father had narrowed down the choices to 2: an all blue Cadillac Coupe deVille, or an all green Lincoln Mk V. He let his daughter choose and the results are here before you. How do I know this you ask? While attending a local car show recently I encountered a woman who stated "this is my Dad's car!". I recited the name from the dealership paperwork (Jennings Lincoln-Mercury, later to become North Star, located across from where the Poughkeepsie Galleria now stands) "Leonard E Lotz?" I asked? Yes she replied and introduced herself as Teresa Lotz. She helped pick out the car, and even used Gladys in her wedding! Upon mentioning I had named the Lincoln Gladys, she froze. Her family had named the car after her Mother's younger sister, who always adored the car. Her name, if you haven't already guessed, was Gladys! Thanks for letting me share that amazing set of coincidences... Now without further ado, here are the finer points on "Gladys":
Mechanical
Gladys was a shadow of her former self when a friend came to me asking if I would be interested. Being off the road for nearly 2 decades had its effects. As mentioned, she was equipped with the 460 and duals. Other than those facts, all else was a mystery. I began the process of recommissioning her for the streets, and the end result is an extremely well sorted machine. After bringing the engine back to life, we found most systems needed work. To that end, we installed a new battery, performed a full tune-up (plugs, wires, cap, rotor, air & fuel filters), changed the oil, rebuilt the carburetor, replaced the fuel tank and sender and added a new fuel pump. That gave us a running, driving, albeit loud Lincoln. A Waldron's Exhaust full dual system was then installed. The cooling system received attention too, including a water pump, radiator, fan clutch, thermostat, hoses and belts. New tires, shocks, and a master cylinder were added as well. She has been an on/off daily driver for over a year and a half and has performed flawlessly! Valve cover gaskets and 2 new pressure lines for the hydroboost brakes took care of the leaks (well, most...she does mark her territory with a few oil drops if left to sit). Heat, along with its warm-up delay works and a new blower was installed. The A/C system was also tested. The compressor works, and with a little R12 thrown in she blows cold, but there is a leak that will need to be addressed. Headlight doors function perfectly, and will stay closed for at least a week before they start to open. Starts, stops, runs and drives just like a Lincoln should. Smooth and silent!! I would drive her absolutely anywhere!
Body
Gladys didn't "present" well as the auction mavens often say when I first saw her, but underneath the faded original paint (marked by darker green "touch-ups" via rattle can) lay a solid and rust free body. The vinyl top had succumbed and been removed at an earlier point. But again... no rust, not even under where the top had been! In fact, there was only one minor dent on the whole car. It was decided that a fresh basecoat/clearcoat paint job in the original Light Jade Metallic was in order. As a side note, this was the first year that Lincoln started using this modern type of paint system, though not in all colors. The Light Jade was one of them. We were lucky enough to find what might have been the last piece of Light Jade vinyl to use for her top, which was installed with new padding. Before pictures, while not included in the auction, are available to show how solid she was. Pinstriping in the original pattern was also applied. Chrome and stainless are original, and while still very shiny do have some minor scratches. The optional turbine wheels were also cleaned and polished. She turns heads everywhere and I've been stopped numerous times by people either just wanting to appreciate her, or in some instances to inquire about a purchase. If I were to point out other issues, I'd have to mention a star chip in the lower windshield, and one opera window does have a crack. Neither detracts from her magnificence, but I'd be remiss to not bring them up. Definitely a chariot you'd be proud to own, look at, and ride in.
Interior
Luxurious to a fault! And absolutely original! Leather is soft and supple, dash has no cracks, headliner is perfect. even the dark jade shag carpet has its "fluff". The driver's seat does show some minor wear and has had a repair at the lower bolster, plus one loose button. Gauges all work, as do the power windows, seats, and locks (which received new actuators). Cruise control operates. AM/FM radio also works, as does the 8-track and its antenna.Stock floor mats were missing, but a set of matching ACC mats (covered in plastic in the pictures) compliment the interior nicely.When people talk about a car riding like your living room, THIS is what they meant! No weirdsmells, stains, or odors... just plain "Ahhhhhh" as you sink into to 2-tone leather.
All in all, a fantastic car. I've seen plenty up for auction, ranging from nearly worn out examples to no-mile museum pieces that you wouldn't dare drive. As I mentioned earlier, I've used this as a daily driver extensively, and feel comfortable and confident about what she is... a WELL above average driver that you could take anywhere, yet show up at any show and have to beat admirers off with a stick! I can't say she's perfect, but I believe represents a fantastic value for a luxury barge from days gone by. Also included are the original owners manual, sales contract, protect-o-plate, build sheet and Marti report.
I've done my best to tell all. If you have any questions or wish to see additional photos, please do not hesitate to ask. I am available though e-mail, or via cell phone at 914-489-8284. I am also available to show the car personally to you or your representative. I am located in Poughkeepsie, NY. A couple of hours north of NYC and have a train station locally if you're coming from farther out. There is a clear and clean New York state title in my name.
I consider bidding to be a contract. Don't bid if you can't complete the transaction. If you need to ask your wife, dog, boss, kids, priest or rabbi, do it BEFORE you commit to a bid. Bidders with less than 5 feedback or with negative feedback should contact me first to discuss intentions. I will report non-payers and delete those who do not follow the above instructions.
This vehicle is sold AS-IS, WHERE-IS, with absolutely no warranties expressed or implied. It is up to you to satisfy all of your questions or concerns before bidding. Winning the auction is not an opportunity to check it out, nit-pick, point out any issues, or further negotiate any terms.
I will work with you shipper for pick up, but any and all arrangements and costs for transport are the responsibility of the winning bidder.
This vehicle is for sale locally, so I do reserve the right to end the auction early in the event of a local sale.
A $500 NON-REFUNDABLE deposit is due via paypal within 24 hours of the auctions' end. The balance is to be paid via wire transfer or in person with cash within 7 days unless other agreeable arrangements are made.Good luck and thanks for looking.