For 1979, the special luxury of the Lincoln Continental Mark V was proclaimed to set the standard by which luxury cars are judged. It was America’s roomiest automobile that traditionally offered great resale value. This came in the midst of an industry-wide trend of downsizing.

Lincoln Continentals of the late 1970s were some of the last great full-sized luxury cars of the 20th century. In 1977 the model reached its ultimate form as the Mark V, before the downsizing movement began to diminish its stature as the largest luxury car in America. In 1973 Lincoln began offering the Continental in an ever-widening selection of special luxury group packages, first seen in the Silver and Cranberry Luxury Groups of 1973.

This particular car is reported as being produced with the popular Lipstick and White Luxury Group that was first offered in 1975. This car is further stated to be a special-order 1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V that is an unrestored example built with almost every available option and power accessory, except for the “moonroof,” which is reported as not being available with the carriage roof option seen fitted to this Lincoln. Finished in special-order Lipstick Red with a White Luxury Group interior (red dash and carpet), it was sold new at Breakey Motors in Walton, New York, with an MSRP of $18,679.50, a very healthy sum at the time. Its documentation includes the original owner card, original build sheet and window sticker copies.

It was driven just 350 miles until 2009 and today shows just 2,093 miles, which are thought by the owner to be accurate, although the accompanying title states the mileage is exempt – regardless; the Lincoln is in “immaculate condition.” It is thought that the interior, vinyl top, dash and engine bay are presented in original condition. This Lincoln Continental Mark V runs Ford’s 400-cid V-8 engine with an automatic transmission. Additional equipment includes air conditioning, AM/FM radio with CB radio and tape player, factory turbine-style aluminum wheels, whitewall radial tires; power windows, door locks, seat, antenna steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

A major service was performed in 2012. This thorough once-over included new tires, brakes, shock absorbers, full ignition, carburetor and vacuum lines. Overhauls were executed on the transmission, rear axle, cooling system and air conditioning. The Continental Mark V is accompanied by the original sales literature, owner’s manual, owner’s maintenance book, metal warranty plate and shop manual.