1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V, Bill Blass
1979 Lincoln Mark Series Description:
1979 Lincoln Continental Mark V, Bill Blass Designer Series, already a fairly rare car but this one is especially so due to the full vinyl roof option with the classic opera windows (with Bill Blass signature, in this case). Very nearly all '79 Bill Blass cars have the Carriage Roof option (imitation convertible top) with no opera windows available.
This is an excellent running and driving car that I have been improving and enjoying over the past year. I've decided to stop here and let someone else finish it up or just enjoy it as is. The remaining problem is rust bubbles under the vinyl top. None are popping through, but the vinyl needs to come off and some metal repair will be required (the previous owner also had added a crown molding with coach lights from a different Mark V). My intention was to convert it to a slick-top car, eliminating the vinyl top completely (an extremely rare but factory offered configuration with the standard Mark V's). With the full vinyl top option, the car already has the valuable exposed rear glass moldings required to do this. It also allows for addition of the factory moonroof option if desired (not possible with the Carriage Roof). It would also be a great candidate for a parade car, actual convertible conversion (many exist), or of course it’s completely worthy of a factory correct restoration with a new vinyl top (correct pattern and color vinyl is still available) - lots of choices with this one.
Other Issues - There is no visible rust on the body anywhere, but signs of previous repair are evident in both front fenders, in the usual spot behind the front tires. The floors, trunk, entire frame, and rear bumper isolators (which are almost always first to go on these cars) are all 100% solid. The tail pipes are ready for replacement, though the car is quiet - I may get to if it’s still here later this summer. Other needs include wiring issues from the previous owner, radio and horn are not working due to aftermarket equipment installations (which I have removed)…another item I may continue to work on. The bulb is out for the left turn indicator in the driver's instrument cluster (though all exterior lights and flasher work perfectly). That's it - the car is fully sorted and ready to go anywhere right now in comfort and style.
Good Stuff - Except as noted above, everything works, nothing to fix! I may miss a couple things (will answer any questions quickly) but will confirm specifically for now the full proper operation of the following: headlights and dimmer, both 6-way seats (that's all twelve adjustments), optional mini-vent windows are working nicely in all directions for both sides, all exterior lights (brakes, signals, cornering, etc), all interior gauges including the famous chronograph “Cartier” clock keeping time(!), wipers, all A/C and heat controls (original R12 system blowing cold), speedometer and cruise control. Recent maintenance includes flushed brake system and fresh pads (4-wheel disc brakes), full transmission service with fresh fluid, filter and gasket, balanced all tires (excellent condition Coopers), new battery cables, starter solenoid, steering coupler, NOS fuel sending unit (fuel tank and lines are original and excellent), fresh radiator and both hoses, all belts, all new exterior bulbs, more…
Cosmetics - The paint is very good overall with just a few flaws, some chips touched up, and some amateur but passable repairs made – however still worthy of the many hours I spent doing a 3 stage buff and polish, finished with a real wax job – it looks terrific. Interior is also very good to excellent condition with only a bit of leather wear visible in the usual places. Door panels, arm rest pads, entire carpet, dash pad, switch housings, most trim, etc…in excellent shape. Even the woodgrain on the steering wheel horn pad is unrestored and undamaged, almost never seen on these cars (the rim does have a small gap, easily repairable). One of the many additional options is a fairly unusual driver’s side mirror with integrated thermometer (dial not stuck like most are, and actually fairly accurate!). The chrome does show wear on top surfaces, however the passenger side mirror is quite nice and shiny. The original trunk carpet has been replaced with one I made from new material and now includes a good layer of padding throughout as well as an added finishing panel behind the rear seat back, not 100% “correct” but looks and feels great. Spare tire and all jack tools look nearly new. The air cleaner housing and valve covers have been painted the wrong color...last “maybe” item for me while it’s here.
I’m happy to discuss any further details, provide any more pictures. I have a lot of parts of all kinds available for these cars also, as well as for any other 70s Lincoln, and I’ve been driving, maintaining, restoring these cars for nearly 30 years. I can possibly help with delivery depending on the distance from NE Wisconsin. Miles are being added nearly daily and approaching 57K. The best price is $7400 as-is, needing nothing in order to enjoy immediately, or will go up according to the last few fixes that get done.
Smooth roads, Perry Bush
