Highlights

Rare 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V Diamond Jubilee Edition, created to commemorate Ford Motor Company’s 75th anniversary
One of just 5,159 Diamond Jubilee Editions produced for the 1978 model year
Owned by the seller since July 2006 and kept garaged and dry stored throughout
Highly original example with unmodified bodywork and standard mechanical specification
MOT valid until 21 July 2027

The Appeal

Few cars embody late-1970s American luxury quite as emphatically as the Continental Mark V. Stretching to almost 19 feet in length, Lincoln’s flagship personal-luxury coupé combined imposing proportions, rear-wheel drive and lavish equipment with styling that was deliberately extravagant even by the standards of its era. The Mark V proved particularly successful for Lincoln, with 1978 becoming its strongest sales year.

The Diamond Jubilee Edition took that philosophy considerably further. Created to commemorate Ford Motor Company’s 75th anniversary, it received its own highly distinctive specification and was offered only for 1978. Just 5,159 examples were produced, with exclusive colour schemes and an unusually comprehensive equipment package setting it apart from the regular Mark V range.

This example is equipped with the optional 460ci, or 7.5-litre, V8, paired with the three-speed C6 automatic transmission. Its cabin retains the plush velour upholstery associated with the model’s unabashedly luxurious brief, which the seller describes as remaining free from rips, tears or staining, while the exterior is said to retain its original, unmolested bodywork with only minor blemishes and areas of surface deterioration.

The seller purchased the Lincoln in July 2006 and has kept it garaged and dry stored throughout almost two decades of ownership. It remains mechanically standard and is reported to start and run correctly, with no known faults beyond an inoperative dashboard clock. More recently, its original 1978 upper and lower cooling hoses have finally been replaced, having apparently decided that nearly half a century was quite enough public service.

With 62,546 miles recorded, long-term ownership and an unusually original specification, this imposing Diamond Jubilee Edition presents an interesting surviving example of one of Lincoln’s most elaborate commemorative models.

Key Information

Mileage: 62,546 miles (indicated)
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 21 July 2027, pass with advisories for slight external damage to the casing of the rear shock absorbers, slight play in the nearside front wheel bearing, and slight corrosion on all four coil springs
Technical specs: 7.5-litre (460ci) naturally aspirated V8, three-speed C6 automatic transmission
Paperwork: Various invoices

The Detail

Diamond Jubilee Edition presented in largely original, unmodified condition
Finished in Jubilee Gold metallic with contrasting red and brown coachlines
Beige velour interior
Seller describes the bodywork as being in good overall condition, with only minor blemishes and a small amount of scabbing
Bodywork reported to remain original and unmolested
Underside described by the seller as being in good order
Upholstery described as being free from rips, tears or staining
Dashboard clock currently inoperative
Purchased by the seller on 19 July 2006 and retained for more than 20 years
Garaged and dry stored throughout the seller’s ownership
Seller reports that the engine starts and runs correctly, with no known mechanical faults
Upper and lower radiator hoses replaced in September 2025, together with a cooling-system flush and fresh antifreeze; the seller advises these replaced the original factory-fitted hoses
September 2025 cooling-system work included replacement of the upper and lower radiator hoses, system flush and fresh antifreeze following investigation of a coolant leak/overheating issue
July 2024 work included replacement of a failed power-steering hose, fresh power-steering fluid, brake-pipe repairs and fresh brake fluid, together with attention to the driver’s window mechanism
July 2019 saw substantial brake work including a replacement master cylinder, both front brake callipers and front and rear flexible brake hoses
Steering shaft joint overhauled and repaired in July 2019 to eliminate excessive movement
Engine oil and filter replaced and cooling system antifreeze renewed during the July 2019 service

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