The Lincoln Mark V, a large coupe marketed by Ford’s luxury division, Lincoln, graced the roads from 1977 to 1979. While visually similar to its predecessor, the Mark IV, the Mark V showcased notable refinements and restyling. Departing from the rounded design of the Mark IV, the Mark V adopted a more square and angular aesthetic, reflecting the automotive trends of the time. Instead of the 460 cubic inch Ford 385 engine, the Lincoln Mark V used the Ford 400 cubic inch small block engine.
The Mark V was engineered to be more angular, longer, and lower than the Mark IV, boasting increased trunk space and a weight reduction of approximately 500 pounds, bringing it down to 4,650 pounds. Built on a 120-inch wheelbase, the car stretched to an overall length of 230 inches. Ultimately, the Lincoln Mark V can be seen as a reskinned Lincoln Mark IV.
However, the Lincoln Mark V’s production run was short-lived due to significant drawbacks. In 1978, Auto Motor Und Sport, a prominent German car magazine, conducted a test that revealed an average fuel consumption of just 7 miles per gallon. This dismal fuel efficiency remains a record for the magazine, and brought Ford close to violating Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.
With a base price of $11,396, prospective buyers were offered various trim levels and the option of purchasing Designer Series models. Renowned designers like Givenchy, Bill Blass, Cartier, and Pucci lent their creative talents to personalize these vehicles, making them highly sought-after.