Lincoln Continental V photos

Transitioning back to a body-on-frame platform shared with full-size Ford and Mercury models, the fifth-generation Continental debuted for 1970 with conventional front-hinged doors and a rigid B-pillar pillared hardtop profile. Available as a two-door coupe and four-door sedan, its imposing front end was defined by a prominent chrome grille and vacuum-operated concealed headlamps. Propulsion initially came from Ford’s 460-cubic-inch (7.5-liter) V8, joined in 1977 by a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) V8 to comply with evolving federal emissions mandates, all backed by the robust SelectShift C6 three-speed automatic gearbox. Federal 5-mph bumper regulations transformed the exterior in 1973–1974, followed by a substantial 1975 restyling that introduced formal opera windows and four-wheel disc brakes. The prestigious Town Car and Town Coupe packages set benchmarks for plush interior appointments. Sold throughout North America, this generation marked the absolute zenith of traditional American land yachts.