1978 Lincoln Continental

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys The Hershey Auction event, 7 - 8 October 2026.
Offered Without Reserve $30,000 - $50,000 USD

• The most expensive car Ford Motor Company had ever built at the time, commanding the equivalent of a six-figure sticker price in todays currency
• Retained by its original owner until 2024
• Remarkably well-preserved with 11,663 actual miles at cataloguing
• Equipped with all four available options, including a 460-cid V-8, dual exhaust, power moonroof, and CB radio

The Lincoln Continental Mark V Diamond Jubilee edition of 1978 commemorated the 75th anniversary of the Ford Motor Company, and, appropriately, was the most expensive production automobile ever built by Ford up to that point, with a suggested retail price of $21,000 well over six figures in todays currency. That heady sum included a largely monochromatic exterior in clearcoat Diamond Blue Metallic or Jubilee Gold, with numerous color-keyed elements, including a vinyl Landau roof, body trim, grille, and wheels, and limited chrome trim. Befitting the name and occasion, simulated diamond chips were laminated into each of the rear quarter opera windows.

Within, cloth bucket seats replaced the usual split bench seat, separated by a center console with a padded armrest. Wood trim, padded leather on high-use surfaces, and a Cartier clock on the dashboard further elevated the luxury. Only four options were available: a 460-cubic-inch V-8, dual exhaust, power moonroof, and CB radio (a sign of the times). All other equipment was standard.

Significantly, this was probably the only automobile ever delivered with a cookbook: Fords Diamond Jubilee Recipe Collection was supplied gratis, at the owners request. Only 5,159 Mark V Diamond Jubilees were produced.

According to a Marti Report on file, the example offered here was sold new by Morrow Motors Inc. of Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, finished in Diamond Blue Metallic with all four available options but, apparently, no cookbook. It appears to have remained with its original owner, Dr. Elpidio D. Damazo, until his passing in 2024, and was acquired soon after by The Michael Leith Collection. The vehicles impressive file includes a Ford build sheet, Rustfree Guarantee certificate from Morrow Motors Inc., manuals in a branded leather case and, of course, a Class D temporary radio station permit for the CB radio.

Showing just 11,663 actual miles on the odometer at the time of cataloguing, this Lincoln presents in superb condition. Servicing in 2025 included fitting four new tires and repairing the air conditioner. Accordingly, it is now in outstanding and extremely original order.

A high-water mark of the personal luxury coupe era, this 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V Diamond Jubilee is a wonderful example of Lincoln luxury and one of the most expensive American cars of its time.
To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/hf26/.