1978 Lincoln CONTINENTAL MK V

Estimated Price: £0 - £0

Iconic Auctioneers are delighted to offer a truly distinctive piece of The Grand Tour history: the magnificent 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V selected by Jeremy Clarkson for The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown, the feature-length Series 4, Episode 3 special released in July 2021, and subsequently retained as part of his personal Collection.

The 6.6-litre 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V stands as one of the most successful and iconic 'personal luxury coupes' in American automotive history. Measuring a massive 230 inches (5.8 metres) in length, it represents the absolute peak of traditional, full-sized luxury before federal regulations forced the industry into drastic downsizing.

Large, luxurious and unmistakably American, although in this case finished in a very British shade of Wedgwood Blue, the Lincoln was Clarkson’s choice for an adventure that would see the trio explore Scotland in three very different cars. With international travel restricted during the COVID era, Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May were required to stay within Britain, turning their attention instead to the question of why great American cars of the 1970s never really caught on in Europe.

For Jeremy, the answer was this extraordinary Lincoln. At some 19 feet in length, it was certainly not the obvious choice for Scotland’s narrow roads, barely wide enough for a couple of Highland ‘coos’ to pass each other, but that was rather the point. He remembered seeing Lincolns on American television as a child, particularly cars associated with programmes such as Dallas (Jock Ewing), Cannon, and Charlie’s Angels and wondered why his own family had settled for a much more modest Ford Cortina.

The Mark V certainly made an impression. Its sheer size caused problems in Edinburgh, where Clarkson had to negotiate narrow streets and cobbles, before the car was taken to Knockhill for a rather unscientific comparison with a Hillman Avenger. From there, the trio headed north, eventually making their way towards the Outer Hebrides.

Yet, as the journey progressed, Jeremy became increasingly enamoured with the Lincoln. The combination of its imposing presence, effortless cruising ability, button-backed velour upholstery, electrically adjustable seats, electric windows, electric quarter lights, cruise control and automatic climate control became strangely addictive.

One detail in particular captured his imagination, the genuine Cartier clock incorporated into the dashboard, and during the programme he singled it out as a thing of great beauty, clearly appreciating the quality and character of this rather extraordinary piece of period Americana. That very Cartier clock remains with the car today, providing a particularly evocative link between the television car and the example now offered.

The Lochdown adventure was not without incident. The Lincoln suffered mechanical troubles along the way, its enormous dimensions proving challenging in the Scottish landscape and, in true Grand Tour fashion, Clarkson couldn't resist developing the car further. Feeling like the standard car’s 170bhp was not sufficient, Nitrous Injection was added during the adventure, although the system didn’t work as intended because the necessary supporting modifications had not been carried out.

Despite its various challenges, Clarkson’s affection for the Lincoln became increasingly apparent. Towards the end of the programme, he openly admitted that he really liked the car and wanted it in his life. He also reflected on how few cars from the television shows the presenters had actually kept, making the subsequent addition of this Lincoln to his personal Collection particularly significant.

Today, the car retains some wonderfully tangible reminders of its Lochdown story. The NOS equipment is still fitted, the boot still contains the set of bagpipes and the much admired Cartier clock remains in place.

Maintained in-house recently, the Lincoln is accompanied by an MOT valid until 13 August 2027 confirming its usability, if not suitability, for thundering around the Cotswolds.

There is a particular appeal in acquiring a car that its famous owner chose to keep after the cameras stopped rolling. This was not simply a production car sourced for a television adventure and subsequently returned to the marketplace; it became part of Jeremy Clarkson’s own Collection, preserving its direct connection to one of The Grand Tour’s most memorable specials.

Why, then, is he letting it go? As with the other cars in this remarkable collection, the reason will become clear in the forthcoming season of Clarkson’s Farm. For now, we shall leave that particular story to Jeremy.

Offered without reserve, this represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine Grand Tour car complete with several of the distinctive details that made its appearance so memorable.

Iconic Auctioneers are delighted to present this magnificent 1978 Lincoln Continental Mark V, enormous, luxurious, unmistakably American and forever associated with The Grand Tour Presents: Lochdown. A fascinating piece of motoring and television history.