1980 Lincoln Continental 5.0L V8 4AT RWD (140 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The sixth generation of the Lincoln Continental was the shortest-lived one since it was sold just as the 1980 model year and was a giant leap compared to its body-on-frame predecessor.

During the Malaise Era, American cars lost their muscles. Big engines with ridiculously low power figures were the norm of the day, and the CAFE regulations forced automakers to find solutions to improve fuel efficiency. While compact cars didn’t have a significant problem with that, since inline-four engines powered them, this was a challenge for brawny full-size luxury sedans, such as the Lincoln Continental. Ford found a solution for that and introduced a fresh 4.9-liter V8 powerhouse under this luxury sedan’s hood. Instead of a carburetor, it installed a fuel-injection system. In addition, the car was no longer in the full-size luxury sedan segment but in the mid-size one and was lighter thanks to Ford’s Panther platform that it used. However, the mandatory interior amenities for a luxury vehicle were all there.

From the front, the 1980 Lincoln Continental boasted a wedged-shaped fascia dominated by a tall grille with chromed vertical slats. Four rectangular halogen headlamps flanked it, while the automaker installed vertical parking lights on the blade-type front fender endings. A chromed metallic bumper underlined the entire assembly and sported rubber stripes for added protection and to respect the 5 mph (8 kph) rule.

With its classic-looking profile, the 1980 Lincoln Continental hardly revealed the fact that it shared its underpinnings with the Ford LTD since it didn’t share any body panels with that. The wedged-shaped vehicle sported a long, straight beltline, which was not adorned by a chromed trim like some of its predecessors. Furthermore, 15-inch steel wheels with elegant chromed caps confirmed the car’s upscale status. In addition, the chromed flush door handles and mirrors emphasized the luxurious look of the vehicle. Another significant detail was the slim quarter window placed vertically behind the rear doors. The Continental, unlike its Town Car sibling, came with a cabin wrapped in vinyl behind the B-post. At the back, a long and red reflective stripe emphasized the car’s width and was flanked by the vertical taillights.

Inside, Lincoln noticed that many customers appreciated velour and other fabric materials more than leather. As a result, it installed two bucket seats at the front with individual inner-mounted armrests as standard. As an option, the automaker offered leather upholstery. In front of the driver, the 1980 Lincoln Continental had three rectangular clusters for the digital speedometer, fuel level, and trip computer. The latter showed real-time fuel consumption, which was a first for any Ford vehicle. Genuine wood trims adorned the dashboard, the steering wheel, and the door cards. On the center console, the automaker added a stereo cassette player, while the AC controller was placed above it, under the rectangular-shaped center vents. In the back, the bench seat was wide enough for three passengers, although a fold-down armrest was available for more comfort.

Under the hood, Ford installed a new 4.9-liter engine with a fuel-injection system. However, a 351 cu-in (5.8-liter) engine fed by a carburetor was available. Both versions sent their power to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive for the fourth gear and lock-up converter for the second and third ratios. As a result, from the worst car in the Lincoln lineup in 1979 in terms of fuel efficiency, the Continental became the best in the mid-size luxury sedan segment.