CaddieorLincoln Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 1977 Mark V built by Caribou Motor Company.... from what I've found only 12 were made. Thoughts anyone ??? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Billy Kingsley Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Save it if possible! The hood worries me. I know that the hoods on Ford products at that time were prone to rust, but I'm hoping that's not a sign of an under hood fire. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rusty_OToole Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 I've dragged home worse. 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark Wetherbee Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Looks like a flower car for funerals… very unique if so and worth trying to save. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Leave it where it is! Craig 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fleek Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 That would start many conversations at any car show. Look it over carefully and save it if it is savable and you like it well enough to invest your time and money in it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alsancle Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 If you want to invest 5x the money and time to have something nobody else has then go for it. If you like Lincoln’s of that era and don’t care as much about the uniqueness then run, Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J.H.Boland Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 The unique body from the cowl back looks good. The rest could be supplied by a donor car. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_S_in_Penna Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 (edited) A few pros and cons I can think of: ---Perhaps there were only 12 made BY THAT COMPANY. Several companies modified Lincolns, and those other companies could have made pick-up trucks. Still, it's rare. ---Ordinary Lincoln Mark V's are plentiful, so there should be no problem finding replacement parts for the standard exterior (hood, windshield, etc.) and interior where needed. I would go ahead and bring the car back from its dereliction. When new, it cost probably twice the price of a normal Lincoln. You'll have something unusual, and Lincoln fans especially will like to see it. A good way to make new friends at shows! Edited August 16, 2021 by John_S_in_Penna (see edit history) 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junkyardjeff Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Probably not worth any more then a regular version but if its all there and not very rusty and have the time go for it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walt G Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 My biggest hesitation is how much water damage has occurred via the hole in the windshield? did that rust out the floor, possibly the chassis, how about the electrical components on the dashboard/drivers area. If you can try to get a rough estimate of what the parts will cost then go from there if you want to spend the time. 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
K8096 Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Of greater concern is the smashed windshield. How long has it been sitting out in the rain/snow with a smashed windshield? The dash & all dash wiring could be toast. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 37 minutes ago, junkyardjeff said: Probably not worth any more then a regular version. I agree with that. Just because only 12 were made doesn't make it desirable. Unlike Lehmann-Peterson, who had relationship with Lincoln when it came to custom conversions, it was not sanctioned or authorized by Ford Motor Company, nor did they have any provenance. It will always remain an outlier at a Lincoln show. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 The only regrets I have at almost 73 years old are over cars I didn't buy. How old are you? Also check my previous posts. I never ask for advice on the Forum. I share experiences, but don't ask advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert G. Smits Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 (edited) 1 hour ago, 60FlatTop said: Also check my previous posts. I never ask for advice on the Forum. I share experiences, but don't ask advice. I agree. It is your money and your time. If it is a passion go for it. If you have been in any hobby very long you could write a book titled "BLANK" I should have purchased" When I purchased my new 78 Mercury Station Wagon the dealer had two used 289 Cobras on the lot for $8500 each. The sequel to that book is 'BLANK' I shouldn't have sold!!! Edited August 16, 2021 by Robert G. Smits Addition (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
60FlatTop Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Historically that car is representative of an era when large farm owners were paid great sums of money for not growing crops. The Lincoln would be a rare example as most were GM cars. I would guess that job has its roots in the tobacco industry. Those states are generally considered Ford Country where wheat or corn country leans toward GM. There are little historic niches for most cars, a reason for being. And learning the context of their lives is a great part of the hobby outside the aesthetics. Funny how things connect, writing that just reminded me that those Ford Country areas are also quite well know for their recovery vehicles. Holmes comes to mind right away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 If the coachbuilt part is good you're ahead of the game. There are enough parts cars still extant that the front end sheetmetal can be found. I don't think it's a flower car because of the moonroof. I have reservations about the windshield too, especially since this generation of Ford products were often plagued with electrical gremlins. That hole is also consistent with damage from an underhood fire. If the wiring's toast, this would become an ambitious restoration real quick. But yes, I think coachbuilt vehicles should be given a second chance, even tacky 70s versions. You have to wonder why it was allowed to deteriorate so badly in first place. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketraider Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 1 minute ago, 60FlatTop said: I would guess that job has its roots in the tobacco industry. I have never known a tobacco farmer to drive anything that ostentatious. Even Buicks were unusual here in tobacco-land. My guess is a rancher or oilman. Background looks Texas/Oklahoma. Where is this Linken anyway? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 12 hours ago, CaddieorLincoln said: 1977 Mark V built by Caribou Motor Company.... from what I've found only 12 were made. Thoughts anyone ??? A Lincoln Country Edition! 😁 Rarity doesn't necessarily translate to value. You likely never would recover the restoration cost. So are you in a business or a hobby? If the former, you probably already know to leave it alone. If the latter, the loss is the cost of participation and a Lincoln Ranchero is cool, even if not particularly valuable. If it can be saved and you want it, and have the skill and/or dollars to restore it, go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8E45E Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 (edited) 17 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: Historically that car is representative of an era when large farm owners were paid great sums of money for not growing crops. The Lincoln would be a rare example as most were GM cars. I would guess that job has its roots in the tobacco industry. Those states are generally considered Ford Country where wheat or corn country leans toward GM. Back in the 1970's many country music singers bought vehicles like these. As I recall, Johnny Cash (or Glenn Campbell, can't recall who) owned a 1974 or '75 Cadillac station wagon. In the late 80's and '90's when they weren't ostentatious enough, wealthy ranchers and country singers switched to Freightliner 'Sportchassis' and International 'Advanta' big rigs. And if they weren't big enough, they went to coach-based diesel pusher Class-A motorhomes. Craig Edited August 17, 2021 by 8E45E (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Byrd Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 Back in my CB Radio days, I had a magazine (about cb's) with one of these and I think, John Wayne standing by it that was the back cover of the magazine. Been lusting after one ever since as I love all Rancheros and have had several. Never seen one of these or a Fairmont Durango version either in person tho. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CHuDWah Posted August 16, 2021 Share Posted August 16, 2021 2 hours ago, 60FlatTop said: The only regrets I have at almost 73 years old are over cars I didn't buy. How old are you? x2 Quote Also check my previous posts. I never ask for advice on the Forum. I share experiences, but don't ask advice. Disagree. While some free advice is worth less than its price, others' experiences can help clarify advantages and disadvantages. But folks have to evaluate that advice according to their own skill/resources and wants and needs, then make up their minds. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryan G Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 I was just thinking, the last Lincoln that age that I looked at up close had been through a small engine fire. (Small in so much as it didn't get beyond the engine compartment.) The owner related as to how he was planning on taking it to the local Ford/Lincoln dealer to have it fixed. This was about 4 years ago. I tried not to, but I broke down laughing when I thought of what the service writer might tell him. If going back stock, better load up on vacuum hose! A very good chance of an engine fire that spread to the passenger compartment; reversing all that is no weekend project. The smell may never completely go away. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Studemax Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 Buy it and restore it. You'll never see another one during cruise night at the Sonic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nisso8090 Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 The word "original" has been so abused as to be worthless. Repainted is not original. Restored is not original. I saw a car advertised a while back that was billed as a "restored original survivor". Huh? I tried not to, but I broke down laughing when I thought of what the service writer might tell him. If going back stock, better load up on vacuum hose Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1932 plymouth pb sedan Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 So your on the AACA forum looking for someone to tell you to bring it home ? I sure have done the same when I already had my mind made up that I'm getting something and dragging it home, whether I need it or not, or think that I even have the slightest chance to find time to work on it and I bring it home anyway. I say "GO GET IT" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trulyvintage Posted August 17, 2021 Share Posted August 17, 2021 Maybe the scrap metal value of the car combined with what is in the sorry excuse for a truck bed will add up to pay for the trip …. 🤔 Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Luddy Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 On 8/16/2021 at 5:56 AM, Rusty_OToole said: I've dragged home worse. Oh yes, so have I. Still have at least one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Luddy Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 You can buy a really nice Mark V cheap enough to use as donor front clip, doors and interior plus all the mechanical parts. Search hard enough and you may find the right color clip/car! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deaddds Posted August 18, 2021 Share Posted August 18, 2021 Both ugly as hell and very unique. Quite the combination. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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