If you wanted a 32 valve Ford V8 in 1997, you could pony up to the Mustang Cobra, or you could buy one of two Lincolns: the two-door Mark VIII or a Continental. That was it. This 1997 Lincoln Continental accumulated a mere 33,000 miles so far and could pass for a two-year old car, according to the seller. Check out more pictures and details here on Craigslist. The one-owner creampuff could be yours for $8999. Thanks to Mitchell G. for spotting this well-kept classic located just across the Massachusetts border from Providence, Rhode Island. Our own Scotty G. covered this car early in 2025 here on BarnFinds. Why hasn’t anyone bought this beauty?
Lincoln and Mercedes (at least) present beautiful luxury vehicles in this gorgeous dark blue with cream or tan interiors. The Continental of this era was known as the technology leader in Lincoln’s lineup, featuring the 32 valve V8, advanced instrumentation, and the all-weather confidence of front-wheel-drive. I considered buying one of these years ago, and my late father’s friend Gordon had one that would get nearly 30 MPG on the highway.
In a year when the BMW 7-series trunk offered 13 cubic feet of storage, the Continental swallowed 19 cubic feet, perfect for that family trip to Mount Rushmore.
The InTech 32 valve DOHC version of Ford’s modular 4.6L (281 cid) V8 made 260 HP and 265 lb-ft of torque. My only driving experience with this engine came in a later Lincoln Aviator, providing a broad torque range plus surprising thrust in the upper RPM. Variable intake manifold pathways boost around-town torque with long runners, engaging short runners at higher RPM. Despite swearing off transverse 32-valve V8 ownership after my Volvo XC90 V8, I’m tempted by this one.
The Continental’s styling still looks fresh, with a lighter and less imposing grille than some modern Lincolns. Despite its substantial size, the 3900 lb Continental weighs about the same as a loaded V8 Mustang from 2024. With a 0-60 time around seven seconds, the InTech Continental offers healthy performance and a lovely high-tech DOHC V8 symphony that only Mark VIII and Cobra owners enjoyed that year. Any cornering advantage offered by newer vehicles would be outweighed by driver skill, and someone with a need for speed could apply some Mustang go-fast parts for added spice. Terminator Continental, anyone? Personally I’d leave this one alone and enjoy it as-is. Would you pick this low-mile one-owner Continental or a modern, bloated SUV?
So tempting. I always liked these and other late nineties Lincoln’s, including Town Car. And it’s priced right. SUV madness continues though which is why this car is still available.
My Dad had one, same color but with a cream colored faux roof and trunk luggage rack. 1995, first year of this style. He loved it, great car. This had been for sale for quite some time. Surprised it isn’t gone yet
I wanted this car so bad but bought a 97 Sable LS thinking it was more
appropriate to drive especially to work.
Terminator video “ music” is abominable and abhorrent. No one with any brain cells left could listen to it. JMO, of course…
Back in around 2000 my dad wanted to buy a car, his last “new car” he said. He wanted luxury, reliability and American made. His previous two cars had been Crown Vics with an F150 before that. He called me one day asking me to go with him to the Lincoln dealership. When he was serious about buying, we always went as a team. I figured he was interested in a Grand Marquis or even a TownCar. We entered the showroom from the side entrance and started making our way through sedans and SUV’s, all shiny and new. About 3/4 of the way through, he spotted a Continental. It was love at first sight. A salesman noticed him ogling the Conti and rushed over to “help”. He started by opening the door, showing him the inside (the new car/leather smell was intoxicating which I think helped sales), popped the trunk, got around to the hood and opened it. A dazzling 32v V8 was parked in front of him. Salesman then proudly said, “And, if you’re thinking of heading up to Flagstaff during a snow storm, it’s got front wheel drive for added safety in those slippery conditions!”
My dad’s jaw dropped. He said, “Front wheel drive on a luxury car? Just like a Camry?” I busted a gut when he said that. He ended up with a Grand Marquis about 2 months later.
I remember being with my dad the whole family and we transferred everything from the old Jeep wagoneer to the brand new beautiful dark blue Grand Marquis when the old boy came walking back over and said take everything back out of this car and put it back in the Jeep and we left he bought a different one from a different dealership about 2 weeks later. Fond memories. Always partial to the Lincoln myself beautiful automobile would love to add it to my garage.
Are there parts of this story missing??
Ad deleted. Perhaps being featured here again helped. Nice car, but one thing it has in common with current day’s is it’s cramped engine compartment. However, it is simpler technology and should be fairly reliable, limiting the need to deal with said cramps.
I’d have to respectfully stay away from this one. It’s such a beautiful example, and way too nice for me to pull that low mile 32 valve engine and swap it into my Mustang GT. I’m considering my next performance level in my 04 40th Anniversary, but i want to save everything so it’s always able to go back to stock when I’m done cuttin’ up.
Even at 63 y/o I still have the love of high performance cars, bikes, trucks, whatever I can get my hands on. Best fortune with the sale. I hope whoever buys it enjoys it for what it truly is. a beautiful luxury car.