When a builder justifies a custom project by stating that they make bad decisions and are easily entertained, you know that the vehicle in question will stand out. Whether that is for the right or the wrong reasons will depend on your point of view, a question raised by this 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII. Custom touches abound, but many readers might be surprised to discover that the seller currently utilizes this classic as their daily driver. You could do the same, or continue adding touches to personalize this ride. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Jack M. for spotting the Lincoln listed here on Craigslist in Boise, Idaho. If affordability is a key consideration, the asking price of $2,000 OBO ticks that box.
I struggle to know where to start with this classic. When its original owner ordered this 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII in Code HA Ivory, I’m absolutely positive they had no idea what the future held for their pride and joy. The seller admits they make bad decisions, and it will depend on your taste as to whether you believe that grafting on front fenders from a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain was one of them. Why end there when you can add a hood from the same vehicle, headlights from a Jeep, and a Dodge truck front bumper? That was the path they followed, but they hadn’t run out of ideas. The seller fabricated rear fins out of steel and conduit, and the result would make Virgil Exner jealous. With the fabrication complete, they applied a faux-patina finish that helps this already extroverted classic stand out even further. I’ve been trying to decide on the ideal finishing touch, and I believe it requires further fabrication. If the buyer narrowed the hood slightly, they could pull the front fenders in for a tighter fit. They could then modify either the fenders or the door skins so that the curves matched. Those changes, a different bumper, and possibly a rolled pan would leave the front sorted. I think that the fins require further refinement, but no major changes. Of course, the buyer could throw caution to the wind if they wish to push the boundaries further. Beyond the customization, it appears that the Lincoln is rust-free and that the glass is in good condition.
The seller confined their modifications to the Lincoln’s exterior, with the interior largely untouched. Trimmed in Gray leather, it features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and an AM/FM radio/CD player. The interior presentation is quite tidy for a classic of this vintage, with no major wear or other cosmetic issues. There are a few functional flaws requiring attention, but none appear urgent. The fuel gauges won’t read below half a tank, and the headlamps only operate on high beam. The potential “biggie” surrounds the airbags. The seller removed the system fuse when modifying the car’s front sheetmetal. They haven’t been brave enough to reinstall the fuse, because they don’t know what will happen. I share that feeling, and probably wouldn’t tempt fate.
Tipping the Pontiac hood forward reveals this Lincoln’s 4.6-liter V8, producing 280hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission handles shifting duties, with this beast also featuring power steering and anti-lock power brakes. The customizing frenzy didn’t include the car’s mechanical components, so ongoing servicing and maintenance shouldn’t be a problem. The seller recently installed a new serpentine belt, PCV valve, and front brake pads. They state they believe one front disc might be slightly warped, as there is a shake under heavy braking. Otherwise, the Lincoln is a turnkey proposition that operates perfectly as the seller’s daily driver.
Some classics featured on Barn Finds receive tremendous feedback, and I expect that this 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII will fall into that category. It will undoubtedly divide opinions, but it will be fascinating to discover how many readers actually like this crazy custom. I can’t decide what to think, but I will leap to its defense on one point. The asking price is undeniably affordable, especially for a daily driver with luxury leanings. If you have ever considered pursuing a custom build, you could take this Lincoln and test your skills without breaking the bank. Alternatively, you could leave it as is, ensuring it will stop traffic wherever it goes. Some readers may even believe that its next journey should be to the crusher. As I said, gauging your comments will be fascinating and, I suspect, pretty entertaining.
The late great George Barris would be very proud! Okay, doesn’t have the glitz his shop turned out, but by golly, they tried. It almost looks unfinished, and in true 50s custom, this checks all the boxes. It’s like they used all the parts of an “AMT 3in1” model kit. I think it’s really neat, but to find a buyer today,,oy. Not sure about reception in your hometown, but be right at home on Ventura Blvd!
This might be the most attention one can get on the road for two grand… I’m trying to ponder how I would start a conversation with the owner if I ran across this at my local Cars And Coffee. Maybe tell him the interior is nice, and act like I didn’t notice the body!
Wow. The Fartmobile actually exists. Stay away from open flames.
It’s unique…. You have to give the builder credit for having a vision and building it. I’d be careful walking near the back of the car, if you trip You might put an eye out on one of those tailfins though.
Let’s start with the front. Someone mentioned a 1968 Charger grill, and I think that’s a great start. The blacked out grill and hidden headlights would work. Im at a loss for what to put under it.
The rear reminds me of a late 50s early 60s Studebaker Hawk with those fins.
With LED lighting being so common now, you could really do something creative with the wall to wall taillights.
Drinking and welding.
Should be a song, “Drinkin’ and a weldin’, weldin’ and a drinkin’ I don’t know what I’m thinkin’ when I’m weldin’ on my Lincoln.
Better copyright that while you can, JackinNWPA: some country-western songwriter is gonna steal it otherwise!
Where’s Johnny Cash when ya need him!
My pappy said, “Son, you’re gonna drive me to drinkin’
If you don’t stop weldin’ that Hot Rod Lincoln
I have my doubts that mere alcohol would be sufficient. Maybe this is the vanguard of a new genre in hot rodding, an LSD sled instead of a lead sled.
You could always buy it & park it next to your Cybertruck.
It looks better than a Cyber truck.
That’s a pretty low bar!
Been told the Cybertruck was designed by someone inspired by the architecture of a jail cell urinal…
This guy probably got canned from Tesla because his designs weren’t QUITE ugly enough.
Looks like the beginnings of a “Burning Man Festival” tow vehicle.
A rare case where the selling price WOULD cover the labor and materials.
Cheap for a reason, might not be cheap enough to find a buyer.
Steve R
Why not add another c word…….crap.
I can guarantee you if this beauty was close to me I’d pick it up tomorrow. Where else can you get ongoing entertainment for $2k? AND, it’s a functional vehicle.
HUHHHHH?????????
I can’t believe that anyone would do that to any Lincoln. Absolutely shameful!
I would guess the front end was totaled in a wreck. It does have a “rebuilt” title.
Well, the second wreck is far worse.
Even if you do have too much time on your hands, you can find something better to do with yourself than this.
Who looks at the back of a Lincoln Mark VIII and thinks, I know what this car needs, tailfins.
I really don’t want to like it but I do. Just a little. Maybe some paint?
Nelson, another hit song? “I don’t know why I like her but I DO! She may be quite ugly but she’s BLUE!”
lol. That’s pretty good.
Perfect! Absolutely perfect! If this wouldn’t be a crowd pleasure at my local car show I’d be amazed.
Actually, I think it’s an improvement to the Lincoln it’s built on!
He must have really hated that car. Best case of buyer’s remorse I’ve ever seen.
Could’ve been the nasty ex-wife’s car?
I absolutely love this! What we are witnessing is simply amazing vision and creativity. I don’t think it’s done by a long shot.
An obvious grill might be from an early fifties Buick, but I think a 68 Charger grill adding a rectangular geometry. A sectioned front bumper from a Ram 1500 would allow the airbags to become functional, then add chrome nerf bumpers.
At the rear I’d take the front bumper from a 56 Pontiac and create some magic out back.
I can’t figure out the doors, but they don’t blend enough just yet.
If I had the space, money or skills I’d buy it and spend the rest of my life molding this into an insane custom.
Kids… Don’t do drugs or drink, when holding wielding equipment… For 2 grand, buy it, and watch the expressions on guys faces…
Man, the neighbors will be sorry to see this go.
Ian Rouselle could finish this in one evening.
That’s what I was thinking but I couldn’t remember his name. He’s not making new shows anymore?
Ian is on YouTube a couple times a week.
If that front end was not so AFU, then this thing would actually work.
Buff out the rough spots with a sander, and give it an Earl Scheib, 1950s style two-tone paint job, and add some gaudy chrome spear trim from something else down the side.
Head over to JC Whitney and tack on (literally) some cheap Buick-type exhaust ports from. I’d also go with some cheesy spoke hubcaps instead of the salt cymbals.
If I lived in a place where there was a homeowner’s association and I was having problems with them, I would buy this contraption,license it, and park it in my driveway.
I wish I had money to burn, I would buy it and ship it to my coworker’s house anonymously, hahahaha!!!
it’s from Idaho, that alone should tell you enough
So is Barn Finds!
It’s hysterical. Take it to Cars & Coffee and park it next to those mega buck hyper exotics, piloted by attention-seeking poseurs drowning in debt, and watch them be reduced to tears as this car monopolizes all the eyeballs and conversations.
I think if I got this car I would drive it wearing a superhero outfit ‘cuz first, I would feel like a superhero getting out of it every time and second, to hide my identity as I wouldn’t want anyone seeing me associated with this car…😂
Eh, fix the airbags and I’ll think about it…
I absolutely had to read every last comment about this car. I don’t thank that I can add any thing to any of them! I am at my wits end over the car, but then again, I am no “rocket surgen:, the fact is, I’m the kinda guy that is stumped for an answer when some one say good morning to me!
Been around cars all my life, Started to take interest at about age 4, built models during my pre-teen years…..couldn’t WAIT to get my driving privileges, have red cover to cover all sorts of car magazines. I am nearly 75 years old, and I can honestly say, “Ain;’t never seen nothin like this in all my born days!”
Some people have way too much time on their hands
I have no words, everything has been said. And no one is going to argue about the price. That’s a very positive thing.
Makes me want to buy a Mark VIII and just put fins on it. I like this from the windshield back.
Maybe the good ole boys on the MAD MAX movies need a new ride …
The boys in Boise seem to have some extra time on their hands.
Does the selling price include a bag for the driver to wear over their head so nobody knows who’s behind the wheel?
A bag with papier mache fins?
The Flash
Worth the ask for the fins alone…..
Oh, slam that baby and give it a full resto ala the Batmobile !
Price reduced to $1600. So, there’s ……. that.
Another example of “just because you can, doesn’t mean you should”.
A rolling example of don’t go off your meds.
Uglier than a bag of butts.
Well, for $1600 (the new current ask) you are getting a late model daily driver. That’s actually a screaming transportation bargain these days. :)
I wish I had a college kid that needed wheels.
This is what happens when you give your Dad a Harbor freight gift card 😆