One of the challenges when searching for a luxurious classic to park in your garage is finding one that won’t break the bank. This 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII presents well, is a turnkey proposition loaded with all of the creature comforts you would expect from the marque, and it is dirt cheap. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting this gem listed here on Craigslist in Mill Creek, Washington. And just how cheap is it? This Lincoln could be yours for $3,200.
Lincoln launched the Mark VIII for the 1993 model year, with the badge remaining in production until 1998. The company moved away from the previous “Fox” platform for its latest offering, utilizing unique FN10 underpinnings derived from the MN12 platform that formed the base for the Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar. This Mark VIII is a first-year example ordered by its first owner in Midnight Black. The seller is its second owner, although it is unclear when they became its custodian. It presents well for its age, with the subdued light showing the paint at its best. It holds an impressively deep shine, and if there are any imperfections, they are too minor to show in the supplied photos. The panels are straight, and there is no evidence or mention of rust problems. The bright trim is quite subtle and restrained, offering a classy contrast to the dark paint shade. The glass is clear, and the 16″ alloy wheels are in good condition.
From airbags to leather trim, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a leather-wrapped tilt wheel, and a premium stereo, it is all there in this Mark VIII. That list of features guarantees a relaxed and comfortable motoring experience for the new owner. The interior is also in respectable condition for a car with 139,000 miles on the clock. The leather on the front seats shows some slight wear, but treatment and conditioning by a specialist should improve the situation without costing the buyer a fortune. There are no rips or holes, and no evidence of broken plastic. The seller doesn’t mention any functional issues, suggesting that everything inside this classic works as it should.
Ford developed a reputation for producing some pretty bulletproof V8 engines, and the all-aluminum 4.6-liter “Intech” unit utilized in the Lincoln Mark VIII was no exception. These are robust powerplants and, if maintained appropriately, can clock enormous distances without causing trouble. Lincoln teamed the “Intech” with a four-speed 4R70W automatic transmission, along with traditional features like power steering and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The company quoted power and torque figures of 280hp and 285 ft/lbs, and although it specified premium unleaded fuel, the Lincoln’s aerodynamically efficient shape ensured that it returned surprisingly good consumption figures on the open road. The seller doesn’t make claims about an outrageously low odometer reading for this Mark VIII, which is refreshing when those are quite common. However, they state that it runs and drives extremely well, raising the possibility that the new owner could fly in and drive it home.
The 1993 model year was the high point for Lincoln’s Mark VIII from a sales perspective, with 32,370 buyers handing over nearly $37,000 to take one home. The tally dropped from there and, when you consider the seller’s asking price for this survivor, it is fair to say that they weren’t a solid long-term investment. However, that is good news for those who place affordability at the top of their requirements list, because this Mark VIII offers its new owner a lot for their money. It has only been on the market for a short time, and I won’t be surprised if it finds a new home fairly quickly. Will you?
Thank you Adam. The Mark VIII was quite the change from the Mark VII, which by its end had more-or-less evolved into a gentleman’s Mustang GT. This was a different car, more positioned as a luxury cruiser. They were only fair sellers and never really developed a following, which is evident in their relatively low prices today.
That said, I’ve always liked them. I briefly considered one when they were new, but a two-door coupe didn’t fit what I needed at the time. Very swoopy styling. The interior design is especially interesting, with the deep arc of the dash making things close to your left knee and far away from your stretching right arm.
I had 3 of these Lincolns a 1993, 1996, and a 1998 LSC. I loved them. I bought the 93 as a repo with 170,000kms on the clock and enjoyed putting another 160,00 on it albeit I had to rebuild the Trans. Unfortunately my 1996 was totaled and I replaced it with the 1998 which I gave to my daughter in 2008 with 120,000 kms.
With the 1993 I read an article that Ford set a land-speed record with it. They removed the mirrors and rear brake pads and in pure, but tuned, stock attained 173 mph. These cars were a dream to drive and very comfortable. This is very cheap for this car. The air suspension system could be a problem but I found a company in Florida that rebuilt the air bags for semis and also for Lincolns and 30% of what Ford wanted and with a 1 year warantee as opposed to Fords 3 month. I did replace two front ones on the 93.
Headlights were poor on the 93 to the 96 but were improved for 97 and 98. but to replace them you would need to contact Lincoln and they will put you in touch with a dealer who has a system for $500. in 2008 as the bulbs are no longer produced and were $200. each If I didn’t have 3 vehicles in my garage I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this one.
These cars also at 60mph would lower the ride height 3 inches.
“Gentleman’s Mustang”. I like that. I’ve often thought the same, but lacked the word combination to say it, thanks!
Wow, it is surprising how such a clean luxury car can only cost $3200. Hagerty’s price guide says 3200 for a #4 car, but this one looks better than that. Their #3 car is at $7000.
Normally, I wouldn’t consider a 1993 car as a “classic” car, but this one really has a presence that seems, well, classic. I like it a lot.
But somehow it seems too cheap to be true.
Real freeway fliers, and if I recall, had a very healthy top speed. Anybody know how the tranny’s in these held up ?
Stan,
Until they loose their OD they’re great. Had to replace mine at 110k miles.
Which leads me to the simple question of service history of this space ship.
Lincoln is the glitter and glam of this era. However, there were many owners that thought that all they needed to do was change the oil when it got dark on the stick.
Dealership service writers did not do anyone of us second and third owners any favors back when the original owner would bring the car in for its first 10 services. If that.
BTW, tranny will destroy at least $3k.
Ur not done yet. Wait until you tackle the front end suspension and steering. Been there done that. Car is worth only what you are willing to pay. Personally it is worth $1k to me. AND, I’m close to it. Plus I know these cars. They can be a electrical nightmare…
Thanks Billy 🤝
When Lincoln was a real American luxury brand.
In 1991, I was a fresh graduate of Carnegie-Mellon and employed in Ford’s college graduate program. I was part of a testing group based inside Ford’s Dearborn Proving Grounds. One day, I returned from lunch to find a crowd of people looking out the window toward the high-speed track. It wasn’t long before I realized why. There were two examples of a sleek car none of us had seen before doing laps of the high speed track, just fast enough that nobody could get a good look. As luck would have it, both cars wound up parked outside my building a few moments later. The crowd moved to the parking lot, and we were greeted with the first undisguised prototypes of the 1993 Mark VIII. The reactions were mixed, but it definitely captured everyone’s attention.
Back in the summer of 93, at the ripe young age of 30, I transferred from RRDonnelley, Glasgow, Ky, to a new plant in South Daytona, FL. During the transfer, they gave me the option of renting the first few weeks I was there to drive back and forth. Hertz was running a special on these and I got the free upgrade. It was pearl white with black interior. Will never forget the first time I nailed it, WOW! I drove straight to the hotel, popped the hood and discovered the 32 valve V8. The car was a treat to drive with strong acceleration, crisp handling and premium ride. Reminded me of the Rivieras, Toronados and Eldorados from the 70’s. I was always a GM guy but wanted one of these badly. At that time in my life the price was a bit steep. This is a great buy for someone, and I may purchase it myself if I don’t stop looking at it!
IMO the MARK V lll missed the MARK for traditional Lincoln, especially MARK buyers. If I recall correctly, Ford had moved styling to California, searching for a younger target. The aero styling wasn’t the hit with that target and alienated many previous buyers. Far from LINCOLN, what a Luxury CAR should be and ONCE was, personally I wouldn’t want it at any price. But for someone who appreciates it and wants SOME Luxury at a bargain, it just might be a Bon Marche.
Hmm, fly into Seattle and drive it home to Ohio. I liked the previous Mark VII a little better but at this price, I had to check to see if it was still there. It is and I’m thinking Lincoln. The style is a little polarizing but if anything it was ahead of it’s time and has ages we’ll.
Did a Google search and it mentions most of the problems are from not changing tranny fluid at recommended intervals or using incorrect fluid resulting in transmission slipping and rough shifts and also high mileage resulting in wear. In most cases changing the transmission fluid fixed the problem. If it’s only a two owner car and it was properly maintained then it’s safe to say it’s alright but the mileage is a bit on the high side.
Nice find,Rocco B. Looks like there are still good deals out there.
If you can get two or three more years out of it for $3200 it’s still a great bargain.
Had a 93 and got my only speeding ticket in my life. These cars will scream and it lowers itself once over 50-55 mph for aerodynamics and I got 30 mpg from San Antonio to CT.
After trading in an 81 BB Mark VI, the interior was stark in comparison, but it was a true HotRod Lincoln!
I had a Ford dealer for a client in Hutchinson Ks and he had a new one on the showroom floor for several months. One day when I was calling on the client, I said I’ll give you half price for it. He said he might consider it if it sat much longer. Not a hot seller back then.
My story is related to the slow selling.
Back then, I had a Maxima and a co-worker had one of these, both on lease. We liked our cars and planned to buy them after the lease, but not at the buyout price.
He went into the LM dealership and was able to cut a great deal. When I went into the Nissan dealership, the lease guy said “Look out the window, do you see any used 3 year old Maxima’s? I will have this car sold in a day” I decided not to keep it and moved on.
IMO that was pure Luck for you! ☘. Hopefully you moved to something other than an import. Maybe Lincoln? Dad worked for INLAND STEEL for 40 plus years, so 😠 😡 😤 Mitsubishinisannota! 😠. TARIFFICKLY good idea 🤔? Sorry, just can’t help myself! 😅 🤣
Hopefully, Ford had fixed the air suspension on this version. But, at 139,000 miles? Nothing lasts forever.
I feel that the air ride system was great but as anything rubber does not last forever. For comparison Many Semi trucks are air suspension and work great. I had my front air bags on my 93 Mark VIII replaced. For the first one I used Ford but for the second I was able to get one from a trucking supply company in Florida that actually rebuilt them for 1/2 the cost from Ford with 1 year guarantee as opposed to Ford’s 3 months. They are very easy to replace took me 1/2 hr.
I had considered the Mark Viii when it came out but opted for the Eldorado instead. I think it sold poorly because the interior was so plain. The interior design was all soft rounded mushballs, sort of the flying potato Ford style of the day, with lots of plastic, and no bright trim and virtually no wood. It just did not look like a luxury interior.
This would suit me fine, price-wise, certainly; though the fussy suspension and transmission, combined with the high mileage, would concern me. But it is entirely across the Country, and thus, GETTING BACK HERE WITH IT might cost as much as the car itself. Besides, I prefer something old enough to have a spare tyre and not a “doughnut”, and without air-bags; therefore, I’ll pass on this one. Thanks.
Well you have managed to hit every single car my mother had before she died now, all within a 3 week span. Her last car was a 1993 Mark Viii in green. My dad sold it when she was in the hospital to get her a Lincoln LS that was to be her car when she got out, but she never got out. About 5 years after she passed, the old Mark Viii was for sale and I snatched it up for a whooping $400. It is still in my collection because it was Mom’s last car. Those cars are really quick with just minor changes. Mine now has flowmaster mufflers and 2 1/2″ dual exhaust with an x-pipe. With a manifold upgrade it sounds and performs much like a mustang cobra of that vintage. Not sure Mom would approve, but it’s hard to keep a hot rodder from changing things a little. Lol
thnx Adam,
a lill over szed to toss around, still some power, this is more a cruzer. No longer a fox-bodied, no longer an ‘executive car’ (euro competition) one would take this to the opera or polo field w/wifie’n kids…
Gimme the real ‘driver cars’ instead. (actually got -0- $
for either, all utility in my garage. All space takers need to
make money/earn keep, just like me).
A cheap Lincoln like the sign said in the Harrisburg Cadillac dealership in the service department. We have no problem if Lincoln Mercury sells their Lincoln for less than our Cadillacs they know what they’re worth.
I had a 98 LSC. That card nickname was NEEDY B***H. Always needed something but the drive train was bullet proof and fast. It was a beautiful car and last of the 2-door Hot Rod Lincolns. There’s a guy out there who specializes in parts for these, Bruce Budnick