Some enthusiasts yearn to own a classic offering unparalleled luxury, but such cars can often prove prohibitively expensive. However, this 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII is in fantastic condition for its age and has a genuine 37,000 miles showing on its odometer. Adding to its appeal is the owner’s decision to offer it for sale at barely ⅓ of its original sticker price. If affordable luxury is what you desire, you will find the Lincoln located in Monroe, Michigan, and listed for sale here on Craigslist. With an asking price of $12,900 OBO, it offers potential buyers a lot for their cash. I have to say a big thank you to Barn Finder Pat L for spotting this luxury cruiser for us.
Vehicle styling in the late-1990s seems to polarize people. Some think that the softer and more rounded lines are attractive, while some believe that they make some models look like they’ve begun to melt under the blazing sun. Regardless of which school you subscribe to, there’s no arguing that this Lincoln is in remarkable condition for its age. The Medium Pewter Metallic paint shines impressively, with none of the UV deterioration that could plague paints of this shade and era. It covers panels that are equally immaculate. There are no dings, dents, rust problems, or evidence of previous repairs. The enormous bumpers make a bold statement, and while they can be damage-prone, these appear excellent. The glass looks flawless, and the alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage.
It was easy for some enthusiasts to dismiss the humble V8 as being antiquated by the 1990s, but the Mark VIII successfully dragged tried-and-true architecture into the new millennium with this classic’s drivetrain configuration. The V8 powering this beauty is an all-aluminum DOHC 32-valve work of art with a capacity of 4.6-liters. Pumping out 280hp, the ponies find their way to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. Lincoln made the Mark VIII a complete package by including power steering and four-wheel power disc brakes with ABS. For a car over 17-feet in overall length, the Mark VIII’s weight of 3,765lbs is relatively modest. Therefore, it is no surprise that this luxury cruiser can cover the ¼ mile in a respectable 15.2 seconds before winding its way to 148mph. The seller describes this Lincoln’s condition as perfect, saying that the car could serve as a daily driver. If you seek a classic where you can fly in and drive home, this Lincoln offers that opportunity in supreme comfort.
When they ordered this Lincoln, the original owner’s decision to include the no-cost but optional floormats would seem a smart one. The mats have some marks and stains, but they have performed their duty by protecting the carpet beneath. The stained mats also represent the only noticeable flaw visible in the supplied photos. There is no evidence of wear on the upholstered surfaces, no UV damage, and no crumbling plastic. If you crave life in the lap of luxury and safety, this Mark VIII has you covered. Standard equipment includes dual airbags, leather upholstery, faux burled walnut trim inserts, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, six-way power heated front seats, heated power mirrors, a leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic wheel, cruise control, climate-control air conditioning, and a premium JBL stereo system with a CD player. Ah, all the comforts of home!
I’m aware that this 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII won’t appeal to all of our readers, but I’d be willing to bet that a few might find it tempting. When the final Mark VIII rolled off the line in 1998, it marked the end of an era. Lincoln chose not to replace the model, making this the final chapter in their “Mark Series” story that dated back to 1956. For me, that makes this classic appealing on two fronts. There’s something to be said for owning the final examples of any model. With the company learning during the production process, such cars should be the best that manufacturer can build. To enjoy that experience in total luxury and comfort adds to the attraction. This Lincoln has only been on the market for a few days, and the asking price is considerably less than the $38,240 that the original owner paid. It has enough positive points to suggest that a new owner will emerge pretty quickly.
Can’t go wrong here. You could even daily it
I prefer the Mark VII styling more, but this is a tasteful evolution of the series. Did these have the air ride suspension problems? I know on the Town Cars some have ditched that system for a conventional set up. In any event, this car is a beauty and the breed has largely vanished from the highways and byways.
They did come with the air ride, freind of mine chose to replace it with the t- bird shock’s and strut’s when his original went bad. Worked fine.
I had a 1998 Town Car, and replaced the air bags with heavy duty units from Arnott. Worked great, and cheaper than OEM, even with my wholesale account.
I recently purchased a one (1) 2009 Lincoln Towncar Signature Limited with only 23,000 actual mile and love it! They drive like your on a cloud. Nice styling as well. This is a very good deal and worth the Sellers asking price IMO for its mileage and appearance of condition.
Rusted 68 Chargers are $40,000. This is the best buy on the Internet. These cars are fast and super comfortable.
I daily a ’98 LSC. They do have foibles and require upkeep. However, the newest is now 24 years old. It really isn’t difficult work and with factory dual exhaust the aural soundtrack is great. I drove by it for a long time before stopping to see why it was parked. I have put many miles on it at a dirt cheap rate and needing only liability while everyone who sees it says what is that? I go down the Gorge at high speed and get great mileage. Nobody but the American auto industry has gotten this combo right. This car for sale is a beautiful car but is a base model priced at beyond the market of today. Accept 75k miles and the price will be halved. With documents.
Picture of the interior. The Towncars are well appointed and one of the very best driving sedans still out there. They are also becoming collectible for those that want what is was. The previous original owner had passed on but she took it to her Lincoln dealership service center every 6 month, or less. I counted 24 oil changes on the Carfax, and even if it was a few hundred miles she changed the fluids and kept all of the recommended service taken care of.
The MN12s were brutal on front suspension components — rear too for that matter. The air suspension on these takes a lot of grief, but there are replacement parts readily available, and the system itself is not terribly complicated and returns a fantastic ride.
Dave i would say Lexus made a pretty stellar 2dr V8 touring coupe the sc400 i believe was the model.
I worked at a Lincoln dealer as an 18 year old kid in 1998 when these were new. I would perform new car inspections on these and take them on the highway for a test drive, it was like a died and went to heaven driving these. I know there were problems with the air ride even when they were only a few years old, but at that time in my life I hadn’t driven anything nicer than these and I’d love to own one now, but I haven’t a place for it really. Maybe later on down the road.
I believe the air ride has gotten a bad rap. I know in my mind it was a “white whale” with no metal and a shock absorber enclosed where you cannot access repairs. Then when I started to look for parts I took some apart and de-mystified the system. It has also possibly lead me to believe I can do Jaguars of the era. Said the man as he fell off the cliff……
Fantastic car. After they stopped the Mark series the whole line lost prestige. The MK VII LSC before these was also great.
I remember reading a article back when these were new somebody got one and took the 130mph governor off and got it to 180mph on the salt flats . whoever snatches this thing up is going to have a nice ride its the last of the comfortable cars
I meant to say that I the one I have now is a one owner. I’m the 2nd owner of record. I actually look forward to taking it. It’s the most comfortable ride I’ve experienced.
i want it bad, what is a good source of $$$, playing the lottery or have a bandana over your face and walk into a bank with a fake bomb?
Had a ’78 Mark V Givenchy, 460, hydra-boost and anti-skid brakes … great road car … one flaw was the flapping rubber strip on the front bumper – had an annoying “flap” at high speeds … needed the 26 gal tank as it only got 10-12 mpg but who cared back then … late life goal is to find another in good condition, but my wife would want me to get rid of my 350Z Roadster and I’m not there yet …
The main problem…no parts available….wacky suspension parts and braking ABS parts..not available.. bumpers impossible….interior parts impossible..etc
Isn’t the engine in this basically a Cobra engine with it being a 32-valve? Nice, low mile Lincoln with a very fair asking price. I’m surprised it’s still listed, worth every penny.