One of two of almost anything is pretty special, and it’s even more special when the other one of those things two has been destroyed. This 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII convertible is the only one left on the globe, according to the seller who has it posted here on craigslist in Lewisville, Texas. They’re asking $9,800, here is the original listing, and thanks to one-of-one Pat L. for sending in this tip!
Lincoln made the slightly longer, sleeker Mark VIII from late-1992 for the 1993 model year, up until the end of 1998. It was the last two-door Lincoln model if you don’t count a rebadged Ford pickup, although those were probably all four-door pickups, now that I think about it. Has there been a more-recent two-door Lincoln than the Mark VIII? The next in line was the LS, which had an interesting name, as far as Lexus was concerned. Speaking of the LS, I’ve always wondered what a two-door version might look like (insert wavy Photoshop dream sequence here)
I’m not as enamored by the design of the Mark VIII as I was about the previous Mark VII. Maybe it was because Jack Webb’s production company was called Mark VII Limited and I’m a wicked huge Jack Webb fan, but I think it had better proportions and wasn’t as 1990s-looking, in a melted-bar-of-soap way.
The seller says that this particular car was one of two “outlaw factory Lincoln convertibles” built and titled as a Lincoln by a car dealership in Milwaukee. They go on to say that Lincoln threatened to pull their Lincoln dealership because of them being titled as Lincolns – a black one that was totaled the day it left the dealer lot, and this white one. They say that “the title was written off but since completely restored twice, with the most recent restoration having as much of the body removed as possible with separating from the reinforced frame members used to stiffen it for the original Coachbuilder convertible conversion.”
The driver’s side interior looks a little rugged, but other than that it looks nice inside, even in what I imagine would be a fairly cramped rear seat, at least as far as headroom goes.
The engine is Ford’s InTech 4.6-liter DOHC V8, which was rated at 280 horsepower and 285 lb-ft of torque. Backed by a four-speed automatic transmission, I can imagine that this is a very smooth ride and the convertible story is interesting, but does it add to the value or take away from the value? Let us know your thoughts.
Well this is something different. Valuable, or desirable, I’m not sure…. and I like the normal Mark VIII. The info the seller is trying to convey seems a bit confusing to me. I think the main point is that the car has 300k miles (!!!) and has been ‘restored’ twice before– whatever that entailed. To have lasted this long, perhaps the conversion was of good quality (though for the last ‘restoration’ it sounds like body panels were removed– for repairs underneath?)
The list price for the conversion would be $37,000 in today’s dollars; expensive, but I could believe it.
Ask price is not much money, perhaps worth it just for the novelty.
As usual, good write-up Scotty.
The answer to my questions!i often looked at these cars wondering what it would look like as a topless !i think it looks pretty good , i cannot and will not have another beige/tan interior as i find them gross but i am content to have seen this car and wish him luck with sale …
Can you say “Beater”, lots of stupid photos.
The white body/black top, interior configuration and general profile make it look like my 96 Chrysler Sebring convertible……. it may be unique for a Lincoln, but not very interesting for the asking price.
Decent car destroyed when the Top Was Cut Off…
I disagree. With the top up it looks darn good, something you can’t say about every convertible.
Can someone translate the “title” part of the ad? Written off as in totaled? But then restored twice?
As with any motor vehicle, the state’s department of motor vehicles or secretary of state’s office or whatever agency regulates, registers and licenses motor vehicles, they will have standards and licensing that determines when a vehicle is “totaled” and that doesn’t necessarily mean it is beyond repair, just the cost exceeded the value. I have literally seen some lease vehicles that were totaled because of a deployed air bag and not much more than a fender bender with no frame damage. New hood, fender, radiator, lights, airbag and it’s back on the road, easy peasy, lemon squeezy.
Seriously, in my state of Michigan, the Secretary of State handles all motor vehicle records (title, registration, license, lein, etc.) If a vehicle is within a certain number of model years old, I think it’s 5, and it is damaged to a point where the insurance company writes it off (usually if the cost of repair to value ration is >80%) then the vehicle must be retitled as a “Salvage vehicle.” But, it can be sold, rebuilt, inspected and registered for road use again.
So, this title could have been “written off” for, let’s say a front side hit and then the car was “rebuilt” with a front corner cut from a salvage yard car and “restored” to original appearance. But, if the car was new enough or otherwise met the state’s requirements for being titled as a “Salvage vehicle” then it could still be insured, driven, SAFE and reliable and still have a “written off title”
Mk VII was a muscular looking car. Mk VIII looks like Lincoln ” Lincolnized” a Toyota Solara. Both the coupe and this convertible.
Or was the Mk VIII first? Can’t remember.
I owned a 93. It was extremely fast yet got 28-30 mpg on trips. It lowers itself once you hit highway speeds. Unfortunately not reliable and trans rebuild at 85,000. I wonder where they sourced the rear side windows?
Lofl!
That worn steering wheel says it all.
As a matter of taste and opinion, I did not care for the Mark VII. Too narrow and high height. The Mark VIII was lower, wider and sleeker. The Mark V was the best looking Mark series in my opinion, as was the Mark III.
You would think being the only one on the planet they would ask $100,000 for it. Especially with the backstory that comes with it. But what do I know?
Those rear side windows, Gary Haas, look like they were pilfered from a Mark VII hardtop.
I didn’t even read the whole article after seeing 1of 2.
I know of at least two more first gen convertibles still on the road and in better condition. One here in Michigan. I know the owner. There’s another out there as well I know of.
Mark VIII Collector, the seller’s point is that there were only two titled as Lincolns, which was supposedly what Lincoln had an issue with. There are probably hundreds of aftermarket Mark VIII convertibles out there.
Lots of cars get converted, this started back in the 70s. I have a 78 Lincoln coupe that was converted by Andy Hotten who did many things with Fords blessings. This car looks like a Sebring was used for the conversion. On my 78 they reached back to 69 thru 71 Fords to source parts. Eldorados from the 90s and lots of others have been chopped. Not highly sought after, glass on some if broken can be a death sentence like that of hearses and other customs. Unique but not a big power player for big collector money. Nicely done though, IMO but to me looks too much like a Sebring and most if not all will think and look at it that way, a jellybean with no roof.
wont that trick Yamaha engine developed w/Ford fit in there (all fox bodied)? Might B a nice addition for “the rest”…
Someone actually did this to a mark Viii? Dear Floridan, Scottdale, Palm Springs, And Vegas boomers. this is the abomination you got if that faux convertible top on your new dealer installed cabriolet roof looked like if it actually went down DID go down. Yuck, yuck, yuck