User:Wiggl3sLimited

Started 9/18/06

On my personal page I hope to explain most of the Lincoln Special Editions with as much information that can be provided. Sorry if it looks like it's from you.

General Info
If it's a Lincoln Special Edition it's probably somewhere on this page.

The resale prices are there for a reason. A lot of times some old guy decides to part with the Lincoln, and spends $100's advertising a $3,000, but may think it's worth $20,000. In the end it's just a waste of time and money.

All resale prices are in FAIR condition. Not anything that's beat up, not anything that's in showroom condition. If you have a car you should get a just of what it's worth from here.

All retail prices are approximant because it will fluxuate depending on the options you decide to get. I'll try to find the most expensive packages.

How come I don't see this limited edition?
Many dealerships, a lot of times on the east coast, will throw on some badges and change the outer appearance slightly, then call it a limited or special edition. I'm not saying that these cars are worth more or less money, all I'm saying is that these are aftermarket packages. More well-known packages are listed below. Though some of these may seem legit, they ARE aftermarket packages. Some examples:


 * Black Tie (Town Car)
 * Comtech (Mark VII)
 * Floridian Edition (Town Car)
 * Florida Golf Edition (Town Car)
 * Gold Coast Edition (Town Car)
 * Gucci Edition (Town Car)
 * Light House Point (Town Car)
 * Millennium Edition (Town Car)
 * Palm Beach Edition (Town Car)
 * Presidential/Congressional Edition (Town Car)
 * Sail America (Town Car)
 * Tour Edition (Town Car)

Town Car
 

The Town Car is built on the same chassis as the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, however the wheelbase is three inches longer to give the car greater interior space. In fact the rear seat legroom - so important in a limo - is better than all but the Chrysler LHS and the BMW 740iL which costs twice as much. It has much more rear seat legroom than any SUV, although headroom is not quite as generous. Luggage space is also a strong feature of the car and access is good thanks to a low lip on the trunk lid. However the spare wheel is not hidden below the trunk floor, instead it takes up some space in the trunk.

Trim Levels
In 1981 the Town Car was introduced in three trim levels, the base Executive Series, the mid-range Signature Series, and the top-of-the-line Cartier. The trim levels remained unchanged until 2003.

Designer
2004-Present The Designer Series is an upper-middle trim level in between the mid-level Signature Limited and top-of-the-line Signature L. The Designer Series is roughly $1,000 more expensive than the mid-level Signature Limited with a starting MSRP of $45,915. This trim includes two tone interior accents, a special higher quality leather called "Provence" leather. The rear seats also include four way adjustable head restraints exclusively on this trim for the standard wheelbase. On the exterior special chromed B pillars and Chrome wheels are included with this package.

Executive
1981 - 2003(7) The Executive Series was the basic trim levels and thus also most affordable trim level on the Lincoln Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Executive Series designation is still used today, but only on fleet vehicles.

Signature Limited
2003-Present The "Signature Limited" took over the "Signature Series" name in 2003.

Signature Series
1981 - 2003 The Signature Series was the mid-level trim and was also the most popular trim level from 1981 through 2003. In 2004 the trim levels were renamed, and the Signature Series was now used to describe the basic trim level and Ultimate was now used to describe the mid-level trim. In 2005 the Ultimate was dropped and all trim levels were changed to a version of Signature. The basic trim level for 2005 was called Signature, the mid trim level was called Signature Limited and the top-of-line trim-level was called Signature L. The trim level designations were revised again for the 2006 model year. For 2006 a trim level called the Designer Series was added between the Signature Limited and top-of-line Signature L.

Ultimate
2004 The Ultimate trim level replaced the Cartier trim level.

Cartier
1981 - 2003 Cartier was used on the top-of-line Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Cartier also featured its own version of Lincoln emblem which was stitched onto the seats. Gold Lincoln emblems on the tail-lights, and a gold dash clock also became a staple mark on the Cartier Edition on 1998 through 2002 models.

Cypress Edition
The rarest of all Lincoln Limited Editions. The colors came in Cypress Gold Frost Metallic with a two tone leather interior, the finishing touch was a nice red Cypress tree emblem on the front fenders. That Red Tree Emblem is priceless!

Diamond Anniversary Edition
As shown in Lincoln's special four page brochure, limited edition Diamond Anniversary models were offered on each model Lincoln available in 1996: the Continental, the Town Car and the Mark VIII. Each was available in either Silver Frost Metallic or Cordovan Metallic.

Jack Nicklaus Edition
The factory Jack Nicklaus Signature Editions came in metallic green or white exterior colors with a metal logo on the dash and front fenders, similar to the 1996 and 1997 metal emblem but with green background for the "Jack Nicklaus" and gold background for the "Signature Edition" lettering. These earlier Jack Nicklaus Editions had white leather interior with green stitching on the Lincoln emblem on the seats, and green carpeting and green floor mats with the bear logo. Most Jack Nicklaus Editions with green exteriors had a full white vinyl top, and 15" wheels and tires. The later models were the same except the exterior came in white also. The 1997 Editions came in a pearlized blue/green color with a silver/gray bottom, and also in solid white. The interior was a two toned "Prarie Tan" leather with tan floor mats with the bear logo on them. Check out the web pages below for photos and more detailed information. / Jack Nicklaus Editions

Spinnaker
The Spinnaker Edition Town Car was based off the sails. The exterior was blue with a white top. The interior was blue carpeting and 2-tone blue/white leather seats.

Mark Series
The Lincoln Mark series was Lincoln's 2-door personal luxury coupé from 1956 to 1998, except for 1980 to 1983 model-years when the Mark VI was also offered as a sedan (4-door).

The 1956/57 Mark was produced while Continental was a separate division of Ford Motor Company apart from Lincoln. After 1958 when Continental was merged with Lincoln and the Lincoln Continental became the flagship model, the Mark continued to be sold as the Continental Mark II. The Mark kept the Continental prefix until 1984 upon the introduction of the Mark VII. The Mark VIII (1993-1998) was the last generation of the Mark and Lincoln's last personal luxury Coupé.

Designers Series
Automotive Mile Posts: Ford has always been successful at marketing special editions. Not that they were necessarily designed to sell in large numbers, but they did attract attention, and were successful at pulling buyers into the showrooms. The Mark IV introduced the Silver Luxury Group in 1973, which was repeated again in 1974. The Gold Luxury Group, introduced in 1974, attracted more buyers. This was expanded in 1975 to include the Blue Diamond, Saddle/White, and Lipstick/White Luxury Groups. Basically trim options, the Luxury Groups allowed Continental customers a bit more distinction than the traditional models, and the cost of the option was largely profit for Ford.

If a special color assortment could attract buyers, what would happen if a real designer put his name on it? The answer came in 1976. The Mark IV Designer Series included sensational color combinations and special equipment specified by Bill Blass, Cartier, Givenchy or Pucci. Each very different, they expressed the taste of their namesake. Bill Blass chose a deep blue and cream combination; Cartier, in keeping a precious jewelry theme, chose a creamy grey-the color of freshwater pearls; Givenchy sought to create a sparkling turquoise reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea; and Emilio Pucci, known for his unique color combinations, selected a stunning vintage burgundy and silver to make his mark.

The Designer Series Mark IV's all featured a 22-karat Gold plaque with a provision for engraving the owner's name. The designer's golden signature appeared in the Opera Windows. And did the public like them? Within a few months, lesser cars of all types began appearing in the color combinations chosen by these designers. It wasn't unusual to see an Oldsmobile Cutlass sporting the Bill Blass or Pucci color scheme.

A rip off? Perhaps. But isn't imitation supposed to be the sincerest form of flattery? These same four designers would continue to come up with creative, distinctive, and elegant editions for the Continental for years to come. All of them said "welcome to the world of high fashion." They became the trendsetters of the automotive world, and forced the competition to look for their own designers.

The 1976 Continental Mark IV catalog sums it up best: Pucci, Givenchy, Bill Blass and Cartier have all made a mark for themselves. In 1976, they'll help you make a Mark for yourself.

Bill Blass
The exterior was a Dark Blue Metallic Finish with a Cream Normande Grain Landau Vinyl Roof, and Cream and Gold Pin-striping. The interior moldings were Cream or Dark Blue Body side. Blue Versailles Cloth or Blue Leather Interior with Cream Accent Straps and Buttons.

Cartier
The exterior was Dove Grey with a Dove Grey Valino Grain Landau Vinyl Roof, and Red and White Pin-striping. The interior moldings were Dove Grey. Dove Grey Versailles Cloth or Dove Grey Leather Interior.

Emilio Pucci
Color Combination: Dark Red Moondust Finish Silver Normande Grain Landau Vinyl Roof Silver and Lipstick Red Pin-striping Red or Silver Body side Moldings Dark Red Majestic Cloth Interior

Givenchy
Color Combination: Aqua Blue Diamond Fire Finish White Normande Grain Landau Vinyl Roof Black and White Pin-striping White or Aqua Blue Body side Moldings Aqua Blue Velour Cloth or Leather Interior Light Simulated Wood grain Instrument Panel with Black-Grained Inserts

Luxury Groups
I dont have any info on these!

Black
I dont have any info on these!

Blue
I dont have any info on these!

Gold
I dont have any info on these!

Silver
I dont have any info on these!

Silhouette
The Silhouette Mark IV started life as a normal Continental Mark IV, built on the assembly line in Wixom, Michigan along with all the other Lincolns and Thunderbirds in 1976. The common denominator among these cars is that they all seem to have been equipped with the Versailles Velour Interior option, and it was specified that the standard vinyl roof be deleted. They were also all ordered without the optional custom paint stripes. As the cars came down the line, the opera window moldings, vinyl roof quarter moldings, the wide chrome moldings normally provided with the Custom Landau (Halo) vinyl roof option, as well as the Normandie grain material for the vinyl roof covering itself, were packed into the trunk of the car instead of being installed.

After assembly completion and successfully passing a final inspection, the cars were moved to a special holding location in a lot to await being transported by rail to ASC, approximately 40 miles away, along with all of the other Lincolns and Thunderbirds that were to be fitted with the power Sunroof or Moon roof option.

At ASC, the Silhouette was fitted with a Sunroof or Moon roof if specified, and the unique Stainless Steel roof cap, rear Custom Landau vinyl roof, wide chrome moldings, Custom Body Striping, Silhouette script, and interior velour opera window cover (shown above left) were installed. After completing another inspection process at ASC, the cars were then shipped to their destination.

Mark V
First there was the original Continental. One of the most beautiful cars ever built. What can mankind create to follow in its footsteps? The Mark II. A classic in every sense of the word. How do you top the Mark II? With the 1969 Mark III. How do you better the Mark III? You create the Mark IV, which finally serves notice to Cadillac that Lincoln is number one in the personal luxury field. With the Mark IV outselling Cadillac's Eldorado each year, how do you improve on that? With a Mark of tradition. The Mark V. Big luxury cars were on their way out when the Mark V was introduced in 1977. Ford had already downsized the Thunderbird, and it was about to have its best sales year ever in 1977. Lincoln decided to maintain the full size of its personal luxury offering for 1977, with a new engine to provide improved fuel economy.

Lincoln's decision was a correct one. The Mark V set a new sales record for the year. This was in spite of the increasing cost of fuel, and the luxury import market gaining acceptance with U.S. buyers. The Mark V was an evolution of the Mark IV. All of the sheet metal was new, but there was more than a passing resemblance between the two. The Mark V was squared off, more angular in its appearance. The interiors were quite similar, with the Mark V showing just a few updates from its predecessor. The Mark V retained all of the classic features necessary to identify it: the modified Rolls Royce grille, the concealed headlights, opera windows, simulated spare tire cover, etc. The sales brochure stated the new Mark was "Boldly contemporary...yet reassuringly compatible with traditions evolving from the first Continental..."

Cadillac downsized all of its line for 1977, with the exception of the Eldorado. To compete with the Mark's Designer Editions, Cadillac introduced the Eldorado Biarritz during the 1976 model year as an option for the 1976 Eldorado. The Biarritz was available from the beginning in 1977 in a limited assortment of colors, and featured a heavily padded Elk Grain cabriolet vinyl roof with limousine-style rear window and French seams. A vinyl insert that matched the roof color accented the aluminum roof crossover molding, and coach lamps served notice that this was not a standard Eldorado. A heavy brushed stainless steel molding began at the front of the hood with a spear shape, then continued down the side of the car along the belt line, widening near the rear edge of the door then narrowing again before continuing around the base of the vinyl roof. A Biarritz script nameplate was placed just behind the coach windows. Color keyed wheel covers and a pillowed leather interior completed the package. Very distinctive, but the Biarritz with its 1975 body was not able to compete with the crisp clean lines of the Mark V.

Functional front fender louvers were a styling refinement that helped cool the engine compartment, and were the only new styling feature introduced for 1977, as the new vertical tail lamps had been a styling feature of the 1969-1971 Mark III series.

Performance suffered, due to the sheer size and weight of the car. About 400 pounds was shed between 1976 and 1977, but the smaller standard power plant eliminated any possibility of better performance. What did not suffer was the smooth, quiet ride and satisfaction of owning one of the year's most distinctive automobiles.

Designer Editions
There were 4 Designer Series Mark VI's available in 1980.

Bill Blass
Exterior - Midnight Cordovan with Light Champagne padded Landau roof (full vinyl roof also available) and body moldings. Interior - The Cordovan is carried inside in either ultra velour or leather/vinyl upholstery.

The Bill Blass name is laminated in the opera window (as are all the designer names).

Cartier
Exterior - Light Champagne paint and vinyl roof. Cartier logo on rear deck. Interior - Media velour or leather/vinyl in Champagne with dark red accents.

Emilio Pucci
Exterior - Light silver metallic with black Cayman grain vinyl Landau roof, also available in a full vinyl roof. Tri-Tone pinstripes accent the exterior, black body moldings, and the Pucci logo appears on the rear deck (absence of this probably indicates a repaint of the car).

Interior - Dark red and dove grey leather/vinyl.

Givenchy
Exterior - Midnight Jade. Front (yes, front) half of roof is Lugano grain padded vinyl in Chamois color (looks like a reverse Landau). Body moldings in Chamois. Pinstripes have the Givenchy trademark "G" incorporated into them.

Interior - Jade leather/vinyl with the trademark "G" embroidered in broad lace inserts in the seat backs.

Collectors Edition
If you were somehow able to travel back in time and purchase a classic automobile brand new, and retain it over the years as an investment, wouldn't you jump at the chance? Lincoln gave everyone the opportunity to do just that in 1979. The Collector's Series was Lincoln's way of bidding farewell to the full size luxury cars it had been building. And in doing so, it provided the opportunity to purchase a future classic. Somewhat of a dinosaur by 1979, the Mark V was the last personal luxury car built on a full size platform. Cadillac had downsized the Eldorado for 1979, and was enjoying rejuvenated sales on its foot shorter wheelbase, after shedding 1,150 pounds and 20 inches in overall length. Cadillac wasted no time in advertising the advantages of its smaller size when compared to the Lincoln. The new car buying public knew this would be the last year for large automobiles, and rushed to purchase one of the last ones, despite the fuel economy (or lack of).

Contributing to the departure of the big Lincoln was the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirement that mandated a 19 mpg minimum average for all cars built by a manufacturer. In California, the Mark V was rated at the bottom of the barrel, at just 10 mpg. Healthy sales of the big Lincolns during the Fall of 1978 were placing Ford perilously close to the 19 mpg minimum. The penalty for failing to meet the average minimum requirement was severe-five dollars for each one tenth of a mile per gallon below the requirement for each car produced. Ford responded in December 1978 by raising the prices on Lincolns, while leaving the price of its other cars untouched. This must have been a bitter pill for Lincoln to swallow, having to discourage sales by raising sticker prices in its farewell year as a large car.

One might think the final blow would have come in February 1979, when a sudden fuel crisis caused by the Iranian revolution led to a slow market for big cars. But Lincoln was surprisingly resilient. Sales during this period dipped, which helped Ford's CAFE requirement, but overall sales remained quite good. This changed by late Spring, when long lines at gasoline stations virtually halted sales of large heavy cars. Chrysler came very close to not surviving, and Ford and GM were not fairing much better. By late Summer, Lincoln dealers were struggling to sell the last of the large Lincolns before the new smaller, more efficient 1980 models were introduced. The last Mark V was built on June 8, 1979, ending this chapter in Lincoln's very distinguished history.

The 1979 Collector's Series Mark V was equipped essentially the same as the Diamond Jubilee Edition of 1978; virtually every Lincoln luxury was provided as standard equipment on these cars (a complete list is provided below). Offered in just two colors initially, Midnight Blue Moondust Metallic and White, two additional colors, Light Silver Moondust Metallic and Crystal Blue Moondust Metallic, were offered later in the year. Both of the Blue paint shades featured Midnight Blue Landau vinyl roofs, as did the Silver-painted cars. The White ones were equipped with a White Landau vinyl roof. There are reports that a few White cars were also built with the blue vinyl roof, and perhaps a handful of Collector's Series cars were delivered without a vinyl roof at all!

Midnight Blue Kasman II luxury cloth bucket seats and a console were standard, however Twin Comfort Lounge Seats in the Luxury Group Option sew style were also available in a choice of Midnight Blue or White leather. A price reduction was provided for the leather-equipped cars, which did not include the console. Cars with White leather also did not feature the cloth-covered door or quarter trim panels, package tray or garnish moldings. Nor did they have the switches for the rear seat reading lights. Unique paint stripes on the body side and hood, as well as Collector's Series script on the rear roof quarters, gave the Collector's Series unique touches. Unlike other Mark V models, these cars did not include Opera Windows. Gold colored grille bars and a padded contoured decklid accent with matching vinyl insert lock cover ensured distinction from all angles. Exceptions seem to prevail here too, as a few reportedly were built sans the vinyl accent on the decklid kickup and lock cover.

The changing luxury car market-due in part to competition from the imports, the fuel crisis, and Cadillac's downsizing in 1977, all put Lincoln on the defensive in the late seventies. Advertising during this time reflected Lincoln's position. Ultimately, only time will tell the true value of these cars, designed to be collectible from day one. The 1979 Mark V Collector's Series is Lincoln's supreme achievement, the pinnacle of American luxury car design that has its roots buried in the age when bigger was better, style was based on grand visions, and a powerful engine under the hood provided status and became part of the American dream. Automotive styles and visions may change with time, but excellence, quality, and standards don't. With a lineage that goes back to the original 1939 Lincoln Continental, the Mark V Collector's Series was a dream car that was also a reality. The highest expression of luxury. And it always will be.

Paint Schemes for the numbers produced
 * Midnight Blue: 3,900
 * White: 2,040
 * Diamond Blue: 197
 * Silver: 125

Diamond Jubilee Edition
Ford Motor Company celebrated its 75th year in the automobile business in 1978. To commemorate this milepost in automotive history, Ford produced two very special automobiles as limited editions. The 1978 Continental Mark V was one, the 1978 Ford Thunderbird was the other. The Mark V version truly was limited with production of just 5,159 cars. Ford's Thunderbird was at the peak of its popularity at this time, and 18,994 were built. At $20,529, it's easy to see why the Mark was more limited in its scope when compared to the $10,106 Thunderbird edition.

To set it apart from the ordinary Marks, the Diamond Jubilee was available in just two colors: Diamond Blue and Jubilee Gold. Whichever color you chose, it would be repeated throughout the car. In addition to the special Clear coat paint, the padded Landau (shades of T-Bird!) vinyl roof featured color-keyed moldings and integral Coach Lamps. The vinyl-insert body side moldings, vertical bars on the grille, bumper guards and rub strips, turbine-style cast aluminum wheels, grille ornament, and padded vinyl deck lid kickup with matching vinyl-insert lock cover were all coordinated.

Inside, the interiors of the Diamond Jubilee Edition Mark V's were the most luxurious ever installed to date by Lincoln in a production car. Also matching the exterior color scheme, the interior featured front bucket seats with a padded center console. The console provided extra storage, and came equipped with an umbrella built into the underside of the padded armrest. The seats were upholstered in luxury cloth with a unique sew style, and had broad lace inserts as distinctive reminders that this was NOT your ordinary Mark V!

Other distinctions included padded leather in high wear areas of the interior, as well as ebony wood inserts on the instrument panel, door trim panels, front seat backs, and console. The backs of the front seats also featured assist straps and map pockets. The carpeting on the floor was a sumptuous 36 oz. Tiffany cut-pile. All Diamond Jubilee Marks were supplied with a leather bound owner's manual and tool kit. If this weren't enough, special touches appeared everywhere one looked. Instrument panel lenses were beveled, with the look of cut glass. The outside edges of the opera windows were also beveled, and featured Diamond Jubilee Script and a simulated diamond chip laminated between the glass. Even the keys had a wood tone insert. After delivery, the customer could choose to have his or her initials monogrammed on the doors, interrupting the body side stripes. Most Mark V optional features were standard on this car, including the new digital "Miles-To-Empty" fuel gauge that calculated approximately how far the car could be driven with the remaining fuel in the tank, based on fuel level, driving speed, and fuel consumption rate. An on-board solid-state computer performed the math. Also included as standard equipment: Defroster Group, Garage Door Opener, Headlamp Convenience Group, Interior Light Group, Interval-Select Windshield Wipers, Power Lock Convenience Group, Power Lumbar Seat, Power Vent Windows, Right-hand Remote Control Mirror, Speed Control, Tilt Steering Wheel, Appearance Protection Group, Illuminated Entry System, Rocker Panel Moldings, AM/FM Stereo with Quadrasonic 8-Track Tape, and Dual Wide Band White Sidewall Tires.

Regardless of what other cars may have been compared to the Diamond Jubilee Mark V, they just don't come any plusher or better equipped. It truly was the most luxurious Continental ever produced. Of course, they are very rare and highly prized collectible cars today.

Bill Blass
Possible color schemes:
 * Black/Tan
 * Black/Red
 * White/Red

Emilio Pucci

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Givenchy

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Mark VII
Fancy a slice of late-model luxury at a bargain price with power to spare? Grab yourself a Lincoln Mark VII before everyone finds out what a catch they are!


 * November 10, 1983 was the day the Lincoln Division of the Ford Motor Company introduced the newly designed Lincoln Mark VII. This Mark resembled no other vehicle currently produced in the United States. Its European styled front end lowered its wind resistance considerably over previous Mark models. It's new, shorter wheelbase, made it lighter and more responsive and it's curved, wind swept fenders and roof lines made it very appealing to almost any driver. Standard equipment included a 302 cubic inch engine, four speed automatic transmission, four wheel disk brakes, four wheel air ride suspension, on board Trip Minder Computer, air conditioning, AM/FM stereo, rear window defroster, rear seat cigarette lighters, front seat cigar lighter, interval wipers, tilt steering, cruise control, remote release fuel door, power windows, power door locks, power side view mirrors, power six way driver's seat. Three models above the base model; Bill Blass, Gianni Versace, and LSC (Lincoln Sport Coupé), provided a variety of individual style and comfort.


 * 1984 Late this year and early 1985 offered a 2.4 liter DIESEL version of this American luxury vehicle. Its standard Ford 302 gasoline engine, better known as the Five Point Oh, was commonly found in Ford's Mustang Series. Dealers offered aftermarket options such as a convertible or Roadster conversions.


 * 1985 All models had the now American standard "above the fender third brake light". A new option; a mobile telephone, was offered from the factory. The aftermarket GTC (Grand Touring Coupé) conversion was first offered. GTC's included a 351 Windsor engine, a five speed manual transmission, Koni Red gas struts and shocks, a ground effects body kit, BBS brand wheels, and stronger/stiffer front and rear anti sway bars.


 * 1986 Introduced October 3, 1985 the Base model for this year came standard with chrome lower body molding, a four point star hood ornament, (2) four point star pillar badges, and cloth seats with leather inserts. For this year, Mark added the nationally required above fender third braking light. On the outside, the Mark VII continued with its eight section grille but the driver's side headlamp badge changed from "Continental" to "Lincoln". Body changes were non existent. Mark's trademark decklid hump, European headlamp lenses, and wind swept fender lines remained. The well accepted Gianni Versace model was dropped from the line and the three models still available were the base, Bill Blass, and LSC. The diesel engine was no longer an option as only 3,794 were bought by Lincoln from BMW and were not greatly accepted between 1984 and 1985. The LSC came with a sequential multi port fuel injected 5.0 engine. Tubular exhaust headers and a tuned and molded intake manifold helped this engine to produce 200 rear wheel braking horsepower. This was 60 hp over the CFI engine output of 140 hp available for the base and Bill Blass models. Anti-lock braking systems were now standard on all Mark models. Also newly standard for this year was power reclining seats, keyless entry, Premium sound, and power decklid closer. The LSC now came with dual exhaust and a new analog speedometer, tachometer, and fuel gauge. Black wall tires on P215/65R15 wheels and perforated leather seats also were standard for the LSC. Bill Blass came standard with leather or suede saddlebag seats, 60 spoke wire wheels and two different color paint stripes along the body side and on the decklid.


 * 1987 Introduced October 2, 1986 the Mark VII line continued to produce a Base, Bill Blass, and LSC model. There very little noticeable change for this model year. The 302 engine in the Base and Bill Blass models remained at 140 horse power while the power plant for the LSC still produced 200 horse power. 1987 Mark VIIs are known to have three different engines as a mid-year change was in the works. In anticipation of its greatest production year, Lincoln planned and installed a 225 hp version of the 302 in very few 1987s. The new engine featured larger heads for greater compression, larger openings in the intake manifold, and larger exhaust ports into the already smooth flowing tubular exhaust manifolds of the LSC. The number of 225 hp engines installed by Lincoln into the 1987s is unknown, but it would considered a collector's item today. Badging for the LSC remained the same with a LINCOLN badge above the driver's headlamp, MARK VII badges forward of the doors behind the wheel wells, and LSC badges on the rear columns. Body changes were non existent. Mark's trademark decklid hump, European headlamp lenses, and wind swept fender lines remained.


 * 1988 was a banner year for the Mark VII series as the LSC's power plant now boasted a standard 225 hp high output version of the 302 (5.0) The LSC and Bill Blass were so loaded with standard features that the only options available were power sun roof, anti-theft alarm system, California emissions system, engine block heater, auto dimming rear view mirror, and a front license plate bracket. 16" aluminum turbine wheels were introduced as standard for the LSC model. Total production hit a high of 38,259 units that would not be surpassed in the following years.


 * 1989 This year showed very little change from the factory in Wixom, Michigan. The LSC's power steering ratio changed for better handling and faster turning.


 * 1990 American made cars had rear seat shoulder belts and a driver's side safety air bag installed in the steering wheel. The Mark VII was no exception. BBS styled lace aluminum cast wheels replaced the turbine wheels used in the past two years. Stronger and heavier than previous years, they were a direct copy of the BBS made wheels installed on the aftermarket GTC. BBS wheels did NOT come stamped with a Ford logo. Ford wheels did NOT come stamped BBS. A newly designed instrument panel for the LSC included a 120 mph speedometer. This was set inside of a slightly modified dashboard that offered ergonomic controls. Altering the dashboard also required altering the interior door trim.


 * 1991 The Bill Blass received several upgrades including an improved suspension, a 3.27 rear axle ratio, and the same 225 hp high output engine as the LSC. The formerly concaved bases of the air ride suspension system, were replaced with the same air springs found in the LSC. A new model, the SE (Special Edition) Package was offered. SE's came in black or red monochromatic paint. This paint scheme now included all exterior trim pieces that were formerly chromed except the frame of the grille and the side view mirrors. The teeth of the grille followed the body's paint scheme. The side view mirrors were only available in black. SE's were shipped with BBS style wheels at 16"x7" with lace faces that also followed the body's paint scheme.


 * 1992 The anticipation of the next Mark series meant no structural or cosmetic changes to the Mark VII. A new color, Deep Jewel Green Metallic Clear coat, was added to the Mark VII line and was only available for the 1992. In an effort to use up as many Lincoln Mark VII parts as possible, 1992's were found to have three different types of grilles. The fuel tank shrunk 1.8 gallons to 21.0 gallons capacity. Gone were the perforated leather seat inserts. A solid, non stretched leather interior found its way into the cockpit of the LSC's as even the door inserts now had leather facing.


 * January 30, 1992 the 190,536th Mark VII rolled off the assembly line in Wixom Michigan, ending a most remarkable production series!

Production Values (all models)
 * 1984: 33,344
 * 1985: 18,355
 * 1986: 20,056
 * 1987: 15, 286
 * 1988: 38,256
 * 1989: 28,607
 * 1990: 22,313
 * 1991: 8,880
 * 1992: 5,439

Bill Blass

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GTC
The Introduction Sheet reads: Introducing the Mark VII G.T.C., the only car in it's call. For too long a period of time, the American Luxury Grand Touring Car Market has been almost exclusively European. Mercedes Benz, Jaguar, Porsche and Ferrari to name a few. While the Europeans may have been stealing the thunder, Cars & Concepts & Jack Roush Performance have created a world class competitor.

The Mark VII G.T.C., a truly American road machine, sleek, fast and right on target for today's discriminating buyer. Designed by Cars & Concepts as a collector's series, there are no comparisons.

Start with the Lincoln Mark VII L.S.C., add Cars & Concepts aerodynamics package which includes lower body side panels, rocker panel extensions, extended rear balance panels, and a function air dam. The vehicle receives a complete monochromatic paint scheme (black on black, white on white). For added performance and handling, Cars & Concepts brought in the best, Jack Roush Performance, long associated with hi-performance vehicles and internationally respected. They have added Koni low pressure gas externally adjustable shock absorbers, new air springs (revised rate), front and rear stabilizer bars, real axle lateral locating link and new power steering oil cooler and semi-metallic brake pads all the way around. New shoes? You bet, Goodyear 245/50 VR 16 tires (Gatorbacks) and BBS 16" x 8" cast aluminum wheels.

The finished product, finishes the competition. You will see, from the enclosed material, that you have the Ford/Lincoln dealer of your choice order your personal Mark VII G.T.C. Your vehicle will be properly and professionally prepared. Each vehicle is numbered, establishing it's place within the limited production run. Cars & Concepts backs the conversion with a Limited 12-month/12,000-mile warranty and provides each customer with a warranty card.

To order your Mark VII G.T.C. Cars & Concepts by call...

The Mark VII G.T.C. is the car of the future, made available to you today courtesy of Cars & Concepts.

LSC

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LSC Special Edition

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Versace
The Gianni Versace Designer Series was very well crafted and had a host of special trim pieces. The Versace edition Mark is probably more understated of the Lincoln Mark VII line. The Versace model added unique stitched seats to the base Mark. There were no buttons or gigantic cushion seats on this model. The Versace name was paced on the dash near the steering wheel and was etched on each quarter window in gold leaf.

Mark VIII

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Collector's Edition
On January 26, 1998, Ford Motor Company announced it would end production of the Lincoln Mark VIII in June 1998, leaving the Cadillac Eldorado as the only traditional American luxury Coupé left on the market. Mark VIII sales were doing poorly. Only 16,805 of the newly revamped 1997 models were sold, and sales of the 1998 were even lower. On February 5, 1998, Lincoln announced that it would offer a Mark VIII Collector's Edition, a special commemorative version of the car. In Lincolns published announcement, Jim O'Connor, Ford vice president and general manager of Lincoln Mercury states, "We're celebrating the major role the Mark series has played in Lincoln's history. These are the cars that ushered in the Mark traditions of the Lincoln grille, bold C-pillar, long hood and short trunk, including the famous Continental kit spare tire."

Diamond Anniversary
As shown in Lincoln's special four page brochure, limited edition Diamond Anniversary models were offered on each model Lincoln available in 1996: the Continental, the Town Car and the Mark VIII. Each was available in either Silver Frost Metallic or Cordovan Metallic.

Silver Frost was a standard color that was available on all Mark VIII's form 1995 to 1998. Cordovan Metallic was only available on the Mark VIII in 1996 on the Diamond Anniversary Edition and in 1998 on the Collector's Edition. Curiously Cordovan Metallic was a standard color that was available on all Mark VIII's in 1997.

LSC

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Spring Feature
Included in the 5,605 Base Models, was option code 54K - the "Spring Feature Car," prepared for the 1998 Spring Selling Season. It was done in exterior color code BH - which was a "pull-ahead" color that would make its début on the 1999 Lincoln Continental, where it would be a Continental "Exclusive" paint, not shared with any other 1999 Lincoln vehicle. The color was called "Medium Gold Metallic". In addition, this Spring Feature Car wore the Gold Nameplates that would show up on the Collector's Edition very shortly. The "32valve in-tech V8" rear tail lamp nomenclature was done in gold, as was the "LINCOLN, nameplate on the right side of the tail lamp. (Since it was based upon a Base Model, there was no LSC badge.) The Lincoln Star in the grille center was also trimmed in gold. Some of these cars, when equipped with the optional chromed OctaStar wheels had special gold Lincoln Star wheel centers, similar to that on the Collector's Editions where it is in black plastic. About 11 of the 117 Feature Cars had this.

Continental

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Cabriolet
They came with a V-12 totaling 120 HP. That power went through a 3 speed manual transmission.

Collectors Edition

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Collector's Series

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Diamond Anniversary
As shown in Lincoln's special four page brochure, limited edition Diamond Anniversary models were offered on each model Lincoln available in 1996: the Continental, the Town Car and the Mark VIII. Each was available in either Silver Frost Metallic or Cordovan Metallic.

Givenchy Designer series

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Limited Edition

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Signature Series

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Town Car package

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Valentino Designer series

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Random Sites

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 * Detailed Mark VII Info
 * Mark VIII.org

Other
Glossary