Grand Tourer: 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII
The Lincoln Mark VIII is the underrated and misunderstood GT car that you should consider adding to your collection. A GT car you say? Yup, a grand tourer — a car that is designed for 2 people (but can fit 4) and offers decent comfort and okay performance. The GT isn’t a sports car, but it isn’t a sedan or even a sport sedan. It should be comfortable at high speeds for long distances — this isn’t a car where you arrive sweaty. Think BMW 6-series, Mercedes-Benz SL, Jaguar XK…or the Lincoln Mark VIII. Rear wheel drive, V8 power, striking style…what more can you ask for in a $5k car? Find this 1995 Lincoln Mark VIII offered for $5000 in Belmont, CA via craigslist. Tip from Matt V who calls it weird when new, still weird today.
From the seller:
1995 lincoln mark viii
condition: excellent
cylinders: 8 cylinders
drive: rwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 58600
paint color: red
size: full-size
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
Very pretty, very good condition, inside and out. 58,600 miles: yes, it was literally owned by an old woman (my mother). Leather seats, everything works. The only issue is that the radio is static-ey. The car is in Guerneville at the moment, so you cannot see it this week, sorry. (written Nov. 10)
See a better way to drive a GT? tips@dailyturismo.com
I’d posit that the only true competitor to the Mk VIII was the Lexus SC400. Both are very cool, but the SC wins the “brilliantly over-engineered door hinges” category.
https://www.autoweek.com/car-life/classic-cars/a1812681/adding-complexity-articulated-door-hinges-lexus-sc/
Bro, do you even Eldorado ETC?
Your name checks out. ;^)
The Northstar engine frightens me, but you do have a point.
I wish there was mandatory jail time or at least a hefty fine for anyone labeling an obvious automatic car as a manual in a CL ad.
The real claim to fame for these things is they were the first model to get the new 4.6 modular engine from Ford. This was the first appearance of the motor that would eventually become the Cobra version of the Mustang engine. It was a DOHC 32 valve initially rated at 280 hp. In the Mark 8 it is saddled with too much weight and an automatic, but it improves the car tremendously over any of the other bricks Ford could have saddled it with. Hard to get more car for $5k these days.