1997 Lincoln Continental Mark VIII

Exceptionally low mileage example of one of the last of the line.

http://houston.craigslist.org/ctd/5399479611.html

 

I used to know the Power Train Engineer in charge of the 4.6 in those. I got to drive a preproduction one. I found it a nice car, but the seating position irritated me. I am only 5'10' and my hair brushed up against the head liner of a car without a sunroof. (I probably would not have that issue now as I no longer have much hair There! LOL) I Liked the car, but could not find a comfortable seating position.
That car does look like a very nice a reasonably priced example.

 

I never warmed up to this generation of Mark. I preferred the squared-off look ones.

 

I had a Mark VII and loved it. I always wanted a Mark VIII but they stopped making them before I could get one. The only thing I would be wary of is that early computer controlled AC ductwork and doors, gave me fits in mine as it would either blow ice cold or full heat, no middle ground. This looks pretty clean and nice for its age, I've seen a lot of beat up ones lately.

 

Beautiful car. 97/98 are the best of that generation in my opinion. The price seems low, but it is almost 20 years old (hard to believe). 32v 4.6, IRS, HID headlights (when they were still pretty rare). What's not to like?

 

I remember doing a collision damage appraisal on one of these back around '97 or so, and I was shocked to find that just one headlamp assembly (and we needed to buy two) was $1,500!

 

Yes they were expensive. They are slightly cheaper now.

 

Looks like a great driver at that price.

 

The taillights on these are among the most attractive around. I might have to check on this one. Problem is, on a buy-here, pay-here lot, they won't sell to you unless you do their outrageous financing schemes. A cash deal is a rare event. Might ask, anyway.

 

That would be the turn-off for me on this car. I don't want to deal with a skeezy used car lot. There are no doubt a few hidden issues with this thing that we can't see from looking at their pictures.

 

I remember doing those lenses, the original company that had the contract couldn't ramp up in time so Ford would fly them up to us to spray and cure then we'd fly them back to ford to be assembled into lamps. It cost Ford approx $1ooo per lens to get them done.

 

Well, no wonder they were $1,500!

 

This one is super clean!

 

I have to quit looking at this car. Or, next thing I know, I'm gonna be on a plane to Houston to drive it home!

I saw a nice '97 on the road today, it was that light pearl purple with that hideous fake cabriolet top. Nice condition, and would've been perfect as 100% purple, but that damn fake top does these absolutely no favors.