1997 Lincoln Mark Series

Sedan

4.6L 281Cu. In. V8 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

1LNLM91V5VY605183

Clear

Gasoline

Regrettably selling our 1997 Mark VIII luxury coupe. First time ever offered. Finished in visually striking Bright Toreador Red Metallic over Gray leather. This has to be one of the best color schemes ever applied to these cars over 6 years of production. It also happens to have the extremely rare (and costly) optional chrome 'Octastar' wheels. Talk about turning heads? No, it's not be a Bugatti Veyron, or a Lamborghini Aventador, but I assure you can't take this Lincoln anywhere without people commenting on it and approaching with questions! If you despise attention or standing out in the crowd, this may not ultimately be the ideal car for you. I will request prospective buyers please take a few moments and read the listing in its entirety as it will likely answer many questions you may have. This is the second and final generation (only built '97 & '98) of this nearly classic automobile. From what I've gathered, there were literally hundreds of changes, improvements and manufacturing refinements from the earlier '93-'96 cars. Looking around at what is currently on the market, I believe this to be one of the nicest you'll encounter at anywhere near the price. Though I may be slightly biased, I believe it shows even nicer in person than the pictures convey. Driven sparingly, insured and cared for as a collector vehicle. I've accumulated only 3,500 miles or so in the past 3+ years attending shows and warm weather weekend drives. While in my ownership it has not been used as a 'daily driver' and never goes out in bad weather. It is only hand washed and waxed. 4.6L DOHC 32-valve V8 with nearly 300HP and surprisingly good on gas. I average about 22mpg locally, 28-29 on longer highway drives (see photos). Incidentally, the photos were just taken, as in today July 4, 2015. As luck would have it, it started to drizzle while taking some of the pictures so you may notice some 'dots' when you zoom in... that's rain, not imperfections. Some additional details: Factory HID headlamps (outstanding illumination at night) with completely clear lenses and functioning properly on both high and low beams. Onboard multi-function computer with all functions operating. LED turn signals built into the mirrors. Stellar sounding JBL CD audio system with factory subwoofer and satellite tweeters. The truth is these cars were far ahead of their time. Original MSRP was right around $40,000 new. At todays ridiculous 'giveaway' prices, I believe Mark VIII's are absolutely at the bottom of their depreciation curve and I honestly can't imagine what you could buy right now that would provide more vehicle for the dollar. No better time to buy, and believe me I wish I didn't have to sell. Want some additional insight into how this car is kept? An extra set of matching mats is kept over the immaculate factory mats. The trunk has a plastic liner laid down to protect the carpet from dirt or stains. Unlike so many of these cars, the rear window molding is nearly perfect without any sun damage or 'rippling'. Tires are nearly new Goodyears (see photos). The alignment is perfect and the car tracks straight and true. Oil was just changed with the correct weight utilizing an OEM Motorcraft filter. Fresh set of correct Motorcraft spark plugs to assure the smoothest possible idle and responsiveness. Where possible I utilize only factory original Ford/Lincoln parts to maintain the car. Yes, I'm ridiculous like that with all my vehicles. Front end suspension components have been completely redone. Runs/rides/drives excellent, as you might expect. I'm hesitant to use the word 'mint' when describing an 18-year old vehicle that has actually been driven, but other than the smallest of nicks here 'n there and a couple light scuffs when you inspect the car with a microscope, I'd say for the model year and usage it's pretty close. Current odometer reading is 117K, which is quite low for the year, and virtually all accumulated on the highway under prior ownership. At the time of original purchase I had looked long and hard to find this specific car but unfortunately now several years later life circumstances change and it will be passed along to (hopefully) another caring enthusiast. At the very reasonable reserve price (which won't be divulged, please bid what you feel the car is worth to you) I'll also include (unless for some reason the buyer doesn't want them) a mountain of spare parts and components accumulated over the years including extras of nearly every electronic control module, taillight panel, interior woodwork, an extra tire...etc. the list goes on. While none of these components have been needed yet, for future peace-of-mind, they're priceless. All of these extras are definitely worth a really nice chunk of change by themselves, so please bear it in mind when contemplating what you feel the car is worth. Also have an artistic show board display poster (see photos) hand crafted just for this car. Can you tell I didn't think I'd ever be selling this car? Retains the factory air ride in the rear, front has been converted to coil springs. As you'd expect everything works and the car drives as close to new as you'll likely find, although the A/C worked well last year but could now use a charge. The only other deviations from original are the blacked out grille (looks better to my eye) and the plastic rear bumper cover was carefully resprayed some time ago due to the usual nicks and some typical minor fading. This has been a local NJ car since brand new. Clear title, of course. Yes, the car really will look exactly like this (or better) when you arrive to pick it up. Speaking of picking it up, all delivery arrangements are the responsibility of the buyer, although I can assist for a local transaction. Last but not least, in case it weren't obvious at this juncture, I'M NOT A DEALER, private owner. Why is that important? Because you're looking at a car I've personally owned for several years, know inside and out, and will be available to answer literally any questions about after the purchase. No one other than myself has ever driven the car while in my ownership. Give that some thought when approaching a complete unknown online or on a dealership lot. By the way, I feel it's worth mentioning on the free AutoCheck report that is available for your perusal it is noted where the car earlier in its life traded hands several times through a few local dealers which gives the impression the car has had more actual owners than it legitimately has. Reserve the right to end the listing at any time as I may opt to additionally advertised the car elsewhere. Any questions not covered here, please feel free to ask. Appreciate your interest.