Thanks to his SUVs, Lincoln still makes huge bakbeesten, but the times of gigantic sedans and coupes are over. The last two-door “land yacht” was this Mark VIII, a copy of which was washed up in the Netherlands a few years ago.
The Lincoln Mark series is a series of huge coupes that have little to do with sportiness, but all the more with luxury and comfort. The model series started in the 1950s and reached its last generation in 1992, although the model series that shines here today was followed by a fierce facelift, but in the Netherlands even rarer variant.
With a thickness of 5.25 meters, the Mark VIII is really gigantic, especially for a violently impractical two-door coupé. The car shares its platform with the Ford Thunderbird of the generation that colleague Michiel led in the latest edition of the Barrel Brigade and also shares its indestructible 4.6-liter V8.
Typically 90s
That the Mark VIII is a product from the 90s becomes clear at first glance. Its rolling lines do not succeed in disguising its enormous size. There is no doubt that it is an American. Although chrome was not exactly in fashion in the 90s, Lincoln still managed to incorporate the necessary shiny stuff into the nose. The headlights are remarkably flat and the continuous rear light section is actually hip again in 2020.
Above that rear light section is the most striking feature of the Mark VIII carriage, the slope in the tailgate. The “Spare tire hump” looks like someone has slammed the lid too hard while a wheel was standing upright in the trunk, but that is just a sham. Unlike older Lincolns with such a tailgate, the spare wheel of the Mark VIII is not located right in front of the entrance of the undoubtedly huge luggage compartment.
Moreover, the appearance of the copy on the photos imported in 2018 cannot be faulted. Judging by the sleek carriage, the car can still brighten up the Dutch fleet as long as the owner is willing and able to cough up fuel costs.
Vanishing doors
Incidentally, the Lincoln Mark VIII also served as the basis for Lincoln’s ‘Disappearing Door Concept’ from 1993. In an attempt to eliminate the drawbacks of the giant coupe doors, the brand pushed a Lincoln with doors disappearing under the car. You can see how that works exactly in the video below.