1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Collector’s Edition
The 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Collector’s Edition marks the final production year of the Lincoln Mark series, which had a long and storied lineage going back to the original 1940 Lincoln Continental. The 1998 Collector’s Edition was a limited and symbolic farewell to this personal luxury coupe that had been a hallmark of Lincoln’s style, innovation, and performance for decades.
Historical Context
The Lincoln Mark VIII was introduced in 1993 as the successor to the Mark VII. Built on Ford’s FN10 platform, it was part of the Ford Motor Company’s push to offer a more refined, technologically advanced personal luxury coupe. Designed to compete with vehicles like the Cadillac Eldorado and European grand touring coupes, the Mark VIII stood out with its sleek, aerodynamic design, powerful V8 engine, and advanced features.
By the late 1990s, however, the market for large two-door personal luxury coupes was waning. SUVs and four-door sedans were dominating, and Ford made the decision to retire the Mark series after the 1998 model year.
To commemorate the end of an era, Lincoln released the Collector’s Edition, a limited-run special package designed to give the Mark VIII a proper send-off.
Production Details
- Total 1998 Mark VIII units built: Approx. 3,018
- Collector’s Edition production: Around 1,280 units
- Built at: Ford’s Wixom Assembly Plant, Michigan
- Only available for the 1998 model year
Collector’s Edition Features
The Collector’s Edition included exclusive luxury and trim upgrades over the standard LSC (Luxury Sport Coupe) model:
Exterior Features:
- Unique “Collector’s Edition” badging on the sail panels and decklid
- Color-keyed grille and trim
- Chrome exhaust tips
- Available in select paint colors, with Silver Frost, Cordovan Metallic, Prairie Tan, and Midnight Black being the most common
- High-intensity HID headlamps (standard for LSC)
- Polished 10-spoke 16-inch aluminum wheels
Interior Features:
- Real walnut burl wood trim on dash and door panels
- Special embroidered floor mats with “Collector’s Edition” stitching
- Unique instrument cluster face with special numbering
- Premium Bridge of Weir leather seats with piped edges
- Power tilt-and-slide moonroof (standard)
- Premium JBL sound system with CD changer
- Automatic climate control
- Memory seats and mirrors
Technical Specifications
Specification | Details |
Engine | 4.6L DOHC 32-valve InTech V8 (Aluminum) |
Horsepower | 290 hp @ 5,750 rpm |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
Transmission | 4-speed automatic (4R70W) |
Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
0–60 mph | ~6.5 seconds |
Top Speed | Electronically limited to ~130 mph |
Suspension | 4-wheel independent with adaptive air ride |
Brakes | 4-wheel disc with ABS |
Curb Weight | ~3,900 lbs |
Fuel Economy | 17 mpg city / 25 mpg highway (EPA est.) |
Legacy
The 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII Collector’s Edition is cherished among enthusiasts as the final expression of the traditional American luxury coupe. Its blend of V8 performance, luxury appointments, and rarity make it a modern classic with growing collectible value.
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