1989 Lincoln Mark VII LSC 

The Mark series had been associated with the Continental marque since 1968 when in 1986 it was brought into the Lincoln brand.  Two years later in 1988, the Lincoln Sport Coupe, (LSC), was born utilizing Ford's venerable 5.0 liter high output engine creating a luxury 2-door with some hidden muscle under the hood. 

For consignment, a 1989 model that's remained in the same family for 30 years, carefully maintained and sporting an unverified 31,499 miles although we would venture a guess that they are original miles as the title reads 32,600 actual miles.  The dealer catalog for the model is replete with features geared to give the driver the most pleasurable experience, from the comfort of the seats to the electronic air suspension, “Mark VII is a standout in a world burdened with conformity.”.  33 years later, it's still a very nice car and a wolf in sheep clothing for those not in the know. 

Exterior
Looking very much like the sale brochure cover car, this one is bathed in Ebony and if you're going to have a luxury Lincoln, that's a great option.  Its curvaceous body was described as “fluid aerodynamic shape” by Lincoln and certainly veered from the boxy Marks of previous generations.  This was launched just after the Ford Taurus and its game changing shape was introduced into the world.  Despite its new shape, the Lincoln manages to maintain a stately chrome grille.  The flush headlights are underscored by a chrome bumper with rubber guard, below which we find a pair of Marchal fog lights.  The entire front fascia is gleaming and mirror like.  The chrome side mirrors are a real luxury stand out and are complemented by the polished metal B-pillar.  The sweeping C-pillar is a complete departure for the model and hints of the performance with an LSC emblem. A push button entry pad allows the driver to lock and unlock the door without keys.  The rear deck lid maintains the iconic wheel hump as well as the expanse of horizontal reflectors along the bottom edge where you'll also find the reverse lights.  This is flanked by vertical taillights that are wonderfully flush to the body.  The car is equipped with a moonroof and 16” geometric aluminum spoke wheels wrapped by 225/60/R16 tires with a mid-2022 date code.  Imperfections include some separation of the plastic side molding and an area of paint that was rubbed with something abrasive over an existing scratch.  

Interior
Contrasting Titanium Gray dominates the interior beginning with the plastic molded door panels with cloth inserts and carpeted base.  The leather bucket seats are described in the brochure as “six-way power adjustable articulated sport seats with power side bolsters, power lumbar supports and manual thigh supports.”  They look to be in great shape and sportier than any previous Mark series, and we can't wait to get in them on the test drive!  The rear seats, also in gray leather, are decidedly less exciting, leaning more towards soft comfort and are in very nice condition.  Ashtrays still make an appearance for rear passengers in 1989.  The LSC embossed steering wheel is wrapped in gray leather and houses the cruise control buttons.  The dashboard is a holdover from 1984 and this would be the last year before a redesign.  A simple cluster contains the speedometer, tachometer, gas gauge and temperature.  The center stack contains the much touted electronic message system which provides about 10 pieces of information in a green digital readout.  Below that, is an AM/FM/Cassette radio and electronic climate control panel.  The center console mounted shifter has a leather wrapped handle and thumb button for engagement.  Window and mirror controls are also housed in the center console along with a padded armrest/storage bin.  The high pile gray carpet is plush and clean, and the fleece like headliner is in good condition.  The plush gray carpet continues in the trunk which is completely lined with the stuff and covers the spare tire in monochromatic glory! 

Drivetrain
There it is!  The distinct 5.0 liter intake manifold on top of the highly desired high output V8 of the era.  The 225 horsepower pushrod engine right out of the Mustang GT and LX models.  It is fueled by electronic fuel ignition and tied to a four-speed AOD automatic transmission with overdrive.  It sends the horses to the back wheels where it meets an 8.8-inch rear and 3.27 ratioed TracLoc rear gears.  In true performance oriented fashion, power disc brakes occupy all wheels.  The engine bay presents very cleanly with minimal usage patina. 

Undercarriage
Clean underneath and indicative of good care and low mileage.  There is surface rust in usual spots, reserved for uncoated steel elements including the driveshaft, but nothing of major concern.  True dual exhaust comes from the engine into a pair of catalytic converters, then a pair of original mufflers, then out the back under the bumper without much fanfare to two understated tailpipes.  Airbag suspension is found in the front independent and rear four-link systems.  

Drive-Ability
We locked in to the sport seats and made enough adjustments that they could almost be called “bespoke” once the support pads hug your body.  Into drive we go and thrust the 5-Oh onto the test loop.  It has respectable acceleration and a very comfortable ride as we've come to expect from this genre of automobile.  It's going to be a particularly warm and quiet ride in summer however, as we notice the A/C and radio are not functional.  The brakes worked flawlessly, and the moon roof is a nice option.  

Here's a car that is young enough to use daily and old enough to show off at car meets.  Oh, how you'll laugh when some youngsters ask you about your 5-liter swap and tell you what a cool build this is!  This is a sports coupe in the finest sense combining some of the best elements and options Lincoln had to offer in 1989.  Stop by the mall soon!

1LNBM93E3KY683854

1-USA
L-Lincoln
N-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
M93-Mark VII LSC
E-5.0L V8 225hp
3-Check Digit
K-1989
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
683854-Sequential Unit Number

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