History of the Mark VIII
This is an in-depth overview of the history of Lincoln’s Mark VIII luxury/sport coupe. If you see anything that you know to be missing, please contact us so that it can be added.
PRERELEASE
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1986- The history of the Mark VIII goes back a lot farther than most people realize. In 1986, Motor Trend reported that the replacement for the Mark VII was going to be built off of the then-new Taurus front drive platform.
February 1991- Ford pushes back the release date of the Mark VIII six months, to December of 1993.
August 1991- A spy photo of a Mark VIII development mule graces the front cover of AutoWeek.
1992- Lincoln spends $73.4 Million on advertising.
Mar. 1992- Motor Trend tests the new-for-1992 Cadillac ETC versus the 1992 Lincoln Mark VII LSC. As a side note to the test, a small half-page article was included describing the Mark VIII. Thinly disguised spy photos were included, along with several accurate assumptions about power output, suspension setup and optional equipment. Ford annouces it has the capability to make 130,000 DOHC 4.6L Mark VIII engines a year.
July 1992- Motor Trend takes a first look at the modular 4.6L DOHC motor.
November 1992- Ford Automotive Group president Alex Trotman announces plans to develop a 4-door version of the yet-unreleased Mark VIII for the 1997 model year. The magazine Automotive News goofs up a report on the Mark VIII engine, staing that it will exceed 280mph. Glenn Ray of Ford wrote to the magazine "It would appear that our new engine exceeds all our expectations. We're still working on a new speed rating with our tire suppliers."
MID to LATE 1992- Lincoln displays the MARQUE X concept car at auto shows. The car is a re-skinned and highly stylized convertible representation of the production Mark VIII. Time has shown that the car previews many gen1 and gen2 features and styling cues.
GENERATION ONE
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THE 1993 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Totally new car. Changes compared to the 1992 Mark VII can be seen in the specs area. Built on the MN12 platform, which is a heavily modified FN10 (Thunderbird/Cougar) platform. The new car features streamlined styling, ABS, a 4.6L DOHC V8 and 4-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is 4-wheel independent, with computer-controlled air-ride. Leather seating surfaces are standard, along with a computer message center, dual airbags, power everything, and allow wheels.
Late Oct, 1992- L-M announces the Mark VIII will have a base price of $36,640.
Dec 26th, 1992- The 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII is offered for sale at Lincoln-Mercury dealers nationwide. A later release is planned for Japan, but not Europe.
December 1992- Popular Science awards the Mark VIII one of its 'Best of What's New' awards
First Half 1993- Lincoln spends $52.1 million in advertising, enough to rank 54th among all brands in spending. Ford finishes 2nd ($251.9 million), Mercury 29th ($73.1 million).
Early 1993- L-M recalls 2,890 Mark VIIIs to replace seatbelt retractors that could have been damaged during installation, allowing the seatbelt to come undone during a collision. (Reported in Mar. 22, 1993 issue of Autoweek)
April 1993- Ford delays plans for a convertible Mark VIII. both in-house and aftermarket prototypes are being looked into.
Early June, 1993- Again, Ford raises prices on all 1993 models. This time the increases amount to about 1.1 percent.
July. 5, 1993- The Lincoln Mark VIII finishes in 7th Place on Autoweek’s ’10 Best’ American cars list.
August 1993- L-M drops development of the Mark VIII Converible. The aftermarket steps into fill the gap.
Sep. 1993- The advanced technology of the 4.6L DOHC V8 in the Mark VIII is featured in a Motor Trend article written by Ron Grable.
Oct. 11, 1993- Autoweek starts its Long-Term Mark VIII file, Initial observations include ample power, hood vibration at speed, and lots of door dings.
November 1993- Lincoln sales are down 17% compared to November of last year.
Year End 1993- Total sales volume for the year is up 15%. Lincoln-Mercury's overall market share rises to 6.9 percent. (For comparison, L-M market share in 2003 is about 2 percent.)
Jan. 3, 1994- Autoweek updates it’s Long-Term Mark VIII file, citing complaints about the power seats, lack of interior wood, and sub-par dealer service. Positives included engine performance and fuel economy. Also, in an article titled 'Bright Ideas' in the same issue, The 'Autoglide' feature of the Mark VIII is mentioned as a NOT-SO-BRIGHT idea since they move so slowly.
THE 1994 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Early in 1994 production, real wood veneer was added to the center console, starting with the EATC surround and flowing all the way to the center console lid. The Lincoln Star was stitched into the four main seatbacks, which now feature Nudo brand leather, which is softer and richer looking that the 93 model. The remote keyless entry system now activates memory functions for the driver's seat and rearview mirrors. 'Mark VIII' plaque removed from door sill covers. Additional secondary sunvisors are installed behind the existing equipment.
1994- The Lincoln car line scores a 144 on the 1994 customer satisfaction survey, to tie with Volvo for 8th place. (Cadillac finished 10th). For sales satisfaction during the same year, Lincoln finished 5th IN the J.D. Power initial quality survey, Lincoln finished 4th, behind Lexus, Toyota and Infiniti (Cadillac did not make the top 10). Also, Lincoln is one of only 6 manufacturers to have its entire product line average less than one problem per car sold. The others were Lexus, Infiniti, Mercedes, Toyota and Saturn. The Mark VIII averaged 89 problems per 100 cars, the Town Car, 68. For comparison, the lowly Geo Prizim averaged 56 problems per car, the BMW 5-Series, 81.
Apr. 4, 1994- Autoweek updates it’s Long-Term Mark VIII file, citing continued issues with the message center, seats, and small quality glitches. They still cite power/performance and fuel economy, and the effective traction control system as positives.
July. 4, 1994- The 1994 Mark VIII ties with Saturn for 9th place on Autoweek’s annual ’10 Best’ American cars. This is a drop of 2 spots from the previous year.
July. 11, 1994- Autoweek finishes it’s Long-Term Mark VIII file, noting that the styling has held up, whereas the suspension has become harsh over bumps and soft in the corners.
Aug. 1994- Motor Trend updates it’s Long-Term 1993 Mark VIII file. Problems included a faulty entry keypad, slow automatic seat return, and auto locking doors.
Aug 14, 1994- K.W. Watler, plant manager of the Livonia Transmission Plant writes to AutoWeek, informing them that the Mark VIII uses a 4R70W tranny, rather than the AXOD, which was listed in a long-term wrapup article.
Oct. 1994- L-M’s General Manager Keith Magee drops the price of Mark VIIIs sold in California to $34,950, a drop of $4,475. Free options are thrown in accounting for a savings of $1,645. When asked why the cut, Magee was quoted as saying “There aren’t enough people around anymore who want to buy two-door luxury coupes at $40,000-plus.” This only applies to cars sold in California.
Nov. 1994- Mark VIII sales in California Jump 78% over Nov. 1993. L-M considers dropping the sticker on Mark VIIIs in the rest of the country.
Nov. 1994- Super Ford magazine runs and article featuring a Mark VIII equipped with a Paxton Supercharger and Impala SS rims, built by Supercharger Specialties.
Dec. 1994- Motor Trend wraps up its Long-Term test of the 1993 Mark VIII. The article includes stats taken from owner surveys. This is a great article, and can be read here (see link) Also, MT reports on the planned return of the LSC package to the Mark option lineup mid-year 1995. Assumed features include a 10hp gain due to a revised exhaust, 3.31:1 axle ratio, firmer suspension and more-aggressive tires.
Late 1994- Ford touts the GT-90, a modern show car interpretation of the GT-40. The quad-turbo V12 is based off the Mark VIII engine block.
THE 1995 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Delayed accessory power: Allows extra time after car is turned off to close/open windows and moonroof (if equipped). Mid-year release of special LSC model features monochromatic exterior, perforated leather seat sections, true dual exhaust, 10 extra horsepower, 10 extra ft/lbs of torque, 3.27 rear axle ratio, retuned air suspension, and restyled alloy rims. LSC production is limited to 5000 vehicles. Interior center stack has been revised, featuring a larger radio head, and a gold Lincoln emblem on top of the interior temperature sensor. The wood added to the center stack has been extended to surround the new larger radio. The rear bumper has been redesigned to allow for the exhaust tips to stick straight out rather than turn down. Midyear, engine beauty cover reads “InTech 32valve V8” instead of “4.6L Four Cam V8”. Homelink garage door opener built in to the drivers sun visor. Cruise control buttons are now backlit when dash lights are on. Most interior switchgear is now color-matched with the interior color. Child restraint tethers for rear seats. Compass control module was moved from the trunk to behind the rearview mirror. New options include a mobile celluar phone, and 10-spoke directional wheels.
January 1995- Lincoln unveils the all-new 1995 Continental, a front-drive 4-door sedan using a modified version fo the Mark VIII's 4.6L DOHC V8 making 260hp.
Mid-year 1995- Lincoln adds the LSC option to the Mark VIII. Features include revised exhaust and suspension, and unique exterior moldings. 'Luminarc' high intensity discharge headlights (HID) are also part of the package. This is the first fitment of HID headlights to a domestic automobile.
June 19, 1995- Due to an industry-wide sales slowdown, Lincoln offers $1,000 rebates on the 1995 Mark VIII (except California), and offers $1,500 rebates on 1994 models nationwide.
July 1, 1995- Sales of the Mark VIII during the first six months of 1995 are down 36 percent from 1994. Sales total for January to July: 8747 cars.
July 3, 1995- No longer a member of Autoweek's Top-10 All-American ratings chart, The Mark VIII falls from 9th place to 13th place.
August 21, 1995- About 200 autoworkers lose their jobs when the Mark assemby line at Wixom switches from two shifts each day to one. Throughout 1995 Ford has temporarily stopped output on the line, but this is the first case of a shift getting cancelled.
Dec. 4, 1995- Autoweek reports that in 1997 the Mark will receive its first restyle since the 1993 introduction. The article includes a computer-enhanced photo showing a taller hood line and a new rounder grille. Also noted is the possible inclusion of side airbags for 1997.
December 1995- Lincoln offers a $1,000 cash incentive on existing 1995 model-year Town Cars, Continentals and Mark VIIIs (except in California).
THE 1996 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Revised EATC featured a much nicer faceplate style with rounded buttons. Rear armrest added. All models now incorporate InTech technology. Uprated 130 amp alternator installed. Rear bumper now features "32 valve InTech V8' badge. New option package is the 'Diamond Anniversary' edition.
All Year 1996- Lincoln Celebrates it's Diamond Anniversary (75th) by offering 'Diamond Anniversary' packages on all models, including the Mark VIII.
Early 1996- Lincoln has a 72 day supply of Mark VIIIs available on dealer lots.
Nov. 6, 1995- Autoweek features the 1996 Mark VIII LSC in its AutumnFile feature. Of note are the performance figures, with the higher-power LSC edging the Base model off the line, but posting exactly the same 0-60 and ¼ mile times.
GENERATION TWO
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THE 1997 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Heavily revamped exterior, interior and suspension. HID headlights are standard, New full-width neon taillamp standard. Puddle lamps are a new standard feature. New telescoping/tilting steering wheel helps to ease entry and exit. Revised center console, armrest and computer. Redesigned door panels with wood trim. New intake manifold helps reduce interior noise (and acceleration). New coil-on-plug ignition system extends service intervals and cleans up the engine bay. Smaller engine beauty cover.
1997- The newly redesigned Mark VIII Wins the Michigan Carwash Association's 'Most Washable Car' award.
Feb 1997- Lincoln offers $1,500 in rebates or 1.9% financing on 1997 Mark VIIIs until April 2nd.
THE 1998 MODEL YEAR
New Features/Changes: Transmission receives much needed upgrades to accumlator pistons. Spring Feature option added to the lineup, very low production. Final cars to roll off of the assemby line are the Collector's Editions, which feature interior upgrades, limited color choices and exterior markings. The engine beauty cover is deleted entirely. Changes to the HID headlights allow for changing out the bulbs without splicing wires. Another change is the use of thicker carpet than 1997 models. This is the final year of the Mark VIII. Two Special Edition Marks were produced in 1998, the Spring Feature car, and the Collector's Edition car.
Feb 5, 1998- Ford announces the Collector's Edition of the Mark VIII. Dealers are to start taking orders in April, with production scheduled to start in May.
June 1998- Lincoln moves 14,649 vehicles this month. 1,518 are Mark VIIIs. 7,362 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
June. 26, 1998- The last Mark VIII rolls off the assemby line at Wixom. The Lincoln LS, a four-door 'sports' sedan replaces the Mark VIII in the Lincoln lineup
July 1998- Lincoln moves 13,963 vehicles this month. 1,077 are Mark VIIIs. 8,439 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
August 1998- Lincoln moves 15,754 vehicles this month. 803 are Mark VIIIs. 9,242 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
September 1998- Lincoln moves 16,458 vehicles this month. 512 are Mark VIIIs. 9,754 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
October 1998- Lincoln moves 15,989 vehicles this month. 311 are Mark VIIIs. 10,065 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
November 1998- Lincoln moves 13,955 vehicles this month. 440 are Mark VIIIs. 10,505 Mark VIIIs have been sold so far this calendar year.
December 1998- Lincoln moves 16,856 vehicles this month. No Mark VIIIs are listed as being sold. It is unknown if this is because they are sold out.
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