Posted December 28, 2024 by 99MilesPerHour Lincoln

1993 Lincoln MARK VIII: The Ultimate Pre-Cobra

The prestigious Lincoln MARK Series was the pinnacle of sophistication in design and engineering. The eighth generation of this formidable icon is no exception. Lincoln introduced the consummate confluence of rapid-transit and personal luxury for the 1993 model year. This is a workhorse; more like a bull all decked-out wearing a Brioni tux. It’s elegant enough to run with others in its elite class of personal luxury…yet highly-spirited qualifying it to compete with a Mustang Cobra.

The 1993 Lincoln MARK VIII synthesizes the best of both worlds resulting in a rare motoring experience that never received its proper recognition. This is the final chapter in the illustrious MARK Series – it is also the last two-door luxury coupé from the Lincoln brand. Here’s a startling matter-of-fact: Lincoln no longer builds anything resembling a car. The Lincoln MARK VIII is a contemporary classic and a classic example of “What a luxury car used to be…”

All 4.6L V8 engines are not created equal

The cast-iron SOHC 4.6L V8 engine with 2-valves per cylinder were the ‘fleet engine of choice’ because of their notorious reliability. One couldn’t ask for a better commercial V8 engine. They are easy to maintain and parts are plentiful. This engine powers Ford’s Crown Victoria, Mercury’s Grand Marquis, and the Lincoln Town Car. The Ford Crown Victoria proved valuable among taxi-service companies because of the fuel-frugality increasing mpg’s. They were also used in Crown Victorias with the Interceptor package as police cruisers.

This version of the modular 4.6L V8 is a workhorse. Lincoln Town Cars both standard and extended wheelbase were the favorite livery vehicle because of that notorious reliability. I have seen a few Lincoln Town Car and Town car “L” livery sedans exceeding 550,000 miles that perform as though they had merely 55,000 miles. Some are still in service. If properly maintained, these die-hard V8 engines will outlast their owner!

The “Pre-Cobra Years” had begun

The 1993 Lincoln MARK VIII introduced a refined version of the mighty modular 4.6L V8 welcoming one to a totally different world of unbridled motoring passion. Lincoln’s luxury coupé had become even more exclusive. Talk about exclusivity…this new 4.6L V8 has a precision cast aluminum block of deep skirt design and its cylinder heads cast in Italy by Teksid, a purveyor and world-leader in the metal fabrication industry.

Teksid perfected the process of aluminum casting using cutting-edge automation and constant updates to this dynamic industry making them the leading manufacturer of iron, aluminium, and magnesium automotive components world-wide. Teksid of Italy has a reputation for crafting extremely strong engine blocks.

The parts were cast in Italy and then the engine was hand-built here in the USA at the Romeo, Michigan plant. The Teksid engine blocks were used exclusively by Lincoln until 1996 when Ford created its monster aka the Mustang Cobra. These engines remain popular today among tuners and enthusiasts because the all-aluminum 4.6L V8 6-bolt Teksid is capable of being tweaked up to 1200-hp.

Lincoln MARK VIII is tomorrow’s classic today

This lightweight aluminum V8 engine combines abundant power with exceptional efficiency. It sprints the 1993 Lincoln MARK VIII from 0-60-mph in the 7-second range which is excellent for a 1990s domestic car. This naturally aspirated DOHC 32-valve 280-CID V8 cranks 280-hp @ 5,500-rpm packing a prolific punch with 386-Nm of peak torque @4500-rpm. The engine is mated to Ford’s 4R70W 4-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. The drivetrain is configured with a front longitudinally mounted engine and rear-wheel drive.

A new EEC-IV Electronic Engine Control monitors the engine’s sophisticated sequential multi-port fuel injectors, ignition, and other variable engine functions. It also manages the electronic 4-speed transmission with automatic overdrive, endowing it with imperceptible gear shifting and the ability to shift from 4^th directly to 1^st gear as performance requires. The 3^rd and 4^th gears can be locked-out saving fuel and engine wear.

A MARK like no other….

Lincoln engineers scrapped all previous designs and specifications for a blank-sheet approach. Old-school body-on-frame build is replaced with rigid monocoque construction fusing the body shell and frame together as a single unit. This eliminates squeaks and rattles as well as road noise and vibration before reaching the cabin.

The lavish Lincoln ride is due in no small part to its 4-wheel independent electronically controlled air-suspension. MARK VIII is so sophisticated; it lowers itself at 55-mph lowering its center of gravity resulting in less wind resistance and improved directional stability. These two important factors reduce fuel consumption. Intuitive sensors maintain the car’s proper ride height compensating for passenger seating and vehicle load. Pistons in the air-springs are calibrated reacting variably to changing driving situations.

Standard speed-sensitive variable-assist rack and pinion steering and 4-wheel disc anti-lock braking, Traction Assist, with front and rear stabilizer bars further refine the MARK VIII motoring experience.

Beauty is more than skin deep

Lincoln MARK VIII’s rigid monocoque construction is formed with various alloys and HSLA high-strength steel is welded at more than 2,500 points. Heavy gauge steel side door beams guard against collision intrusion. Energy absorbing front and rear crumple zones accordion at a controlled rate protecting occupants and cargo. The roof and front pillars meet static force tests of 5,000 pounds.

It’s built on Ford’s FN10 platform which is a modified aluminum version of the MN12 front engine/rear-drive platform of the Mercury Cougar and Ford Thunderbird. MARK VIII’s elegant neo-classic design is endowed with a mere 0.34 drag coefficient. MARK VIII has a luxurious length of 207” riding upon a long 113” wheelbase with a wide 74.8” stance and a low ride height of 53.6” – this is a big car; the curves cleverly conceal its girth.

That curvaceous body shell is designed to battle cross winds optimizing aerodynamic efficiency. The hood is made from a lightweight resin composite material making it impervious to corrosion as well as dings and dents. Exterior body panels except the roof are galvanized on two sides inhibiting rust. A multi-step finishing process utilizing special protective primers and a chip-resistant urethane coating below the body side moldings are applied to preserve MARK VIII’s gorgeous architecture. The familiar signature ersatz spare tire design incorporated into MARK VIII’s rear decklid functions as a spoiler optimizing downforce enhancing stability.

There were 32,370 MARK VIII two-door luxury coupés built for the 1993 model year. Only 126,103 Lincoln MARK VIII’s were built from 1993 until production ceased after the 1998 model year. The surprising part of it all is the fact most of these fine automobiles are still on the road today. I absolutely love mine and won’t ever sell it!!

The 1993 Lincoln MARK VIII received an all-new interior augmenting performance without sacrificing luxury. MARK VIII is a driver’s car in every respect. Its cabin is sculpted around the driver and front seat passenger. The command center is canted toward the driver with all pertinent operational info at a glance. Driver and front seat passenger air bag supplemental restraint system is standard. Everything inside has been refined looking clearly beyond the 20^th Century with a glimpse into the future.

Keyless remote entry system with fob allows access to lock/unlock the doors, open the trunk lid, and will illuminate entry lamps as far as 33’ away. There’s a remote alarm feature sounding the horn while flashing head and taillamps intermittently up to 3-minutes when armed.

Twin ergonomically detailed lounge-type seats are tastefully tailored in leather with French seams and are 6-way power assisted with power lumbar and recliner controls. The driver’s seat has a 3-position memory for 2-different drivers. “Autoglide” seating provides easier entry/egress to the rear seats. When either front seat is tilted all the way forward; the seat glides forward. When seatbacks are returned to normal position the seats automatically return to their original position.

MARK VIII’s electronic message center reports 12-vehicle systems such as clock, driving range, fuel used, instantaneous fuel economy, and compass. It reports oil level, oil-life remaining before required fluid change, as well as engine coolant level and temperature. It will even notify you when an exterior lamp is burned out.

A re-engineered electronic climate control system was designed with a quiet fan start-up mode and easier to use controls for year-round comfort. It uses environmental-friendly CFC free R134a refrigerant.

Upper: 1993 Lincoln MARK VIII – Lower: 1956 Lincoln MK II

The Lincoln MARK VIII was built from 1993-1998 and is the last example of traditional Lincoln luxury and performance in a two-door coupé. From the original Lincoln Continental all the way thru The Mark Series illustrious array of personal Lincoln motorcars…they are truly what a luxury car should be. Few distinguished motorcars have such a large and illustrious heritage with a reputation to live up to such as the MARK VIII. The MARK VIII was everything a luxury car should be – isn’t it a shame…Lincoln no longer makes a luxury car?