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Mark VIII Collector's Edition Honors Full Line of Lincoln Marks

5 February 1998

Mark VIII Collector's Edition Honors Full Line of Lincoln Marks

    CHICAGO, Feb. 5 -_ To celebrate the legacy of Lincolns that
have worn the Mark badge, Lincoln will offer the Mark VIII Collector's
Edition, a special commemorative version of Lincoln's luxury sport coupe.
    "We're celebrating the major role the Mark series has played in Lincoln's
history," said Jim O'Connor, Ford vice president and general manager
of Lincoln Mercury.  "These are the cars that ushered in the Mark traditions
of the Lincoln grille, bold C-pillar, long hood and short trunk, including the
famous Continental kit spare tire."
    Lincoln will close out production of Mark VIII this summer.  Limited in
number, the feature cars will be based on the LSC model and include the
following:

    *  Special paints and colors.  Customers can order the car in Cordovan,
which, in the Collector's Edition, is unique to the Mark VIII lineup, or White
Pearlescent.  Leather seating surfaces and trim will be available in two, two-
tone colors, Graphite/Medium Graphite or Light Prairie Tan/Medium Prairie Tan.
    *  Unique badging.  "Collector's Edition" will be set in gold letters in
the bodyside moldings on the front quarter panels and on the wood trim on the
inside door panels.  Gold Lincoln emblems will be featured on the front grille
and rear trunk panel.  A unique center cap with a black Lincoln emblem will
dress the wheels.
    *  Enhanced features.  A wood-trimmed steering wheel and shift selector
knob and unique Collector's Edition floor mats will add distinction to Mark
VIII's interior.
    *  Commemorative gift.  Buyers of the Mark VIII Collector's Edition will
receive a set of numbered silver ingots representing the eight classic Mark
designs in a black leather case.  An additional ingot engraved with the
vehicle's identification number will be included with a certificate of
authenticity signed by O'Connor.

    The base manufacturer's suggested retail price for the 1998 Lincoln Mark
VIII Collector's Edition is $40,890.
    Dealers will begin taking orders for the Mark VIII Collector's Edition in
April.  Production is scheduled to begin in May, with vehicles appearing in
dealer showrooms in June.  The final Mark VIIIs are scheduled to roll off the
line at Ford's Wixom Assembly Plant at the end of June.
    Lincoln's Mark series debuted nearly 60 years ago.  The first Mark was the
1940 Lincoln Continental, which also was known as the Mark I.  The Mark II was
introduced as a 1956 model; Mark III as a 1968 1/2; Mark IV as a 1972; Mark V
as a 1977; Mark VI as a 1980; Mark VII as a 1984; and Mark VIII as a 1993.
SOURCE  Lincoln-Mercury Division