Why making a LandYacht a Daily Driver in Europe is the best Thing ever

"Schaefft" (Schaefft) 02/08/2015 at 12:06 • Filed to: Lincoln, Mark, VIII, Schaefft, Land yarcht, barge, V8, idiocity, europe, motherfucka

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Best as in completely f*cking stupid, if not borderline insane . As promised !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! I would like to tell you about my journey of bringing an old, neglected Lincoln Mark VIII LSC back on the road, and how I plan to make it my permanent daily driver.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

I am still not quite sure where I want to go with this. Expect an ongoing column that is a mix of Mr. DeMuro's regular automotive adventures ( !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! ) and Tavarish's articles about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (except that without help from others, there's no guarantee for success...). With Doug being in the middle of importing a 25 year old Skyline from Japan, this column should also be a rare insight into the import and registering process of a vehicle from America on the other side of the Atlantic, and will show what kind of challenges lie ahead if you think about getting one of those American hoopties yourself.

Now buying and driving an 20 year old car isn't exactly the most exciting thing to write about, especially if it is a Lincoln . There are still tens, if not hundreds of thousands of old Continentals and Town Cars on US roads today happily doing their regular duty of transporting their trusty, gracefully aged owners to an exciting afternoon of Bingo, the local orthopedist, or full speed into the next storefront. Atleast that seems to be a popular thing to do these days.

In this case, things are a bit different though. Not only is it a Mark VIII LSC, maybe one of Lincoln's most un-Lincoln cars of the last few decades, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . It is also the only one around. Not just in the neighborhood, or town, or even state. It is the only one of its kind on the whole continent . That's because I am living in the UK, after moving from Germany 2.5 years ago.

Lincoln never sold cars outside of North America, with very few exceptions, the Mark VIII for the Japanese market being one of them. When making this decision, Lincoln's sales prospects must have sounded brilliant, with year over year growth probably in the range between 3.000 and 1 billion percent. The only issue is that the only thing Lincoln must have sold there before was a set of funky wire wheel covers for Natsuko's freshly imported Ford Festiva. Or maybe one of those fancy fake-ass Landau tops. Judging by the information you can find on the internet, sales numbers for Lincolns in Japan must have topped out at two .

That's the reason Lincoln never even bothered selling a car here. All Mark VIII's that made the journey over to Europe are grey market imports, often privately bought and shipped over by their original owners over 20 years ago. If you browse the German/UK equivalents of Autotrader or have a look on Ebay, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , often there for months, sometimes years due to a lack of interest in these kind of cars. Most of them are "base" trim Mark VIIIs of the first few model years (pre-facelift, often referred to as gen1), not the sportier LSC I got. They were originally bought by doctors and business men that regularly visited the states, the kind of people that thought these cars were a novelty when new, and believed the idea of owning a truly individualistic car was worth the hassle of importing and registering it back home, without the chance of ever finding a mechanic who would be trained to service the car anywhere even remotely close. Others were brought over by US Army personnel stationed in Europe and sold before returning home. You can also find cars from later model years (gen2) which got a substantial redesign 2 years before they were discontinued, but there are noticeably fewer of them around. So, while there still might be a few dozen Mark VIIIs in the whole of Europe, I have yet to find a single image of a first generation Lincoln Mark VIII LSC that has been taken over here. Which makes the car pretty unique.

Before I get into explaining why I bought my car, I want to provide a bit of background information about Lincoln's last big coupe.

The Mark VIII was Lincoln's answer to the increasingly intense fight for customers in the personal luxury coupe car market segment of the early nineties. Hinted at by the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! at the 1988 Chicago Auto Show and four years later more clearly by the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , it was set to compete against Cadillac's brand new Eldorado, as well as Lexus' new SC400 and Acura's Legend Coupe. Based on a modified version of the Thunderbird and Cougar's rear wheel drive MN12 platform, with fully independent rear suspension, a brand new, state of the art 280 horsepower 32 valve four cam aluminium V8 that was later base for the engine in the Mustang Cobra, as well as the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that automatically lowered the vehicle's ride height at highway speeds to decrease its wind resistance and increase highspeed stability, the Mark VIII had very good chances to compete successfully in a crowded market segment that lost more and more of its customer base to the impending SUV craze of the 90's and 00's. The LSC ( L uxury S port C oupe) was introduced in 1995 and added a true dual exhaust which pushed the horsepower rating to 290, a more aggressive rear axle ratio, the first HID headlights in a domestic car, perforated leather seats and a monochromatic exterior trim design (less chrome), among other changes. However, it was not meant to be and dwindling sales numbers forced Ford Mercury Lincoln to discontinue the FN10/MN12 platform by '98 and along with it the Thunderbird, Cougar and Mark VIII. The Mark VIII was build for six straight model years from late 1992 to June 26th 1998 and was the last generation of Lincolns flagship Mark series.

So how exactly did I get the idea of buying an aging, V8-powered, over-complicated, american fullsize luxury coupe that is not exactly known for its stellar reliability record, from a manufacturer that never sold a single car in a five-and-a-half-thousand kilometer radius, that is rarer than pretty much anything that Lamborghini, Ferrari or any proper boutique supercar brand has to offer right now?

Pretty simple: I just saw it on the internet and loved it.

I might be one of the very few people out there that genuinely think that the organic, smooth and aerodynamic designs of the 90's were a high mark in the history of automotive design. I believe this was especially apparent in the American and Japanese auto industry in which, for two decades, boxy, often extremely conservative designs dominated the market in almost all segments. There have been plenty of exceptions with cars like the Corvette and sleek third gen F-bodies, and Ford was one of the very first manufacturers that embraced the aero look in their mass market cars with the '83 Thunderbird and of course the '86 Taurus. But it was the early nineties that saw a sudden, radical change across the whole industry, with the exception of Volvo , with the move towards more sporty, wind cutting and smooth designs like Chrysler's cab-forward cars or Oldsmobile's Aurora; and the renaissance of the american auto industry. At least for a short while.

The Lincoln Mark VIII was part of that era. I love the sleek, uncluttered, no-bullshit design (looking at you, Lexus and Infiniti), the un-compromised, no-fucks-given proportions. Conversations in Lincoln's Design Center around 1990 must have sounded like this:

Head of Design Lincoln: "Maaan, the hell is dat sheeit, car looks all stubby and shit!"

Designer: "You think the car needs to be longer?"

Head of Design Lincoln: "Yeahh, gotta stretch that mothafucka."

Designer: "I don't think I agree, its a 2 door coupe, that's how they usually look like. I think we are stretching the guidelines from head office quite far here already."

Head of Design Lincoln: "Ain't got no balls to do ya own thang? No worries brotha, I'll deal with dem bitches from head office. Just slap dem 2 feet overhang on the front and dat ass, shits gonna look tight!"

Designer: "But the car would be 18 freaking feet long!"

Head of Design Lincoln: "Whats your problem busta? Got a problem with dat? Ain't know shit about our customers demands. Thats why I am yo motherfuckin boss, and yo ain't, punk ass busta."

Designer: "I don't care if you are head of this department or damn Santa Clause, 18 feet is ridiculous!"

Head of Design Lincoln: "I wanna see 3 feet of booty on this mothafucker or I gonna blast yo ass, empty your desk and all dat sheeit!"

Designer: "Well yeah great, fine! I'll add the extra overhang! Cannot believe this..."

Head of Design Lincoln: "Yeeah dats what Im talkin bout brotha, always gotta keep dem customers in mind. Now somebitch get me the number of dem head office mothafuckers, and tell my homie Bling Daddy to get Tanisha and the bitches for tonight, got lots work to do... And bitch wheres muh coke!?"

Designer: "..."

It is clear that volumetric efficiency wasn't a high priority while designing the Mark VIII.

There are plenty of other things to like about this car: the fantastic, characteristic american sound of its V8 engine. It is reasonably quick (0-60 somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5sec) and practical (there's plenty of space in the trunk for the stereotypical mobster bodies with room to spare, as well as 3 passengers) and naturally its the perfect highway cruiser. People love to comment on it and it is a great conversation starter.

However, the path to ownership is long and exhausting and and there are still plenty of challenges for me ahead. Next time you will read about how I have found my LSC through an extremely unlikely coincidence, and why this is in fact my second Mark VIII. I hope you liked it and will see you in the comments. Tell me what you think!

Schaefft is the author of this single blog post and founder of nothing. He's currently living in the north east of the UK (u wot m8?), owns an old Bmw and Lincoln and believes that everything that is written on the internet is true, especially Tavarish's articles on Jalopnik about how owning a cheap luxury car for the price of a potato is the only way of living. It took him way too long to write this article so you better read it to the end or else...

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:15

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Nice writeup! Props for rocking a landbarge in the UK! Here's my boat

xxstich666xx > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:17

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I've always wanted one but could never pull the trigger. And I even live in New York lol. So how does it feel on UK roads as opposed to German roads which seem to handle larger cars a little more reasonably?

Schaefft > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:18

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Arrghh, why am I not able to recommend that first image on Oppo...

Hoccy > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:18

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I can really understand this as an enthusiast car, something for nice trips across the countryside to meetings here and there. But a daily driver? You'd have to be both rich and mad!?

Schaefft > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 12:19

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Nice Impala, I bet that thing is another 20 feet longer than mine!

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:21

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I just realized both of our cars have 290 horsepower haha

PS9 > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 12:21

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You could make a killing off a dead hooker disposal service. You'd get 10-20 of 'em in there, easy.

Schaefft > Hoccy 02/08/2015 at 12:22

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Well, I am certainly not rich. I am just in a position where I could actually walk to work every day, so fuel economy or reliability play less of a role.

Schaefft > xxstich666xx 02/08/2015 at 12:25

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Since I am still in the whole registering phase I didn't have the chance to drive the car too much on UK roads yet. Mostly to the ferry which takes me to Germany and back. It isn't too different though, parking the car can be a bit tricky since I have the feeling parking spaces are narrower here. Apart from that is largely the same experience.

Schaefft > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 12:26

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Would be interesting to see how they compare in a drag race!

Kinja'd Again > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:45

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Both of my cars are this length or longer and I have no problems driving in New York or Paris at all. You just need to know what you're doing and pay attention.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:46

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congrats on getting fp'd

langadamd > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:52

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Great writeup! I miss my '97 dearly. So swift and comfortable.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:53

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It would be! I have a ton of torque (390 lb ft) but mine weighs 4,500 pounds and only has three speeds

 > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:53

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That's not an Impala...

blacktruck18 > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:55

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I can't wait for more of these articles, I have always loved these cars. Good luck with it.

 > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:55

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I hope the airbags have been replaced on it. Daily driving one of those in North America is a challenge. Doing so in Europe is a nightmare.

Vracktal > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:55

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How are you getting on with the steering being on the wrong side?

AMC/Renauledge > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:56

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That's a Chrysler. Not an Impala.

Tipo Stradale Fever > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:58

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Iīm curious. Why didnīt you just opt for the Chrysler Stratus which was sold in the EU? They kinda look like each other (if you squint). And any maintenance issues are much more easily solved since Chrysler has (had?) plenty of garages in the EU...

Iwaswonderofwonders > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 12:59

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It's a Chrysler and the sloping radio antenna gives it the go fast look.

Art > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:05

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better off with a classic lincoln continental now that is a large car

Art > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:07

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This

Schaefft > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:08

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I wouldn't say they are comparable. Significantly less powerful, smaller and less distinctive. I didn't buy the Lincoln just because it was coming from an american manufacturer. I bought it because it is exactly the car I wanted.

Mr Ordinary > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:10

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Parking is often ridiculous around where I live (South Coast of England).

There is a multistory near my house and even in one of my smaller cars (Alfa 147) its hard to get in spaces and nigh on impossible not to bang your door on the car next to you when you get out. I refuse to park there because you know its likely you'll end up with a dented door when you return.

Having a very large car in the UK is absolutely a hindrance and would require patience. It's possible though!

My little village for instance has some incredibly small roads that mean that one car can only pass at a time and if a van parks in certain parts of the high street then you simply cannot pass until it leaves.

This is the downside of having roads that date back to when the Roman's built them, houses and other properties were then built around them and hence there is no real opportunity for them to be widened.

Schaefft >  02/08/2015 at 13:11

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Rear bags are new, one of the front shocks might still be original. I just replaced the compressor as well, I'll go more into details what was done on the car before and after I got it in one of the next posts.

Schaefft > Vracktal 02/08/2015 at 13:13

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I've been driving left hand drive cars since I moved here, you get used to it in just a few days. Only problem is passing if you are sitting behind a bus or truck on a 2 lane road, you can't see whats in the other lane so you'll have to slow down or just be patient. Apart from that its very similar.

Hoccy > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:13

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Okay not a daily driver then, since you don't really depend on it. I have to say that it's very cool that you actually import one of these, and not something that is usually considered more desirable. Never seen one myself.

Schaefft > langadamd 02/08/2015 at 13:14

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You can always buy another one!

718Rogue > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:15

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How about no.

Amoore100 > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:15

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However, the Stratus was a POS cloud car while the Lincoln was the last stand for ultimate American personal luxury... (not to hate on the cloud cars, but they weren't really anything special or reliable...)

chicagoE36 > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:18

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Cue to A Fish Called Wanda

boredalways > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:18

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" Head of Design Lincoln: "Whats your problem nigguh? Got a problem with me bitch? Ain't know shit about our customers demands. Thats why I am yo motherfuckin boss, and yo ain't, punk ass busta.""

Yeah, I'm going to pass on reading anymore of your blogs.

Audistein > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:18

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I have a flat near central London and when I go I either drive a Mercedes R-Class LWB (which is a relative's extra car) or I will hire a E-Class/V70 or S-Class. Even an E-Class sized car is difficult to drive in London (so I take the tube or a taxi) but it an the S are so worth it on the motorway or B roads.

Tipo Stradale Fever > Amoore100 02/08/2015 at 13:20

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Meh, wouldnīt go so far sa to say itīs a POS. My old man was foolish enough to buy one way back in 2001. Maintenance was expensive as f*ck tho. Like, maintenance prices were in the stratosphere (hehe).

Makoyouidiot > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:22

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I'd imagine because the Stratus is a well known pile of manure.

Tipo Stradale Fever > 718Rogue 02/08/2015 at 13:23

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Why not? The Lincoln is awesome and all. But Schaefft is going to be f*cked bigtime when something breaks down. With the Stratus thereīs at least a decent chance at actually getting car parts....

Makoyouidiot > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:25

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Excellent landbarge choice! Although personally I would have preferred a Mark VII, I like the slight boxiness it has.

Tipo Stradale Fever > Makoyouidiot 02/08/2015 at 13:25

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Meh, my old man actually had one way back in 2001. It wasnīt worse than any Fiat of that era (lookinī at you Fiat Bravo).

thebigbossyboss > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:25

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Awesome. Your conversation at Lincoln design HQ was also hilarious. You are a true Jalop sir, welcome to the brotherhood!

Makoyouidiot > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:27

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So boring tho...at least a Fiat would have some character. Then again I see Stratuses (Stratii?) every day, and they are all in deplorable condition, so maybe I'm biased.

savethekitties > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:27

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Rampant stereotyping/racism here is amazing. Not even mad.

langadamd > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:28

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I would love to! I sold mine with 120k miles on it and it felt as strong as ever.

ranwhenparked > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:30

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He wanted a RWD luxury coupe. That's just a Dodge Stratus with a Chrysler badge, a small midsize/large compact, economical, FWD family sedan with a small 4-cylinder or anemic V6 engine and basic trim.

Other than hailing from America, there's really no equivalency. The two cars had as much in common when they were new as a Mitsubishi Galant does with a Lexus LS.

Schaefft > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:31

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Spoiler: There are plenty of things that broke or are in the process of breaking, but that's a good thing because it would be a pretty boring read otherwise. r-right?

Schaefft >  02/08/2015 at 13:33

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I feel embarrassed and ashamed now.

RaptorConner > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:33

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Great post Schaefft! Are you a member on TCCoA? We have a handful of members in Europe with Thunderbirds, Cougars, and Mark VIIIs. Its a great resource if you're not already a member:

http://forums.tccoa.com/

Schaefft >  02/08/2015 at 13:34

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damn you kinja!

Tipo Stradale Fever > Makoyouidiot 02/08/2015 at 13:35

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"character" haha. I agree with you tho. I would totally get the Lincoln if I was forced to choose. But from a practical standpoint the Chrysler is a far better choice. Schaefft is going to be f*cked when something breaks down on his Lincoln. Even if itīs something small, heīs going to pay big bucks. Because Lincoln parts/mechanics just do not exist over here in europe.

K5ING > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 13:35

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I had a dark bronze '69 Newport 4dr ht back in the mid 70's. I'm 6' tall and could lay down in the back seat if I used one armrest as a pillow. HUGE car, but unreliable as hell. Great party car tho.

K5ING > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:36

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Impala? That's a Chrysler.

Schaefft > Makoyouidiot 02/08/2015 at 13:36

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I do like the Mark VII as well, I'd probably prefer a Thunderbird TC tho.

Tipo Stradale Fever > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:37

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Hahaha thatīs certainly true. Just let us know when we need to do a fundraiser for your Lincoln. The first $20 are on me.

Schaefft > thebigbossyboss 02/08/2015 at 13:37

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I was worried it would be racist lol.

Schaefft > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 02/08/2015 at 13:37

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Awesome, didn't even notice!

VonBelmont > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:37

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I've personally grown to love the '90s swoopy aesthetic. Like the 50s, they just did crazy stuff, whether it was hideous or gorgeous. The overall fashion, popular imagination, and trends just worked so harmoniously to create unique looking cars.

When I was little (late '90s/early '00s), there was a lady across the street who had one in jet black. Compared to the cars I'd seenat the time (BMWs, Volvos, Hondas, Explorers, Discos, etc.-what are these curves you speak of?), it looked like something Anakin Skywalker or Fox McCloud would drive. It still looks pretty spacey, with a definite X-Files shady-government-person vibe to it. Heck, IIRC she worked for the FBI, so draw your own conclusions :P

Of course, I bet the interior's made of recycled sneakers, full of buttons, and the car handles weird. That definitely will never age well. If I could get one of these with an older/newer Lincoln interior, I would totally buy one. Jet black and chrome please!

VonBelmont > Makoyouidiot 02/08/2015 at 13:40

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I...I like it. A lot.

Schaefft > RaptorConner 02/08/2015 at 13:40

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Thank you! I am member on the LincolnvsCadillac forums but haven't been too active there. I did however join a few Mark VIII facebook groups which I owe a lot , without them this whole endeavour would be utterly hopeless.

Tipo Stradale Fever > ranwhenparked 02/08/2015 at 13:43

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Well we also got some of these, if thats more suitable for you haha. It was just the most "American" car of that era that was actually sold here. Thatīs why I suggested it. The difference is that Chrysler actually had a chain of dealer ( and garages) here in EU. Making life much easier for Schaeffer...

bryan40oop > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:44

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My dad has a 1993 mark VIII. Over 200k miles now. It's had no issues other than alternator / fuel pump (if you can call those issues on an 200k mile 21 year old car) Of course the air ride has been removed and replaced with a more conventional setup. But in all honestly, I prefer the springs over the air bags. Yes it feels less connected to the road, but this car isn't made for that turn-y apex-y stuff. It's made for long plushy comfort drives. My favorite part? The interior. It's not the greatest quality by any means. But the interior styling is just.... well. Unique but not scion xb unique.

EDIT:

I forgot my dad also had a Mark VII

Both were Dark Red.

bryan40oop > Makoyouidiot 02/08/2015 at 13:46

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My dad had one of these also. I prefer the looks, but also prefer the modular 4.6

Schaefft > VonBelmont 02/08/2015 at 13:48

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Yes, I would love to own one in black, I actually thought about vinyl-wrapping it in high gloss black at one point, the grill and chrome wheels would really pop. Its at the bottom of the list though, no money.

I do hope more and more people will start appreciating these cars over time. Many fairly ordinary cars from the 70's and 80's got increasingly popular over time and I would be surprised if it doesn't happen with many cars from the 1990s again. It is now starting with the usual suspects (Supra, RX-7, NSX) and will only move on to many other models from that time.

ranwhenparked > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 13:48

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The Sebring would be a little closer, but still not really. Even then, the Sebring Convertible was still in a substantially cheaper price class in America, so they weren't direct competitors at all. But the Sebring was at least more of a near-luxury or entry-luxury item at the time, whereas the Stratus was much more downmarket.

I get the point though. If the goal is to just drive any American car for the sole point of being different, a Chrysler that was sold in Europe new in decent quantities is a more practical choice.

But, for someone that wants a Lincoln Mark VIII because they like Lincoln Mark VIIIs, it wouldn't be a tolerable compromise.

It would be like telling someone who has their heart set on an Acura/Honda NSX to just go ahead and buy a Toyota Camry Solara instead because they're both Japanese 2-doors and the Toyota is cheaper and more practical.

Jared Glentz > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:51

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ummmm if your refering to the blue car....thats not even a GM car.... its a 1969 chrysler newport

Schaefft > bryan40oop 02/08/2015 at 13:52

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Its great to see its still running strong. My Mark will get a new alternator soon, the airride works flawlessly so far, it did get a few new components though, more about that next time. Considering the car is such a novelty here, I wouldn't replace it with a conventional strut kit though. The airride system is one of the defining features of this car so I would like to keep it as original as possible.

Schaefft > Jared Glentz 02/08/2015 at 13:54

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Yeah, honest mistake on my side.

Doctor-G-and-the-wagen > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 13:55

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I share your feelings: I also love 90's car design. Such smooth lines, clean designs, and sleek proportions, as opposed to the bulky, overly complicated designs we have today. Yes I know safety standards and all that but I still hope we can have less fussy and bloated designs in the future.

Tipo Stradale Fever > ranwhenparked 02/08/2015 at 13:57

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Sure, I totally agree with you. It just my Dutch no-nonsense side of me that couldnt resist commenting. I personally wouldnīt do it just because of the obvious pitfalls.

Schaefft > Hoccy 02/08/2015 at 14:01

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Could walk to work. Since I am so lazy that only happened three or four times over the last 2.5 years haha. I do plan to drive it on a daily basis though. Im just not sure yet whether I should register it as a second car or replace the Bmw. I think the latter would be even crazier.

bryan40oop > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:01

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Honestly, the air bags were ditched many years ago. Now however, I'm sure there is a no issue aftermarket Air Bag / Ride supplier.

The car does feel as if it's riding on balloons.

As far as engine Oil, it's only ever had valvoline or motorcraft. But honestly Ford Mod motors will run on about anything, but eventually the cam phasers / timing guides will go.

Luckily we've never once had to remove the intake, valve covers, exhaust manifolds, nothing.

Changed the water pump once, that was the most labor intensive thing we've done (and it's laughable easy)

Schaefft > Mr Ordinary 02/08/2015 at 14:05

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I know what you mean. I did live in Vienna for 9 months and didn't have my own parking spot, not at home and neither at work. I usually spent 40-60 minutes every day on top of commuting trying to finding a place to park, got multiple tickets and towed once. It was an expensive 9 months.

Ej8gUy > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:10

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Well, you should be worried. It's the very first thing that I thought of when I read it, and I'm probably not the only one. You used the N word more than once as well. You had a pretty decent opening and idea, too bad your racist statements ruined it.

ranwhenparked > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 14:11

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Oh, I understand. There are such things as just general American car enthusiasts that aren't loyal to one make or model, and a Stratus or Sebring would be a fairly sane choice for those folks. Certainly much cheaper and easier to run and keep running than a Lincoln - which is why Chrysler chose to attempt selling them in Europe in the first place, while Ford never even bothered with the Mark VIII.

russkunkel > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:12

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Always good to play to some absurd stereotype and work in a racial slur in the first article. That takes some serious commitment to the craft.

Schaefft > bryan40oop 02/08/2015 at 14:17

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They are generally not as bad as people might think. As with every car, it really depends on the care and maintenance that was invested by the previous owner. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem like my car got much of both in the last few years.

Jonee > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:18

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Very cool. These were sweet cars. Many of us American Jalops like driving small European cars, so it only stands to reason that European Jalops should drive something like this. Keep up the good work.

The Old Man from Scene 24 > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:20

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Impala? That my friend is a 1969 Chrysler Newport (or, so I believe.)

Schaefft > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 14:21

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Yes, Chrysler of course!

TwoToneLoser > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 14:29

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Perhaps back in the pre internet days, but in today's age, parts can be had anywhere. As somebody who has an active interest in these cars, having owned a similar Thunderbird, I can attest that they are extremely well built. The air suspension is the only Achilles heel of the design, but the air bags themselves don't have problems. The electronic air valves tend to be the thing that leaks, making maintenance less of a headache overall.

Even barring air system failure, Ford provided a provision under the hood to where the air ride can be disengaged, and an ordinary air pump can be used to fill the air bags. A co-worker of mine did this for years on his own Mark VIII, and it would take a week for the air to bleed out.

Like it or not, American designers tend to be better at making truly bulletproof designs when that is their intention. The Stratus, on the other hand, wasn't. It was garbage in the states, so it would be twice garbage in Europe.

ocbrad1 used to be iamhoff but is now just wandering around > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:33

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I've always dug these cars...in fact pre carpocalypse (2008) I wrote a "how would I do it" blog about a conceptual Lincoln lineup that included a proper Mark X successor to the Mark VII and Mark VIII, based on a stretched Australian G Falcon platform.

http://hereshowiwoulddoit.blogspot.ca/2008/05/lincol…

Can't wait to read more of your posts!

crosscon > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:35

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I wouldn't really consider this to be a land yacht.

Whitesmoke > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:36

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I believe that's a Plymouth not an Impala

crosscon > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:36

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Not an Impala.

Serious Gord > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:37

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not an impala - not even a GM. It's a mopar

Tipo Stradale Fever > TwoToneLoser 02/08/2015 at 14:38

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I better hope itīs bulletproof. I agree with you everything can be bought from the internet. But at what cost? For instance, is it worth (cost wise) to search for a used cilinder head and then having shipped to the EU? Furthermore, itīs not just the parts. Its also the expertise. Keep in mind, not just any mechanic can just work on a Lincoln. Just like not every mechanic is able to work on a Peugeot or Seat in the US.

It can turn out to be a truly expensive joke...

Synchros > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 14:40

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Not an Impala. Chrysler!

'69 tego > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 14:41

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i don't imagine it would be too hard to get parts. they have this thing called UPS....although I don't imagine it would be cheap

Schaefft > ocbrad1 used to be iamhoff but is now just wandering around 02/08/2015 at 14:43

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Pretty cool, there haven been a few people trying to come up with a true successor for the Mark VIII. Officially, the Lincoln LS was supposed to fill this role, it always looked a bit out of place to me though. We need that Mustang based Lincoln!

Speaking about the Carpocalypse, 613 Mark VIIIs were destroyed in the Cash4Clunkers program that was supposed to stimulate the car market. I am not too surprised by that, it is still terrible to know though.

Serious Gord > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:44

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While it was a land yacht in terms of length, 205 inches, it was mid-size in terms of wheelbase - a stubby wheelbase of 113 inches. The great land yachts of yore were 120 inches or more giving much more stately rude characteristics. (imperials had 129 inch wheelbases)

'69 tego > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:44

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check with rock auto??? they're out of Canada, but they're usually half of what most parts stores run.

that might help offset the shipping to the U.K.

P.S. how do I get ungrayed???? I've been posting for well over a year and I don't think I'm a spambot :D

Whatmehoon? > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 02/08/2015 at 14:49

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Umm... That's a Chrysler. Probably a Newport if memory serves.

Schaefft > Serious Gord 02/08/2015 at 14:50

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Thats true, Lincoln decided to keep the Thunderbirds wheelbase (its not like the Thunderbird is a small car) and and just added more front and rear overhang instead. Its hard to believe that a 5,25m long 2 -door is not officially seen as a fullsize coupe (tbh I don't know if it is). There aren't many modern coupes that are larger than a Mark VIII, the Rolls Royce Wraith and Phantom Drophead are the only ones coming to my mind.

Schaefft > '69 tego 02/08/2015 at 14:54

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I happen to get most my parts from Rockauto, the new alternator is here ready to get installed. :)

I think an Oppo admin needs to start following you to ungray your comments. They sometimes post a thread where you can request getting followed, best thing would be asking one of the regular members on here.

Edit: Seems like I can do that myself now lol.

satalac > Tipo Stradale Fever 02/08/2015 at 14:55

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Connqr > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 14:56

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Well....... If lorries can fit through UK roads then so can your land yacht!

Schaefft > Connqr 02/08/2015 at 14:58

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Thats what I keep telling people, if a van or large SUV can use the road, why shouldn't a large car be able to do the same. Parking is a bit more difficult since the car is wide and doors are long, but there are usually plenty of spots available here and I didn't have any real issues in parking garages either. You just need to concentrate a bit more.

Jumbojeepman > bryan40oop 02/08/2015 at 14:59

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I found the conversion to springs from air-bags to totally ruin the Lincoln ride experience. Turned it from a Lincoln to a hot-rod T-bird.

Kex > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 15:06

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Good luck on this project, I hope to hear more interesting articles from you in the future!

Rob > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 15:09

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This'll be a great series! My first car was a black w/tan interior 1998 LSC. They're so underappreciated and great cars, as long as you keep up on them. First, if you have an airbag bleeding down over time, find it and replace it NOW and get all of the moisture out of the system that was let in from the outside, lest you destroy all of the (even more) expensive gear that controls the ride height. Second, the A/c blend door usually breaks, requiring you to reach behind the govebox to switch to heat from a/c...you have to take the entire dash apart to fix this, but it's worth it...you'll probably have a column on this at some point. Finally, remember THIS IS NOT A SPORTS CAR, DON'T DRIVE IT LIKE ONE. Trust me, I was 16 years old with a land yacht and 300 hp under the hood, how do you think it went? I'm a decent driver, but this car a.) understeers like a bitch and b.) when the rear end does come around, it will come around in the middle of the turn and it will KEEP COMING AROUND. Seriously, there is no countersteering and drifting out of a corner, the weight shift is too violent and you WILL end up going the other way. You can get the car to roll and take a set and you can feel the rear having a bit of sideslip, but stop there...this is a touring car, not a sports car. It's great if you know what to expect, but expecting a sports car and reliability will make this the biggest nnightmare of ownership you've ever come across. Also, hope like hell that your headlights don't burn out...they're now nearly non-existant.

'69 tego > Schaefft 02/08/2015 at 15:10

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Ok, great. you found rock auto :D I use them for a ton of stuff but I wasn't sure if they shipped over to the UK reasonably.

I'd just looked up the air springs and was going to post about them...... looks like the solenoids are 15 pounds each .

thanks for the ungrey !!!!!