For Sale: 1988 Lincoln Mark VII in Macedonia, Ohio

42,000 original miles. Beautifully maintained, mechanically excellent, southern car with no rust. Air suspension problems eliminated, vintage luxury/performance coupe ready to enjoy!

This handsome 1988 Lincoln Mark VII LSC is a remarkably well-preserved specimen that has not only been properly preserved and maintained, but it's been upgraded along the way, making it a fantastic choice for a future collectable or even a spirited daily driver. The champagne gold paint is in very good shape thanks to a life down in Florida, which also means there's zero rust on top or underneath. The smooth, aerodynamic shape is thanks to Ford's pioneering efforts in the 1980s, and while you can see a bit of the Thunderbird Turbo Coupe in the LSC's profile, it manages to retain all its inherent Lincoln-ness, right down to the upright chrome grille and spare tire hump on the deck lid. The paint shines up well, the original pinstripes highlight the wedge shape, and even details like the bumper moldings are in great shape. Someone really loved this car and it shows.

The leather-lined interior was aimed at performance enthusiasts, which were not Lincoln's usual clientele. The buckets are supportive and all-day comfortable, and thanks to a myriad of adjustments and lumbar support, they feel quite modern. Everything works on this car, and we mean everything. The A/C is ice cold, the power windows, seats, mirrors, and locks are all operational, and the cruise control locks in like a cruise missile. All the trip computer functions are there, too, and even the clock keeps good time! A modern AM/FM/CD stereo system replaces the original Ford cassette deck, and you'll be glad to have the upgrade, especially since it blends into the dash so well. Clever upgrades include a back-up camera built into the rear-view mirror (very cool!), tinted windows, auxiliary 12V power ports on the center console, and HID headlights that give it a very effective blue-white glow at night. The back seat is spacious enough for real-sized adults and even the trunk is bigger than you'd expect and includes the original space-saver spare and factory jack assembly.

But the real reason the LSC is the same reason the Mustang is special: Ford's legendary 5.0. By 1988, it was identical to the Mustang powerplant, which means an easy 225 horsepower and 300 pounds of torque. At the moment, this one is completely unmodified, so it starts instantly, idles smoothly, and pulls the big coupe around with the kind of muscular ease of a running back. It's been properly maintained, with correct replacement parts and an R134a refrigerant upgrade for the climate control system, but given how insanely easy these are to modify, it's remarkably stock. It's also very clean thanks to a lifetime in the warm southern climate, and it still wears its original rubber boot over the distributor and factory-issued hose clamps. Nice, right?

The only transmission available in the LSC was Ford's AOD 4-speed automatic with overdrive, and it's linked to a 2.73-geared rear end, so it's a superlative highway cruiser that just loafs along at ticket-earning speeds. These were notorious for having problems with their automatic air spring suspension systems, so this one has been converted to coils, which you'll note are joined by a set of brand new shocks all around. The factory catalytic converters are in place, so it's legal in all 50 states, but there are now Flowmaster mufflers behind them, adding a bit of a rumble to the formerly silent Lincoln's personality. Four-wheel discs with ABS are a fantastic upgrade that all the guys with 5.0 Mustangs eyed with jealousy and those 16-inch “turbine” wheels are handsome and well-kept and wear fresh Firestone radials.

If you were doing cars in the late-80s, you know this is cool. And if you're a visionary, this car is also full of potential and they just can't be this cheap forever. Performance and styling that was ahead of its time and still looks great today mean that the Mark VII LSC is poised for greatness. Call today!

For more information and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com