You really nailed the review perfectly. My late. Boss bought an 86 Mark Vll LSC Brand new and I drove it often back in the 80s. In 2002 I bought my 1997 LSC and have daily driven it the last 22 years and put over 300k miles. The car never failed me always got me where I needed to go. Original engine now with 349k miles, transmission lasted till 265k and that’s NYC stop n go traffic. On the Mark Vll as far as handling I couldn’t wait to see if you felt the same thing as I did. I call what you referred to as “Jittery “. I always felt that the suspension on the Mark 7 wasn’t as refined and perfectly tuned as it is on the Mark 8. As you stated at HWY speeds the Mark Vll doesn’t feel as connected over about 65-70. You can’t lane bomb like you can in the Mark Vlll. I can do 90-100 Mph and change lanes abruptly and the Mark Vlll is composed and doesn’t wallow or dip. I also like that when you hit dips in the road it settles out instantly very little rebound due to the air suspension VS coils. I call it a “flat” even ride it hits the bumps and stops. The Mk7 def rides a bit smoother over bumps but isn’t as composed at evasive maneuvers. The Mark 7s interiors I feel are a notch better than the 93-96 Marks from a quality stand point of materials used, but the Vlll is def more ergonomically perfect! Now the 97-8 Interiors blow any 84-96 Mark Away! Seat comfort, all soft touch materials., seats are better bolstered to hold you in place, chrome accents inside , real wood, even whatever is hard plastic is coated. With some product I believe 3M invented that makes it feel like vinyl or Leather like the a pillar moldings, ignition bezel surround, info key pad buttons all coated in that soft touch paint / dye. Over all I always felt that the Mark Vll was trying to be too sporty but failed where they got all that nailed down on the Mark Viii. And the 97-8 was particularly deserving of the LSC name if ordered in that trim spec as it really is a luxurious AND sporty vehicle! If you drive it softly and don’t push it in corners with the AC full blast you might think your in a Town Car with over inflated tires. Lolol but push that 32V OHC 4.6 and you’re rewarded to that awesome GROWL and second gear Chirp! Lol. It’s then you realize you’re NOT in a Town Car!!! GREAT review bro!!!
I have a 2019 conny right now And I had a 2005 Lincoln LS. and both of those are on my list to own. Lincolns are so under rated! just slept on. mostly because everyone's grandparents had an old town car. that is why they made the mark 7 an 8 and the last gen continental so sporty and tech heavy to try get the younger crowd.
My friend currently restoring 2 mark 7, one with the 5.0 HO, and one with the BMW TD. The diesel one suuuuper slow, but its unique af, never heard or seen one before.
I had an 88 Mark VII LSC and a 93 Mark VIII and a 96 Mark VIII. For the overall looks, I liked my LSC the best but like you said the Mark VIIIs do grow on you. The Mark VIIIs are WAY faster and the VIIIs were designed as a sports car first and had a nearly even front to back weight ratio that's why it feels so balanced. It's also why the suspension isn't as soft as the VII. The VII became a sports car later but it wasn't designed as one initially when they came out in 84. Your climate control head in the 7 probably needs to be rebuilt. It's mot likely the reason it glitches. Could be the same with the convenience computer. The LSCs also had a tach and analog gauges.
My dad got a Mark VII when I was going into high school (1989). My mother always through its ride was too soft (her car had a firmer ride, and the first time she drove the Mark she couldn't find the button to open the fuel door). I learned to drive on it, for the time it was a fast car. As per the console, you can leave it unlocked (just pull the key out in the unlocked position) so you don't have to unlock it to open the fuel filler door (my dad never locked his). I almost bought a Mark VIII in college, but went with the Eldorado Touring Coupe (even though I hate front wheel drive, I just loved the way it looked).
I am a Lincoln fanboy. Both of the vehicles I am a fan of and wanted but time and money never met up together for me to get either of them. THEN came the Lincoln MKS this is the last of the MK Mark Sedans to be made unless Ford changes its mind. My 2011 Lincoln MKS I feel in my opinion captures the essence of both of these vehicles the smoothness of the VII and the sporty directness of the VIII. When you look at the design you can capture a little of both of these vehicles. Look up the Lincoln MKS and if your local dealership has one test drive it. I BET YOU BUY IT LOL LOL LOL.
a car designed be fore inter net and cel phones and you complain about a place to put shit. take the cassete tape holder , witch you wonnt use, out of the center console and there is plenty room to hold your phone
