Lincoln Mark VII (1986–1992)
For 1986, the Mark series was integrated into the Lincoln brand after being within the Continental marque for 18 years, ending the naming confusion. The Continental Mark VII was renamed the Lincoln Mark VII and given Lincoln badges with the first three digits of the VIN changed from 1MR Continental to 1LN Lincoln.[4] Other visual changes involved the addition of a federally mandated center brake light (CHMSL). The rarely-seen BMW diesel was dropped from the line, as was the Versace Edition. A number of changes were made for the LSC for 1986 to differentiate it from the rest of the Mark VII line. To update its performance image, the 1986 LSC was given analog gauges in place of the all-digital dash; the engine output increased to 200 hp. Largely unchanged from 1986, a running change late in 1987 production added the 225 hp 5.0L "H.O." to a limited number of LSC models. 1987 would be the last year the Mark VII offered an optional CB radio. Since vent windows had all but disappeared on American automobiles by the 1980s, the option for them was discontinued for 1987.
For 1988, the Mark VII model line was revised. As the Mark VII carried a large list of features, the base-trim model was discontinued, leaving the luxury-oriented Bill Blass Edition and the performance-oriented LSC; both versions were priced the same. The 150 hp and 200 hp versions of the 5.0L V8 were replaced by the 225 hp "H.O." version; shared with the Mustang GT, it was sold in both Bill Blass and LSC Mark VIIs. On LSC models, wheel size was increased to 16 inches. For 1989, relatively few changes were made to the Mark VII. To improve the handling of LSC models, Lincoln made changes to the steering. The 1989 model was the last year with a hood ornament. For 1990, to accommodate passive-restraint regulations, the Mark VII was given a driver-side airbag and three-point seatbelts were added to the outboard rear seats. Since it had not been updated since 1984, the dashboard and interior controls were given a redesign; LSC models saw the addition of a 120-mph speedometer. LSC models were given 16-inch wheels with a design that was essentially a clone of the BBS RA wheel. To give new life to the Mark VII, the monochromatic LSC SE (Special Edition) was introduced.
For 1991, the Mark VII line was consolidated mechanically, as the Bill Blass Edition adopted the suspension and wheels of the LSC; the Bill Blass Edition was largely differentiated by its use of a digital dashboard. Both versions were given redesigned seats (distinguished by lower headrests). For 1992, the Mark VII saw no major changes from 1991. A new color, Deep Jewel Green Metallic Clearcoat, was introduced; few were produced and surviving examples are very rare. A total of 190,832 Mark VIIs were produced.[5]
