In 2004, car maker Lincoln introduced two concept car models intended to fill the void left in the Lincoln line-up by the Mark Series which was discontinued in 1998. These models were the Mark X and MK9. Concerning the heritage of the Mark the Ford Motor Company press release states, "Throughout its history, Lincoln has used the Mark name to signal a truly special vehicle... the 1956 Continental Mark II... became a classic for its high quality... The 1969 Mark III was Lincoln's most successful new model at the time, selling more than 30,000 units."
Lincoln MK9
The Lincoln MK9 was a Lincoln concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.
The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.
The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln star at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.
The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950s and are trimmed in red leather.
Lincoln Mark X
The 2004 concept Lincoln Mark X (pronounced Mark 10) was based on a "Lincolnized" 2004 Ford Thunderbird body design and chassis, with a folding hard top replacing the Thunderbird's convertible top and optional one-piece removable hard roof. It introduced the new fine lace-like "egg crate" chrome grille configuration characteristic of future Lincoln vehicles, though it shared some of its other design elements with the MK9.
The Mark X concept model features a convertible panoramic glass roof. The interior was also based on a "Lincolnized" version of that in the standard Thunderbird (which in turn is derived from the Lincoln LS) - which differentiates it from the MK9 interior. The Mark X's interior is, according to Ford Motor Company's press release, "dressed in Lime Sorbet with white Corian accents, polished aluminum, dark chrome, natural grain leather seating surfaces, plush sheepskin flooring and tailored tone-on-tone stitching throughout. Its four-spoke, power-adjustable steering wheel also is leather wrapped."
The Mark X was 185" long, and featured 21" chrome alloy wheels, and 3.9 L V8 with 280hp.
External links:
Lincoln Mark MK9
IGN website summary of Mark X
Lincoln Concept Vehicles - Previous Auto Show Photographs (2003-2006)
