Pick of the Day: 1989 Lincoln Mark VII, a Bill Blass Edition luxury barge

A vehicle can be used as a fashion statement.  An automobile is, after all, an expression of one’s style, status, and socioeconomic state.  But in many cases, automakers have partnered with fashion companies on special-edition models to make the cars + clothing link even more apparent.  

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 1989 Lincoln Mark VII, a Bill Blass Edition advertised for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Denton, Texas.

“1989 Lincoln Mark VII for sale, only 37,000 miles!” the listing begins, “I always say, people can lie, but cars cannot.  Come see this car and you will see that the miles are actual.

“This particular Mark VII is a Bill Blass edition.  Thus, the BB logo on the seats, the floor mats, and badged on the exterior of the car.”

Blass passed away 20 years ago this June, but he became known for his influence in developing swimwear, furs, perfume, luggage, and even chocolate.  There were 18 licensees producing his line of menswear alone.  He partnered with Ford Motor Company from 1975 through 1992, with his efforts focused specifically on a customized version of the Lincoln Continental series.  The extent of his touches varied year-over-year, but all Blass-version Lincolns bore “BB” design logos to set them apart from regular models.

The Continental Mark VII in question, later known just as the Mark VII, was a personal-luxury two-door coupe that rode on the Fox Body platform with the Thunderbird, Cougar and other models in the 1980s.  The model was launched for the 1984 model year with a long list of standard equipment for its time, including air suspension, disc brakes and a power-operated trunk release.  Power came from a Mustang-derived 302cid Windsor V8 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

This maroon Mark VII has had its air ride replaced with traditional shock absorbers, and the tires were replaced in recent weeks.  Otherwise, the car is a true 37,000-mile original and handles accordingly.

“On the road, she drives like a Lincoln should,” the seller states.  “No shakes, pulls or shimmies.  You can literally drive this car with one finger!”

This car makes a 1980s fashion statement just as strongly as stone-washed jeans and fur coats.  The seller is asking $12,500 for the opportunity to make it yours. 

To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.