It was determined to define “American Luxury.”
Lincoln’s last coupe was almost 20 years ago. This was meant to fill the gap left by the Mark VIII.
Gerry McGovern, currently Land Rover’s chief designer, designed the MK9 three years after Mark VIII’s death. It was a sign that Lincoln wanted to make a more luxurious coupe. It’s easy to see why this concept was so popular in New York.
The MK9’s large body with chrome shoulder lines still looks great 16 years later. The MK9 could be easily mistaken for a new concept with some minor updates to its headlights and taillights as well as the front grille.
Lincoln really went all out on the interior, using a combination of Marlboro Red leather and dark cherry red accents. The seats’ shells were given a glossy black finish, while the seats themselves were inspired by the Eames Lounge Chair. Retractable controls were integrated into the dashboard to allow it to stand flush when not in use. Fiber optics enabled the headliner to light up, similar to Rolls-Royce’s Starlight Headliner.
Although the rear-wheel-drive MK9 Coupe was not built, some elements of its design were incorporated into a few road-going vehicles in the years that followed. The showcar was sold in 2010 for $101,750.
Lincoln should remove its rear doors, and create a sleek roofline for the new Continental to give it a name.
