Even though Autoblog won't give me the time of day, lol, they just posted an item saying that Infiniti is planning a compact platform—another of my previously created chops. It would compete with Audi's A3, a smallish hatchback in Europe, and a somewhat larger 5-door in the USA. Apparently Infiniti will use a design language introduced on the Etherea concept. My D20 was conceived before the Etherea, so it's more "generic" in design, but follows the generally smooth look of their current G- and M-series.
I like this a lot ,Casey. I could see this as a handsome replacement for my MkVIII when it's time comes. A nice, luxurious coupe for an 'elder statesmen" like myself. Sporty -yet-dignified.
ReplyDeleteAndy
Malibu
There's no replacement for your Mark VIII! Unless you get a Mark VII like PhantomX's, lol!
ReplyDeleteLol!
ReplyDeleteAnd there is no replacement for the MkVII unless I find other MkV !
AP
Lincoln needs to bring back the Mark series like yesterday.
ReplyDeleteThe sad thing, Woody, is this: with the proliferation of the Mk designations ,that name might have been ruined for the time being. They would really have to do another V-12 coupe of outstanding design and proportions to wash away the damage.
ReplyDeleteFor example I think the memory of the old 80s Fleetwoods are far enough away to revive that name...provided they attach it to something outstanding, like this flagship they keep hinting at...
AP
I took a break today and re-read the Mark V article in the June 2011 Collectible Automobiles. I respect the V more and more with everything I read, and by looking at it with my current aesthetic sense. What classic lines and cool details. I think the steel-top ones are the coolest, but I'd love a Diamond Anniversary model. Or a Pucci edition. Or any Mark V, lol.
ReplyDeleteCasey, mine was an Arctic white steel topped beauty with white leather and 3" white walls. Outside of a 7-11, some friends of the bottle staggered up and said 'This car looks like Cocaine!" Thats what it's nick name was.
ReplyDeleteI used to park it under a street lamp at night and just swoon at the faceted surfaces.
Andy
that sounds gorgeous, and the name is totally fitting!
ReplyDeleteI just googled "White Mark V" and found this beautiful example. I'll save the photos and maybe "optimize" the V one of these days. I really like it in white and steel-topped.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.autolandautos.com/view_car.php?vehicle_id=57
Oh that is very stunning! White body: Red leather and red body trim. Nice!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Casey ! It brings back wonderful memories.
Andy
One question: would a new Mark look good on a platform like your infiniti ? It is essentially a very formal shape.
ReplyDeleteJust a thought.
Andy
Malibu
I think my D20 would be too small for a "proper" Mark, but I've been thinking of using the new Mercedes E coupe for a base of a chop of one, maybe even the larger CL coupe.
ReplyDeleteYes. Perhaps too small.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking Lincoln might choose not to compete directly with MB/Cadillac and try for the small Faberge Egg- like package of the C-Concept. They'd have the field pretty much to themselves.
A Mk based on that might be interesting..maybe I will play with that idea.
Boy, some car folks really disliked the C-Concept !
Andy
I think in order for it to be a proper Mark it would need to be based on the CL.
ReplyDeleteLooking at the interior pictures of the white Mark V, I see the beautiful leather and wonder what happened to the leather supplier that Ford used back then -- this leather puts me so much in mind of my neighbor's 53 Capri convertible and my friend's 71 Thunderbird 4-door. Looking at the pictures makes me want to touch the leather and smell it. IThey don't make 'em like that anymore!
Paul, NYC
Paul, I have a 71 Thunderbird 4 door as well. For curiosity's sake, what are the interior and exterior colorson your friend's TBird? Mine is currently white with a black top and interior.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Lincoln goes, a flagship 2 door coupe is mandatory. I think it should be based on the Mustang platform, extended for proper rear legroom, and an evolution of the Mark series; making it a Mark IX. It should lead Lincoln's renaissance with NEW design language that still reflects it's heritage. And while they're at it bring out a proper replacement for the Town Car that is named Town Car and not some MK mumbo jumbo. I don't hate the current lineup but I feel they are ignoring their fans from the 60's, 70's, and 80's.
My friend Henry's Thunderbird sedan was kind of silvery gold, with a black roof and black interior. I remember being impressed with how the leather semeed to be from the same cow as my neighbor's 53 Capri. The leather in the Capri was dark green.
ReplyDeleteAnd, yes, yes, yes to your suggestions about a Mark IX and a Town Car. The current MKZ (formerly Zephyr, which was a perfect name considering its position in the Lincoln Hierarchy) and MKX (should have been the Aviator like the Lincoln version of the Explorer) are perfectly nice cars, but they don't do the Lincoln history any justice.
Paul, NYC