Q: Greg, I read and enjoy your Collector Car Corner and wonder if you can help me. I have a 1984 Lincoln Mark VII with a 2.4-liter Diesel engine that I believe was made by BMW. It came from the factory like this and I have enclosed the documentation.
I cannot find any information about it, production numbers or value. Am I sitting on a valuable Mark VII?
David H., Rosemount, Minnesota.
A: Daniel, this Lincoln indeed is a rare breed, and as noticed in the documentation sent, came as a factory delivered option in 1984 and 1985.
The engine in your car is a 2.4 Liter (149 cubic inch) inline 6-cylinder BMW design with a turbocharger that produces 115-horses. It was available on all trim levels until the engine was dropped after 1985.
The Diesel became available in late 1984, but did not sell well. The more common engine is the standard Ford 302 V-8 gasoline engine, better known as the 5.0-liter V-8. Notable is the fact that the diesel model weighed 4,100 pounds to the gas engine's curb weight of 3,700.
I contacted Jack Cohen, Chairman Of The Board of The Lincoln Mark VII club in Philadelphia, and Jack said you indeed are sitting on a rare piece. He indicated only 380 or 390 units were ever built, and that club president John Dancy owns an '84 Turbo Diesel.
The best news is that he's only ever seen six or seven actually running, and that but three or four might be show quality.
Cohen said that even considering the rarity and actual mileage on your car, the Diesels are not demanding a lot of money, perhaps $5,000 to $8,000, but you never know what the future holds as yours looks great from the photos you sent.
For information (I suggest you join this club), contact The Lincoln Mark VII Club, Box 42678 Philadelphia, PA. 19101-2678 or phone Jack at 1-267-825-3017. He'd be happy to talk with you. You can also check the club out on the web at www.TheLincolnMarkVIIClub.org.
Thanks for your question and kind remarks.