A Lincoln idea automotive from the flip of the millennium can be among the many featured heaps at Mecum’s upcoming public sale in Glendale, Arizona.

Scheduled to cross the block on March 8, the Lincoln Mark X idea made its public debut on the 2004 Detroit auto present. Its design was overseen by Marek Reichman, who’s at the moment head of design at Aston Martin, however was then answerable for Lincoln’s design division.

The Mark X was primarily based on the final-generation Ford Thunderbird that was in manufacturing at the moment. Its 3.9-liter V-8 and automated transmission have been sourced from the Ford, and the idea’s total form and proportions are much like these of the donor Thunderbird. Nevertheless, the Mark X added a retractable hard-top roof and a entrance fascia that vaguely recollects Lincolns of the Nineteen Sixties.

Idea automobiles are usually only for present, and Mecum cautions that some options on this automotive might not be practical. Nevertheless, this automotive’s production-car base means it’s kind of extra practical than most ideas. Along with an actual engine, it has power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes, navigation, cruise management, energy home windows, and door locks, plus a tilt steering column. The Mark X is being bought on a invoice of sale, although, so driving it on public roads won’t be potential.

2004 Lincoln Mark X idea (picture by way of Mecum Auctions)

Lincoln guardian Ford was on a retro kick within the early 2000s, churning out a stream of idea automobiles and manufacturing fashions primarily based on memorable automobiles from the previous. Nevertheless, whereas the Ford model obtained the Thunderbird, the GT supercar, and the fifth-generation Mustang with throwback styling to populate its showrooms, Lincoln by no means obtained an equal mannequin.

The Mark X is a reminder of what might need been had Ford taken an identical strategy with its luxurious model.

The Ford Shelby Cobra idea—one other retro Ford idea from this era—fetched $2.64 million at public sale in 2021. This Lincoln did not appeal to as a lot consideration because the Shelby when it debuted, so it in all probability will not command the identical value. Nevertheless it’s nonetheless a novel piece for collectors.