cars news 10: Lincoln MK9, Mercury Messenger Concepts Coming to Amelia Island

Two of Ford Motor Company’s iconic concept cars from the early 2000s will be on display at the Amelia Island Concours D’elegance in March. The 2001 Lincoln MK9 concept and the 2003 Mercury Messenger concept will be on loan from the Bortz Auto Collection.

2001 Lincoln MK9 Concept

First shown at the 2001 New York auto show, the Lincoln MK9 concept was said to preview the premium brand’s future design direction. While its name suggested that the large (121.9-inch wheelbase, 207.1-inch length) personal coupe would be a follow-up to the then discontinued Lincoln Mark VIII coupe, the MK9 concept was never intended for production.

The Lincoln MK9 concept features black paint with chrome accents, large 10-spoke, 22-inch alloy wheels, and two-tone Dark Cherry Red and Marlboro Red leather seats inspired by Eames Lounge Chairs. The interior also features Dark Cherry saddle leather on the floor and a white leather headliner with contrasting polished metal accents.

Based on a stretched Ford DEW architecture (Lincoln LS, Ford Thunderbird) features a V-8 engine, automatic transmission, and four-wheel independent suspension. The concept runs and drives.

2003 Mercury Messenger Concept

Designed as a rear-drive, four-passenger coupe, the Mercury Messenger concept features futuristic and aerodynamic styling and a lightweight hydro-formed aluminum monocoque. Motivation for the concept comes from a set of electric motors, while a computer-controlled active four-wheel independent suspension tackles the handling duties.

If it had gone into production, the Messenger could have been fitted with a gas V-8 engine, a hybrid setup, or have been a full-electric vehicle. The concept features large wheels and high-performance brakes. Some believe a production version of the Messenger concept could have saved the Mercury brand.

Both concepts were designed by Gerry McGovern, who was the head designer of Ford Motor Company at the time.

Source: Bortz Auto Collection