The Lincoln Blackwood: More Than Just a Truck
Usually, a rare vehicle translates to an expensive one. However, depreciation can significantly affect mass-produced, high-end luxury models. Owners often trade them in after a couple of years for the latest models. Surprisingly, a limited-production pickup truck from Lincoln in the early 2000s hasn’t followed this trend. With only a few thousand ever made, the 2002 Lincoln Blackwood is an unexpected bargain on the used market.
Lincoln’s Ambitious Project
Following the success of luxury SUVs like the Cadillac Escalade and its own Navigator, Lincoln aimed to bring the same luxury to a pickup truck. Pickups were typically seen as workhorses, but Lincoln envisioned a luxury cruiser. Using the same platform as the immensely popular Ford F-Series, the best-selling vehicle in the US at the time, Lincoln’s engineers set to work. Every detail of the Blackwood’s interior and exterior was designed to exude luxury and class.
Eye-Catching Truck Bed and Interior
The Blackwood’s interior was inviting, resembling an upscale cinema with its huge heated and cooled black leather captain’s chairs, armrests, and oak trim. The rear bed was the standout feature. An electrically operated tonneau cover protected the carpeted surface. The sides of the bed featured stainless steel panels, making it ideal for stargazing. The exterior bodywork surrounding the bed had wood patterns, reminiscent of a luxury yacht.
A Misunderstood Vision
Unfortunately, Lincoln misjudged its audience. Only 3,383 examples were sold, and production ended after just a year due to poor sales.
The Blackwood’s Unexpected Value
Despite its rarity, the Blackwood can be found for well under $20,000 in good condition. While Kelley Blue Book values it around $10,287, Classic.com’s average sale price of $18,616 is more realistic. A good example is a 43,000-mile truck sold in January 2025 for $17,000 through Mecum Auctions, showing how well-cared-for these trucks can be.
Specifications
- Year: 2002
- Make: Lincoln
- Model: Blackwood
- Base MSRP: $51,785
- Engine: 5.4L NA V8
- Power: 300 hp
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Torque: 355 lb-ft
For a pickup truck with air suspension, a factory-fitted powered moonroof, a leather and oak wood cockpit, and low mileage, it’s an excellent value. Considering the original retail price of $52,500 which is close to $93,000 today, this price point is even more attractive.
Performance and Comfort
The Blackwood’s luxurious nature was evident in its single powertrain option: a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter modular V8 paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, producing 300 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque. The unit allowed for an 8,700-pound towing capacity. The lack of a four-wheel or all-wheel-drive system, however, limited its practicality. Even with this, the air suspension system could level the truck to improve weight distribution when towing. Additionally, it provided a smooth ride on public roads. Given the Blackwood’s 5,700-pound weight, the beefy four-wheel disc braking system was crucial for stopping the vehicle quickly.
The Blackwood’s Downfall: A Luxury Disconnect
While the Blackwood is valuable today, its poor sales showed that buyers didn’t feel the same when it was new. The $52,500 MSRP was a barrier for most truck buyers. For about $20,000 less, consumers could buy a top-of-the-line Ford F-150 King Ranch with most of the features offered by the Lincoln, along with the option of 4WD. For consumers, the practicality and workhorse capabilities of a truck were more important than luxury.
The carpeted and stainless steel-trimmed truck bed, while visually appealing, was not practical for truck use. Owners needed to be cautious about what they stored in the bed to avoid damaging the carpet. The stainless steel trim was susceptible to scratches. Ultimately, the high price, lack of true truck utility, and lack of AWD made the Blackwood less appealing.
Given how affordable it is today, these flaws can be forgiven. For those wanting a luxury cruiser and family transporter, the Blackwood offers a unique blend of class and equipment at a great price. Since few were ever built, it’s sure to turn heads. Just remember to protect the carpet when hauling anything.
