So you need a vehicle that can get you and your yacht to the lakeshore in style, to the next steeplechase event with horse trailer in tow, to a svelte country club summer bash with a set of keys worth their ownership claim? But you want it all in one. The Mark LT for 2006, what Lincoln calls its "reward" vehicle, could be the answer.

Lincoln draws upon its Ford parent's long dominance with full-size trucks for its second lux pickup. Mark LT follows a more practical path than the earlier Blackwood with such complementary touches as auto lifting tonneau cover. This one's designed for panache with true pickup truck usability. Mark LT has similarly impressive workhorse numbers as Ford's SuperCrew Cab F-Series pickups on which it's based. An ability to carry 1,620 pounds or tow nearly 9,000 pounds (with two-wheel-drive) is nothing to sneeze at.

Outside, chrome dominates on the distinctive Lincoln waterfall grille, 18-inch wheels, outside mirrors, optional side rails, and as a wrap-around low cladding band for a sophisticated tone and, we found, eye-catching at curbside. Inside this four-door for four or five, there's a feel of refined simplicity that should appeal to the fussiest of fans. Throughout the interior, engineered for quiet ride, are touches of real Ebony, leather on seat tops (with French-style pleating) and tilt steering wheel, plus available rear seat entertainment, backup sensor, power moonroof and Sirius satellite radio.

In back is a 5.5-foot fully usable truck bed with an available, removable rolled-bar extender, like that found on Ford's SportTrac and some competitors' small bed pickups. It flips on hinges to extend over the drop gate (also removable) while holding cargo securely in place. That gives it max hauling capability without losing back seat usage. Outboard shocks lessen body lean that could result from a high-centered vehicle.

A full-size pickup can't match compact fuel economy numbers. But Mark LT, using regular gasoline, doesn't do badly compared with comparably large competitors. According to EPA estimates, it clocks in at an estimated 14/18 miles per gallon (rear-drive version) despite being powered by Ford's 5.4-liter, 300-HP Triton V-8 with four-speed automatic with overdrive. At a base price around $40,000, not a bad way to show off one's muscles.