While we (rightfully) salute the departed Ford Crown Victoria for its numerous achievements as a near-bulletproof sedan that was righteously abused as a taxi cab, police car, and everything in between, the high-zoot Lincoln Town Car doesn’t get nearly the same recognition. Built on the same Panther platform, the Town Car was just as depended on by livery drivers and retirees who fully intended on the Town Car being the last vehicle they ever purchased. This one has just under 19,000 miles and is listed here on craigslist for $13,900. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
The Town Car and its smaller sibling, the Continental, were once mainstays on the American roads. You couldn’t drive two blocks without seeing some generation of either model. As the population changes and ages, it’s to be expected that you’re going to see a shift away from cars like these. A generation ago, a set of retirees would have had at least one large sedan like this in the fleet; now, that same couple might own a crossover vehicle and a mid-size sedan (if it’s a two-car household). In many cases, it’s just the crossover. It’s amazing how quickly the demographic shift has impacted the kind of cars we see in active use.
By the time the 99 Town Cars came out, Lincoln was clearly preparing for a shift of its own as it began incorporating more advanced features into its signature model. Dual piston brake calipers, larger rotors, seat airbags, an onboard monitoring system for crashes and other emergencies and more all became standard features on the 99s. In addition, the rear suspension was improved with a Watt’s linkage for better handling, and power jumped to 220 b.h.p. thanks to some engine improvements. As this car is a low mileage example, the interior condition is excellent.
Given their propensity for racking up big miles and/or being snatched up by hungry livery companies, it seems like the final iteration of the Town Car rarely comes up for sale in condition like this one. Even today, you still see the last generation of the Town Car hanging around airport terminals in big cities, a testament to how durable and capable these sedans are. The seller notes this Town Car was looked after by an elderly caretaker before being discovered in a carport with under 20,000 miles, so this is clearly one to check out if you’re looking for a time-warp Town Car that could be used as a supremely comfortable daily or put into service as a work vehicle.
Good write-up Jeff. I’m sure there are some Barn Finders who would welcome this low-mileage example of the much-respected Lincoln into their garage. For someone who wants a big vehicle but not a SUV or crossover or pickup, here you go.
Whenever I see these, I think of the handful of times I rode in one on the way to the airport. I typically quizzed the driver about the mileage. Several had 300,000-plus miles, still going strong.
Lincoln…..What a Luxury car was……
Didn’t care for the grille on these. Looked like it sucked on a lemon. It seems like a good price though for the mileage shown. No engine or undercarriage pictures, though. Was it still the five liter or the 4.6?