Google the word “pampered,” and a photo of this one-owner 22,000 original mile 1987 Lincoln Signature Series Town Car might appear. It was primarily a “snowbird” car for the owner, a Ohio resident, who used it sparingly at his Myrtle Beach, South Carolina residence. If, for some reason, you wanted to set the Wayback Machine to 1987 and experience what Lincoln called “Uncompromised Luxury…uncompromised room and comfort. Exceptional quiet. A smooth substantial ride.,” then you’re looking at all 18 feet of it. And as a period-correct bonus, the Lincoln even has a dealer-installed cellular phone for the full late-80’s vibe. This impressive luxury time capsule, submitted by super tipster, T.J., is currently in a garage in New Middleton, Ohio and is for sale here on craigslist for $17,500.
If you like your luxury in the blue palette, you’re in business. Lincolns could be ordered in 21 paint colors ranging from Rose Quartz Pearl Metallic to Dark Cabernet. (Being an old ad guy , I love the luxury mind games the copywriters played in naming the paint colors.) The condition of the Lincoln inside and out looks like it has been driven 220 miles instead of nearly 22,000. The original Light Regatta Blue Metallic paint with the tasteful black and blue accent stripes looks to be in excellent condition as is the optional dark blue Bayville Vinyl Carriage roof. The chrome bumpers, radiator-style grille, and all of the shiny trim, badging, and glass look like new. It’s also sporting the illuminated keyless entry system and, not surprisingly, the undercarriage and trunk are exceptionally clean as well. The seller says the Town Car is riding on older Michelin tires which still ride smoothly with shiny factory wire wheels.
The interior of the luxurious Town Car is “Bobby Vinton Blue-on-Blue” exquisite and in amazing condition for a 36-year-old car. Lincoln described their Signature Series front seats as “plush 50/50 twin comfort lounge seats that provide supple, yet supporting seating.” They look super comfortable and the Shadow Blue upholstery theme looks like new. I also like how the Lincoln star logo has been added to the upper seat backs. A nice branding and exclusivity touch.
That instrument panel with the digital display and abundance of faux wood accents is so late 1980’s, and although the dealer-installed old-school cellular phone is inoperable, it adds to the time capsule feel of this Lincoln. It’s never been smoked in and everything works properly including the A/C, power seats, windows, vents, locks, antenna, and the original radio/tape player.
The clean engine bay houses the original 5.0-liter V8 that generates 150 horsepower with just under 22,000 original miles. It’s paired to a smooth shifting four-speed automatic transmission. The seller says the Lincoln has been meticulously maintained since new with service records in hand. Recent servicing listed includes “a new fuel pump and fuel filter, 2 new catalytic converters, Intake manifold gaskets, engine control module, complete tune-up and an oil service. It truly runs and drives as good as it looks.” Also included are all original books and owners manuals, service records, a Clean Carfax report, original keys and key code tags, and the original laminated window sticker showing a total price of $29,215.85.
Good luck with that, does nothing great and just sort of float down the road. Bought one years ago for a flip and wasn’t an easy sell, even though was low miles and clean. Maybe times have changed but definitely not collector car.
I bought a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood, mint with perfect leather interior to flip. Low mileage, ran perfect, new Michelin while walls. Dropped the price, every month, for six months. Barely made my money back. Clientele is definitely dying off!
Very nice, and formal looking, comfortable and reliable cars, but there’s no market for it. They won’t get much for it. Few people would appreciate it, and if someone started to use it regularly, it would probably nickel and dime the heck out of them, due to age.
Car that old, if you really wanted to depend on it would likely be Full Brakes (M/C, All rubber Lines, some steel ones too probably), F&R Suspension rubber, Seals in the shocks/struts are gone. 302 was not much for HP.
Got to replace stuff in the engine bay too. Belts/Hoses, vacuum lines, Rubber parts of Fuel Lines.
Should have a tranny flush, Diff Service (if RWD, think they are), Cooling system flush,
If you were wild enough to buy for 17K, now its 21K, more if you can’t do it all yourself.
Wonderful Vehicle though.
It truly is a very nice car for those seeking 80’s style Lincoln luxury. The color combo alone is striking. Great for pleasure trips and doing so in style.
It’s “A living room on wheels” type of car that’ll give you years of motoring. Back then, these were popular with senior citizens who loved them for the way they rode. It’s ideal for special occasions.
Love this! I wonder if the phone could be made to work again…
He’s only about $12,000 over priced. If he hold onto it for another decade? Who knows?
Grossly underpowered.
87 Mustang 5.0 had 225hp and 300ft/lb what gives here ?
Cam, heads, 19lb injectors, shorty headers, larger throttle body, and dual exhaust. My brain is just waking up but those are the big differences I know.
We acquired a super nice 88 TC Signature in March – one owner and everything works perfectly. What a pleasure it is to drive at age 74 when i can no longer easily get in and out of our 68 Cougar xr7!!
I just purchased a 1982 Lincoln Towncar Signature series from an estate in San Francisco. Car had been in the garage for over 31 years, (might be 40 years). Tow truck driver was spectacular being able to get the car out of this very small street and the garage under the house. Mileage appears to be 10100. Car is a dark red with a dark red velour. Neighbors gathered around and were amazed. No one knew the car was in this garage. Love these old Lincolns, have two Mark VI’s also.
some body call al sharpton. they would have to modify the door post in order for his hesd to fit through. teas metal could handle the modifing
Nothing comes close to the ride of the 85-89 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. I had an 88 with the digital dash and I was always amazed at the technology that went into these cars back in those days. Not a fast car, or an economy car, until it got into it’s “happy” speed of 73 mph with cruise control. At that point 28-30 mpg was possible on the open highway. I should have never let that one go.
I also had a new one best ride ever but handled bad and was a nite mare in snow paid around $19,000 new if I remember right
Lincoln sold a load of these and when stretched, made for some of the nicest limos on the road. Shame to read all the negative comments. These were handsome luxury/status cars!
Those who actually know, know!
I had an 81 for a short time. I bought it CHEAP from a non profit lot. It looked half decent in and out mechanicly was a whole nother ugly story. All that said I want another. All I see around are 90s vintage.