We’ve recently seen a few promising low-mileage vehicles cross our desks at Barn Finds, and this 1999 Ford Crown Victoria LX continues that trend. This range-topping example is a one-owner survivor with just 42,000 miles showing on its odometer. It runs and drives well, and its low asking price could also make it an extremely comfortable daily driver. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P. for spotting the Crown Vic listed here on Craigslist in Clackamas, Oregon, for $6,000.
Launched on December 26th, 1997, the Second Generation Crown Victoria remained on sale until 2012. This one-owner LX variant rolled off the line in 1999, finished in Code B2 Harvest Gold. Its presentation is first-rate, with the paint holding an excellent shine, and any chips or marks appearing very minor. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the seller states that this beauty is rust-free. There is no evidence of plastic deterioration, and the glass is clear. One striking feature is the alloy wheels, which look perfect. They can stain from brake dust if not cleaned regularly, and the lack of issues suggests the elderly owner has cherished this classic.
An elderly, non-smoking owner with no pets is often great news for interior preservation, and this Crown Vic is no exception. Trimmed in Tan cloth and vinyl, I wouldn’t describe the condition as “showroom fresh.” However, the lack of wear, particularly on the carpet and the seat outer edges, supports the mileage claim while also indicating that this Ford hasn’t been abused or neglected. The only real issue is minor wheel wear. The plastic is excellent, the dash is clean, and there are no visible aftermarket additions. As the range-topping offering, the LX didn’t really need much. It features dual airbags, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, power locks with keyless entry, a six-way power driver’s seat, cruise control, a tilt wheel, a rear defogger, and a premium AM/FM radio/cassette player.
Lifting the hood reveals one of the main reasons why I like this Crown Victoria. That year’s Sales Brochure quoted power and torque figures of 200hp and 275 ft/lb for the 4.6-liter “Modular” V8, delivering respectable performance. The car also features a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. That is all well and good, but I find the engine bay presentation encouraging. It is pretty dusty, but there are no signs of leaks, and nobody has splashed gallons of detailing fluid across everything. It is simply honest, which is encouraging and suggests there’s nothing to hide. The Ford runs and drives well, and with only 42,000 miles under its belt, it should offer years of trouble-free motoring pleasure.
While I acknowledge that many Barn Finds readers prefer two-door classics, I have noticed growing support for four-door sedans in recent reader comments. That is understandable, because such vehicles are undeniably practical. A 1999 Ford Crown Victoria LX isn’t the most desirable car on the planet, as the asking price confirms for what is an extremely tidy, low-mileage survivor. However, it offers a comfortable motoring experience, and with respectable fuel consumption for such a spacious vehicle, it could be an affordable daily driver. It has been on the market for under a day, but are you tempted to give it a new home?
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