Despite the shifting sands of an automotive industry that saw big, lumbering American sedans falling out of favor, Fod was still selling plenty of the Crown Victoria – certainly enough to keep it in production for a few more years. The Crown Victoria shown here on Facebook Marketplace is a low mileage specimen, and I believe it has some interesting features that make it even more compelling. With a healthy V8, nicely preserved interior, and just two owners from new, this looks like an excellent choice for a near-bulletproof daily driver.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Wraith for the tip. The seller is asking $6,900 for the Crown Victoria, which is short money for a reliable ride. The Panther platform is obviously documented as being one of the more overbuilt platforms in Ford’s history, but that doesn’t mean it also can’t be attractive. This particular Crown Victoria shows the evidence of subtle changes in the design, including some cosmetic tweaks like a new front bumper and grill design. This Crown Victoria also appears to have the optional “Handling and Performance” package based on the upgraded 16-inch wheels, and also came with rear air suspension and upgraded shocks and sway bars.
The interior features easy-to-live-with cloth seating surfaces, and there appears to be no evidence of major soiling or cigarette burns. The dash also shows attractive faux-woodgrain trim and plenty of comfort/convenience features. While the Panther platform always earns high praise for how tough it was, most shoppers for the Crown Victoria weren’t buying one because it was tough as nails; they were purchasing it due to the extreme comfort you’d experience when piloting it on the local two-lane roads or the interstate. Serene, smooth, and silky were the primary fixtations for Crown Vic buyers, with the reliability being a welcome bonus.
The power barn housed a 4.6L V8 good for 210 b.h.p. and 270 lb.-ft. of torque. It made a 0-60 run in under 9 seconds possible, which seems downright impressive for this era of large domestic sedans and the sheer heft of the car. It also reminds why the Crown Victoria was so popular as a police cruiser, as a car that was this mechanically robust and decently quick certainly checked all the boxes for law enforcement. The seller doesn’t seem to recognize some of the added features I’m confident this Crown Victoria came with, and I’d use that to your advantage if one of these classic Panther sedans has been on your list.
Good write-up Jeff. Looks like a clean, low-mileage example. And, it’s not expensive. For someone who is looking for a conventional full size, rear wheel drive family car, or just likes the Panther platform, this would be a fine car to own.