- Seller: Gabe L (Contact)
- Location: Schenectady, New York
- Mileage: 69,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 1LNBM81F5KY707030
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 5.0-Liter V8
- Transmission: Automatic
These days, they really don’t build cars like this 1989 Lincoln Town Car. Sure, there are lots of luxury cars being built, but for the most part, they lack the charm and character of a Town Car. Unfortunately, finding a late ’80s Lincoln in nice condition and that doesn’t have super high mileage is hard to do. This example isn’t perfect, but it’s close and has covered just 69k miles since leaving the factory. It needs a new home, so it’s being offered here on Barn Finds with a $6,000 asking price.
The seller notes that there are some minor scratches, dents, and rust spots showing, but it looks great in the photos! The paint has a nice shine, and other than a few minor dents, I don’t see anything too concerning.
Today, it seems we associate technology with luxury, but this Lincoln was built before touch screens were a thing. Instead, we get overstuffed leather seats so comfy you might want to take a nap in them and window switches made of solid metal. This era of Town Car was one of the last big American luxury cruisers. This one presents nicely inside, with the amount of wear you would expect from a car with this mileage. Other than giving the carpets a good cleaning, there doesn’t appear to be any significant needs inside. The seller does note that the passenger side windows and the stereo system aren’t currently functional.
While you might expect to see a massive carbureted engine under the hood, you find a fuel injected 5.0 liter V8. The engine bay could use some tidying, but the engine is said to run well. The air conditioning system has already been updated to R134a and is said to blow cold. Within the last 10k miles, the tires, brakes, and battery have all been replaced. The only issues the seller notes is a check engine light and a low hanging exhaust system. It recently passed inspection, so the issues must be minor.
While it isn’t perfect, this is one of the cleaner Town Cars we’ve seen in a while. With a bit of detailing and some work, it could be an exceptional cruiser. So, if you’d love to hit the open road in this Lincoln, be sure to make the seller an offer and leave any questions you might have for them in the comment section below.
What? Seller can’t go to AutoZone and have light checked? And fuses for the passenger side door? Had one years ago. Great ride, very solid, and a great looking car. BUT, the 302 was just too small for the weight of the car. Lived in hilly area with long progressive inclines. Car would not hold cruise control. Flat lands it was great. Option for me if got it would be beef up the current engine or get a 5.7 (351) and repower it. IMO over priced.
My wife and I ordered one custom made for her, triple black. Dang nice car. Ended up giving it to her sister which was the best vehicle she’d ever owned.
Yep, had one, the motor was a dead dog. Under powered, to say the least.
Neighbor up the street has one, actually it’s his elderly dad’s car and dad doesn’t drive anymore. It’s triple beige and looks very nice. Yeah, I bet a 351 or a later model 5.0 motor would perk it up nicely.
Most likely needs a clutch for the non working windows. I bought one used many years ago that had 110K on the clock but looked and drove very well. I wouldn’t mind having one again. Mine was a two tone taupe but the title read ‘purple.’
The last of ^Sculptured Brick ^ Lincolns as they were frequently called. I had an 89 Town Car Signature Series. I loved the formal styling, comfort, fuel economy (24 mpg on the road. As with this Town Car, the sound system had problems and was replaced. Also Clear coat peeled. Other than that, it Was What a Luxury CAR should be. The Standard engine provided more than enough power for me. Although lacking Signature Series chrome trim and white walls, it looks in near perfect condition. Still Thinkin Lincoln with my current 2007 Town Car Signature Limited, the last gasp of traditional American Luxury CARS. EXCEPT today’s flat tire from a LARGE pot hole. 😲 .BTW, check the speedometer with top speed showing 85 mph max. Another failed attempt for govt. regulation. Put The Pedal to the metal and bury the needle. You’ll see how much power it has.
A set of 3.55 gears would help these underpowered beauties move about. 😎
I own a 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis with 389,000 original miles, and it has the same powerplant. I agree with Wes Johnson: can’t get out of its own way on long inclines — most definitely under-powered. This series of Fords LASTS, and after just shy of 400,000 miles, only NOW is my Mercury beginning to pile-up woes. Decent mileage for a V-8, though.
I own a 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis with 389,000 original miles, and it has the same powerplant. I agree with Wes Johnson: can’t get out of its own way on long inclines — most definitely under-powered. This Panther-platformed series of Fords LASTS, and after just shy of 400,000 miles, only NOW is my Mercury beginning to pile-up woes. Decent mileage for a V-8, though. My Mercury came with narrow whitewalls, and I’m sure that this Lincoln did also.
Better built and more reliable new electrical over run new garbage cars.
GREAT car just the way it is.
I owned a rare 1981 Town Coupe triple black. Was previously a one owner doctors car. No worries going out drinking in these non hotrod Lincolns.
American car with speedometer in M.P.H.
To bad it’s on the opposite side of the Country otherwise some interest. I had an 81 that looked OK but the computer was shot. At the time I worked for an auto parts co and the suppliers said an 82 no problem, 81 forget it. Unfortunately, one of my neighbors got tired of looking at and had the city haul it off.
Wish it was closer to see it in person and possibly make a offer