There are cars once so prevalent on American roads, and yet today, they have seemingly disappeared. The Lincoln Town Car is a terrific example of this, and it really doesn’t matter which generation we’re talking about (I’d put its sibling, the Continental, in the same class). These Panther platform Town Cars were nothing like their European counterparts, but that didn’t matter: this was from an era in which no one was all that worried at the Big 3 of losing market share to some smarmy German upstarts. Check out this clean Town Car with 56K original miles here on craigslist for $10,000.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mitchell G. for the find. The Panther era at the Blue Oval saw many enthusiast-darling vehicles hit the pavement, and even today, we still love these big-body beasts. While the Crown Victoria tends to get all the love, the Town Car is a bit of a forgotten player in this segment, perhaps because they don’t have any redeeming performance credentials (you can actually get a Crown Vic to scoot if need be), and because they simply don’t exist in the sort of condition that would make the trying to track one down a good use of your time. Well, here’s the rare exception, as this Town Car appears to be in excellent shape despite the limited photos.
The real miss for this seller is not sharing photos of the interior. When a vintage Town Car interior is in excellent condition, it’s a treat to take in. All we get in this case is a shot of the handsome gauge cluster confirming the low mileage of just under 57,000. This shouldn’t come as a surprise given these were used by older folks almost exclusively, which, of course, was always one of the misses by the leadership team at Lincoln Motor Company (and many others – Cadillac, Buick, etc.) They were fat and happy for so long relying on the retirees to come sauntering in to pick up next year’s model. But it’s not all Lincoln’s fault, as there was also a recession thrown in there for good measure in the dark year of 1987.
And truthfully, there were no real lessons to be learned. Sure, the numbers trailed off a bit as concerns over a financial panic set in, but that all went away when sales numbers jumped back up to over 200,000 models sold in ’88 after dipping down to under 77,000 in the prior year. The seller reports that he bought this car for his daughter (!) but that she found it too large for her tastes. The good news is he is selling it before she really hates it and starts parking by braille in any major suburban area. The chrome, paint, hubcaps, and even the vinyl top are all in excellent condition, so it’s clearly one worth checking out if you’re on the hunt.
Returning as a Co Founder of The GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY and having owned an 89 Town Car Signature Series, this is a Bon Marche. It looks to be a Signature Series denoted by chrome rocker molding although the faux convertible top would have been an option. Most likely the interior is blue leather (standard for Signature). I first drove an 87 Town Car as a rental in San Francisco and immediately fell in love. The instrument cluster lighting was a vivid combination of colors. The speedometer only going to 85 was typical for the time but not a True indication of the power of its V8. I’ve had my 89 Signature Series, several Grand Marquis, one Crown Victoria LX and my current low mileage 2007 Town Car Signature Limited. Nothing finer that these Panthers. I don’t need a Sunday Driver, but my Check book is calling! I don’t recall where the car is located. But. Like PACKARD, Ask the Man Who Owns One! 👍
It’s ova’ there in New Joisey.
Hey BIG C. TANKS. Maybe Someone can make an offer he can’t refuse! 🏰 I might kiss da ring 💍, butt 😲 that’s as far as I’d go! 👍 😅 🤣 PLEASE speak softly! 😎
First it was ova’ here in Joisey, now it’s over there now in the new owner’s garage!
I never owned the Lincoln, but always wanted one. I had several of the Crown Vic’s and Grand Marquis from the era and they were wonderful cars. I miss the big body on frame RWD platforms, they rode better and were more durable than today’s FWD platforms. Too bad I don’t need another car right now.
These land yachts don’t get the fuel mileage of an economy car. But if you run them down the highway at 65 MPH they will hit 20 plus MPG all day long. I drove these to Florida and back many times. Comfortable, smooth as glass. They last 200,000 miles and will still run fine. Easy to tune up. Someone will get a good car at 1/4 price of a new car.
I would LOVE to OWN this LIncoln! I am with RICK W 100%! Nothing like a Panther platform! But the leather seats would be a no-no for me. My Grand Marquis has velour, and I do not STICK to it! But, to Jeff Lowery: we “old” folks do not necessarily “saunter”. It never ceases to amaze/amuse me, the way that younger people seem to believe that our age-group are doddering and hesitant feeble souls who barely get around. Some of us may be. But I can assure you this: as you get older, you essentially will not change… unless or until your health/physical well-being fail. I am blessed to still have my mind, which is pretty much as it has always been (as far as I can tell). And I can out-walk some people half my age. Despite warnings from well-meaning folks about heart-attack risk, I still shovel my own snow. I have a younger friend (only 70) who insistently complains that he is too “old” and that he “can’t” do this or that (such as, stack his own fire-wood — he gets me to do it). He appears able-bodied to me, when he wants to be. Many people lose their capabilitites as they advance in age — and those problems may eventually strike me down, too. But I firmly believe, so long as YOU CAN, then DO — and don’t let others tell you that you are “too old”: they are not in your mind and body, so they don’t know. (Smile) Age DOES impact me in one way: I’m not comfortable with the slovenly English nowadays, and I feel ASSAULTED by the NOISE BLASTING in every store I enter, which SOME poor unfortunate souls actually refer to as “music” (that’s not quite the word I’d pick).
Yup, right on the money Harrison. 80 y.o. here, still doing all (or most of) the younger year things…yes, I shovel snow too, muck out stalls, feed, do oil changes and brake jobs etc etc. Still like it all too much.
Appreciate your comments.
Also, many thanks to the Barn Finds staff for this site and the writeups. A brief moment of calm and enjoyment each day, and I learn a lot from all the far more knowledgeable writers and commenters.
Absolutely on target guys! I too prefer cloth seats, but like everything else, whatever you’re looking for is no longer available. I still shovel snow with some difficulty. At least we’re not shoveling 💩 like many others 😉 😜. 🎵 The world has gone mad Today 🎶 And Good’s Bad Today 🎶 And Day’s Night Today 🎵 And most guys today are 😠 😡 😤. 🎶 Cole Porter was indeed prophetic. Good Lord, how did I remember all that 😳. Now that I’ve given my rant, guess I’ll once again Roll down one hill and Can ardly get up the next. BTW, there is an unofficial GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT SOCIETY here in the BARN. Co Founded by ANGEL, Cadillac DIVA QUEEN and yours truly. We are now accepting applications for membership. 🏆 ✌.
I owned the earlier Lincoln’s (MK 3,’s and 4’s) and loved them, then OPEC came along and ruined all big cars. Bought an ’87, and although it matched the luxury and ride of earlier models, someone stole the true fun of driving with the 460’s power. 302’s just weren’t the necessary power for the heavy body. Really regretted buying it when was heading North (yes, it’s up hill) from W. VA Cruise control kept kicking out as it couldn’t hold 65. Almost had to floor it to keep up with traffic. Alas, it’s days in my garage were numbered after that. Saw a Silver one in local Marketplace and missed it by 5 hrs. The owner had rectified the problem, 4 BBL Holley, mild cam, and headers. Now that would make this one a great cruiser. No garage space and $ a little high
To Wes Johnson: I agree with you, that these are under-powered with that 5.0. My 1988 Grand Marquis can’t get out of its own way when climbing a long hill. And when I need to pass a sluggish driver on a two-lane, I have to THINK about the feasibility of managing it. I wouldn’t want or need a 460 — but at least I’d like to have a car that GOES and MEANS it, when I step on the gas!
From 1992 to 2003 my mom owned an ’87 Town Car, a base model with the plain wheel covers and cloth seating. That was a very enjoyable and comfortable cruiser on long drives. It would float down the highway and nobody was cranky or in pain at the end of the trip.
Whoever becomes the next owner of the one here is going to be very pleased.
The vehicle of choice for every retired Cop from Long Island who moved to Miami and picked up a side hustle driving other retired cops, firefighters, emts and their spouses to and from the airport.
I had one too. Taupe interior, two tone taupe paint. Bought it with over 100k on the clock, and it was a dream to own. I’d gladly own one again! DMV had the exterior color as purple. Lol.