Low-Mile Cruiser: 1996 Lincoln Town Car

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The Town Car, which enjoyed a 30-year run across both the 20th and 21st centuries, was the biggest car made by Ford, qualifying as a “land yacht” by today’s standards. During most of its run, the luxury sedan competed against the Cadillac Fleetwood and was popular with limousine services. This second-generation version is from 1996 and looks to be in great condition with only a non-working heater being the only reported flaw. Located in Huntington, New York, this big ride is available here on craigslist for $5,395. Thanks for the tip, Barn Finder “Zen”!

In production from 1981 to 2011, the Lincoln Town Car was one of Ford’s longest-running nameplates. Except during its first year, it was always and only available as a 4-door sedan. It’s considered the replacement (temporarily) for the Continental and was succeeded by the Lincoln MKS. As you would expect, rear-wheel-drive was still the order of business for this gen of the Town Car and they used a 281 cubic inch modular SOHC V8 on the Panther Platform.

The seller’s Lincoln has just 55,000 miles, so it’s unlikely this was ever a limo or fleet vehicle. It’s the Signature Series edition which means it got treated to a greater selection of goodies, such as super-nice leather upholstery, seating that moved in all sorts of directions, automatic climate control,  and a host of other stuff. This Town Car is a one-owner vehicle that spends lots of time lounging around in the garage. The body and paint all look pretty solid.

From what we gather, this is a turn-key turnpike cruiser that only needs the heater core replaced (it’s been disconnected, suggesting it may have been leaking). Considering that Winter is upon us, you’ll probably want to get that fixed before hitting the road (or bring plenty of blankets).  If you’ve ever ridden in one of these boats, you’d think you were floating on a cloud.

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Comments

  1. ClassicP

    I’ never owned a Lincoln but driven a few but I’ve owned 2 caddies and I can honestly say Lincoln has the better ride. Although not putting Cadillac down

    Like 9
    • Stan StanMember

      Have to agree 👍 P
      Lincoln ride, and comfortable interior appointments, always seem to please. I feel most models look best in black or white. This is a really nice example 👌

      Like 7
    • The Cadillac Kid

      Everybody compares their cars to Caddy’s, not the other way around. That says something right there.

      Like 0
  2. Zen

    Beautiful car, from when the American luxury car makers still made comfortable and stylish luxury cars, instead of copying the sporty, hard riding-hard seats European cars. As if people drive through slaloms on their way from A-B each day. It’s not far from me, I wish I could buy it.

    Like 8
  3. Nelson C

    If you’re looking for good old American luxury you didn’t have much longer than this to buy it. The Fleetwood and Roadmaster would soon be history leaving what remained to Lincoln. Sharp Town Car.

    Like 6
  4. Bunky

    Great car! Cruiser indeed. These and the rwd full size Fords and Mercurys were extremely durable and dependable. What may be even more surprising, is that they were very easy on fuel.
    As for “only needing the heater core replaced”, Yikes! If I was facing driving in winter with no heat, or changing the heater core in this rig- I’d sell it too.

    Like 3
    • Bill West

      Yes, no small job in these. And while you are in there you may as well replace the blend door actuators or you’ll be pulling the whole dash again soon! I have a 94 I got for free with only 58k on it, still driving it 13 years on, driven it all over the US, SE car remains rust free at 30 years old.

      Like 4
    • BILL HALL

      i HAD A 2002 GRAND Marquis AND NOT LONG AFTER I GOT IT THE HEATER CORE TOOK DUMP. NOT A CHEAP OR EASY FIX. UNLIKE A 70S VINTAGE FULL SIZE FORD PRODUCT.

      Like 1
  5. TJM

    All year Town Cars were reliable and comfortable, but this was the last year they also looked beautiful!!

    Like 4
  6. Vin_NJ

    My father purchased an new white and blue ’96 town car with a blue cloth roof. Ride was excellent due to the air suspension. At highway speeds, it would raise the suspension to soften the ride. When you came to a stop, It wold lower down.

    Like 5
  7. Stick Miller

    I always worry about rust in northern cars. I currently drive a ‘96 Fleetwood Brougham I bought new. It might just be the best car I’ve ever owned.

    Like 5
  8. George Mattar

    Heater core jobs on almost any air conditioned car a total nightmare. My C3 air conditioned Corvette needs one. Guess what? Not dealing with it. I can tell you why if failed. NEVER put that garbage Purple Ice made by Royal Purple in your cooling system. Oh, it works and certainly lowered the coolant temperature, but also ate away my copper-brass radiator after only 2 years. I just put in a new DeWitts with 50/50 green stuff. NO additives. I may call the seller of this Lincoln. Very low miles and yes, a better ride than any crap being built today.

    Like 2
    • The Cadillac Kid

      Considering the fact that your vehicle has a working thermostat that maintains a constant temperature, how can it lower your coolant temperature???

      Like 1
  9. BILL HALL

    i HAD A 2002 GRAND Marquis AND NOT LONG AFTER I GOT IT THE HEATER CORE TOOK DUMP. NOT A CHEAP OR EASY FIX. UNLIKE A 70S VINTAGE FULL SIZE FORD PRODUCT.

    Like 1
    • 370zpp 370zpp

      An easier fix would be the Caps Lock button on your keyboard.

      Like 3
      • mike wills

        take it easy on BILL HALL.. maybe he’s deaf and has to yell

        Like 0

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