In the 1980s, the LTD Crown Victoria was Ford’s equivalent of the Mercury Grand Marquis. Although the flagship of Ford’s biggest and finest cars of the era, it’s often remembered today for its use in police work. This one from 1987 is a one-owner car that has seen little or no use in the past 12 years. Offered by a dealer, it’s in basic running condition but will need further attention. Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, this big Ford is available here on craigslist for $2,950. A bargain of a car brought to us by Pat L.?
Between 1979 and 1991, Ford built just shy of two million of these Crown Vics. So, there was still a demand for these large, rear-wheel-drive automobiles that would eventually be replaced by 21st Century SUVs. As the industry moved to front-wheel-drive, these autos were a throwback to the earlier LTDs of the 1960s and 1970s in terms of size and scope. As the story goes, this Ford was still being driven until about a decade ago before the 100-year-old original owner passed away.
We’re told this Ford was literally only driven to church on Sundays (no foolin’). Which would explain how it has only accumulated 50,000 miles in its 36 years. The story is backed up by a stash of front license plates that were collected from her church over time. As you might expect, this LTD is loaded with accessories, such as power windows, power door locks, and factory air conditioning (although there’s no mention of how well it works). The 5.0-liter V8 engine was rated at 17 mpg in the city.
To get the car going again, the seller/dealer drained out the old gas, put on a new set of tires, changed out part of the brakes, and bought some spark plugs and wires that still need to be installed. It runs okay, but some more sleuthing should be done to see what else it might need. The body is solid with no rust and most of the paint is original but could use a coat of wax before deciding whether to invest in a new paint job. The interior is said to be quite nice. This Ford reminds me of one that Andy Griffith drove in the old Matlock TV show, although the color is different.
Had a 1984 Police model with the 351, Water Temp/Oil Pressure/Amp gauges way over on the right side of the dash. Think it had a 2.9 axle so didn’t “have alot of pickup” till you got going. Had the standard 1 finger Ford power steering. Got it to 200K before I sold it, no problemos, even with the awful VV carb, just had too many cars.
3k for this.. throw all the cop goodies at it, leave Grannies stock look 🙏 , and have a cool ride.
Somewhere on the way to church was a stop at the body shop to pick up a front fascia from an ‘88-‘91…wonder what the story is behind that.
Otherwise a clean interior and a nice price. Hope it finds another owner to take it another 30-odd years.
was wondering about that, did like the later style grill
Me too, I think Ford did a nice job blending the new front and rear into the previous bodywork on the later cars.
Apparently church was 13 miles from home based on the information provided since she averaged 26 miles a week over 37 years.
This is a steal at this price. I had a 1988 model, white with this same color interior and I used to enjoy sneaking up on folks because from the front with the white hood and fenders it looked like a LEO vehicle in pursuit. It was an awesome vehicle in every respect. If you’re in Scottsboro to buy it be sure to check out Unclaimed Baggage. It’s where all the suitcases from airlines end up and who knows what you might find.
Did she go to church every day? 50,000 miles is a lot of miles for just going to church unless her church was 25 miles away from her home.
My exact calculation too. Still plausible if you take into account the very long lake next to the sellers location.
I really never had any particular fondness of this car when it was new. Just another Ford family car.
Only go to Sin O’ Gogue a few times a year (I’m Jewish, but like Bacon/Pulled Pork what are ya gonna do?) but in the South at least, alot of Christians go to Church on other days, Wednesday night in particular
I think this car is worth the ask albiet It’s from the end of the Malaise Era & by this time that 302 was getting ready to make some power unlike GM’s 307 which never made power that im aware of so yeah this car could be made fun.
I In that condition i would be thinking about 15-$1750.im sure its rust free considering where it’s at.but it’s almost 40yrs old and im sure all the engine gaskets seep and don’t forget about all the soft rubber components which are dry rotting as well.
Nothing mentioned about a clear title just a bill of sale. Maybe because of its age Alabama doesn’t require it. I like the car, wouldn’t mind the repairs, etc., but Texas DMV is hard to deal with if you don’t have a title.
My Mom’s last car before she stopped driving at 86. I contemplated keeping it because it was low mileage, garaged and flawless. But there are thousands just like it so I let someone else enjoy it.
Lovely looking car. IMHO, this was their best looking LTD in its entire run. While its body styling hasn’t changed throughout its run, I like the grille of the 1987 model year. If only more pics of this car were posted. Given its condition, I’d pay around $3,000.
My dad bought a Merc Grand Marquis brand new with 2 door/leather/every power option. First trip was a cross country summer trip and was amazing. I was Sold on Lincoln’s/Merc/higher end Fords ever since.
Back end is that of a 1987 or older, front end is from a 1988-91 model. Paint is delaminated probably from not being garaged. Was built with the lower level package as It does not have cornering lights and illuminated entry.
They were built for law enforcement and taxi service.
During my career with Ford I use to go out to Yellow Checker Cab in Las Vegas which had over 400 Crowns Vic’s. Half were former police units and the other half they bought new from Ford Fleet. I couldn’t get over how many miles some of the Crown Victorias had. Some over 700,000 miles! The fleet had a great maintenance program.
I think the Crown Vic, Grand Marquis, and Lincoln Town cars (all sister vehicles) were some of the best vehicles built!
I’ve read similar stories, how tank-like these cars were. The key I’m sure was the thorough maintenance program, but it is still worth noting that a given car, after hundreds of thousands of miles, was still in sufficient condition to justify a new (fill in the blank) part.
For this reason I’m pretty sure history will be quite kind to the Panthers.
The only thing I’d change if I bought this car is the gauge cluster. Where the warning lights are now, I’d switch to “proper” needle gauges.
I expected to see the 2 triangular back-up lights ether side of the lic plate.
Last gen?
Next?
May B this is a different gen (or ‘face lift’)?
Worth the price all day long, you can play with the engine and still ride comfy.