Every now and again, we’re offered reminders at how truly competent Ford’s Panther platform was. These full-size models were well-used by government agencies, rental car counters, livery drivers, and commuters everywhere in the 1980s, and despite the Panther platform’s retirement several years ago now, its relevance remains strong. Among enthusiasts old and new, the Panther platform is seen as a high watermark for a bread-and-butter sedan offered with generous standard equipment and low operating costs. Find this clean final year model here on craigslist f0r $13,950.
Thanks to Barn Finds reader Zappenduster for the find. Because cars like these were so widely used by public and private entities alike, there’s a tendency to overlook them when they pop up for sale. However, like the Cadillacs and Diplomats of the same era, truly nice survivors are worth paying attention to. And like any vehicles that are iconic among enthusiasts – like the models built on the Panther platform – there will always be some inherent collectability among that family of vehicles. The LTD Crown Victoria, like this one, didn’t evolve too much design-wise over the years, but the final year model is definitely the most modern in appearance.
Interiors were well equipped not but not necessarily luxurious. Still, you got some handsome fake wood trim on the dash, a driver’s side airbag, full power including the front seats, and a padded dash top (it looks like this one has some upgraded factory speakers as well.) About the only thing that could make this cockpit better are some upgraded floor mats; the old, factory rubber coverings let the clean cockpit down. Three-point seat belts became standard, along with tilt steering, automatic headlights, and air conditioning. Despite having over 90,000 miles, the seat upholstery appears to be excellent condition.
The best part about the LTD? In my opinion, the powertrain. The 5.0L V8 is a tried-and-true workhorse and is paired to a 4-speed automatic raided from the Lincoln parts bid, and while 150 horsepower isn’t much to haul this big boat around, it’s worked just fine for police officers and detectives for years. On top of that, it will be dirt cheap to maintain for years to come with parts still in generous supply. Combining the low upkeep with what I believe to be a positive value trajectory, you have a car that will be a treat to own in more ways than one. Would you consider a late-production Crown Victoria like this one worthy of a closer look?
Cars like this eat up the long miles on the Hwy. The extra room, comfort, easy power, tall gears, just let you enjoy the journey more.
Elegant looking Vic. I prefer the Town Car over at Lincoln but this would do. Asking too much though for that high of mileage. I know it will last at least 100k miles more but…
$14,000 is way high, for the mileage. 15 years ago, I bought a ’92 Mercury Grand Marquis, off Evil Bay, for $2,500. Mint condition, with 26,000 original miles.
Had one from 2000 to 2006, i miss it but a couple of tidbit’s to check. The A pillars have a tendency to rust if you’re in the northern climes like me in Quebec. When they start to go means soaked front floor mats, not fun. Second the TV cable that attaches to the throttle body same issue on the 5.0 a.o.d. Mustangs is clipped on with a little plastic ball retainer. It wears out and the cable unhooks itself. The little ball has been discontinued from Ford a million years ago and there doesn’t seem to be an aftermarket supplier so you gotta scrounge because without that cable properly installed you’ll wipe out the tranny in short order.
Robèrt check out LenTech. They are the AOD experts. Amazing folks.
Remember going to the North Carolina State Surplus Property Lot in 1992, they had rows of 1988-90 Highway Patrol Crown Vic’s all with around 70K miles, 351, Carpet, up for sealed bid, most went for $5-6K, I ended up buying an 89 Caprice instead.
You can get a Marauder in that kind of condition and mileage for the same money.