I'm french, I never drove those big american cars. I only saw them in movies and tv shows. For me this one, among a lot of others, is iconic. I love the style, the v8 sound, the fancy interior... So special in every way. Pure american made crazyness lol
I had 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis in 1998 when my wife and I got married. We drove it from Ohio to Montana for our honeymoon, and it was the greatest 3 days I’ve ever spent driving anywhere. If you get chance to drive one of these some day, you should take it. It’s like nothing else.
I had a similar year. It was really rough and tried to sell the old girl to no avail. Only buyer? The crusher. The scrap truck driver let me rip it around my neighborhood for a few minutes and finally park it on the trailer. It’s a bittersweet moment when you drive a car the last time it’ll ever be driven. Cool car, can’t save em all though!
@@xxyvng6831 It had 270lb-f of torque, which is respectable. These cars were about the smoothness. They weren't fast but they accelerate smoothly and once they get up to speed they can sit there all day.
I just sold my 97 Town Car and I really like the styling of the 95-97 years, but to me the 80s boxy body style will always be the quintessential Town Car.
My first Lincoln Town Car was a 1989 but it had a 351 Cleveland in it. Weighing a little over 2 tons,the motor was more than capable. The one I have now is an 1988 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. I have let some people I know drive it and every time that smile comes on once they look down that long hood. Then they're completely blown away by the comfort and quietness. I was at a car show in 1987 in Moncton New Brunswick and being a young guy,out of all the trucks and cars to choose from,once I seen it in silver,polished and under the spotlights,I fell in love. I got my way in the end and was allowed to sit in it even though it was roped off and had my picture taken,I told the guy, "I'm going to own one of these some day" I kept true to those words and I'll drive nothing else. When a car grabs at a guy's heart strings like that one did,nothing on this earth will change it. To the top folks at Ford/Lincoln,you made a very fateful mistake by doing away with your flagship car. You never leave it behind because it would have taken you to greater heights and taken its loyal crowd with it and could have outshone the rest. I've informed the ones I'll leave behind that my mortal remains are to be taken to my resting place in my 1988 Lincoln Town Car, if they use anything else,Lord have mercy. 😂 Guys,gals,if you ever have the chance to drive one of these,jump at it. You won't regret it,I promise. 🙂🤝💙🇨🇦
These cars are so well built. and ride amazingly smooth! I think Lincoln Town Car seats of the 80’s, specifically the Signature and Cartier series had the softest thickly padded seats even when compared to the Cadillac Brougham. The quality of the exterior trim, and sheetmetal was superb as well. Modern luxury cars aren’t truly luxurious anymore in the way they ride, which feels more like you’re riding in a harsh buckboard where you feel every road impact.
The Germans taught everyone that luxury means stiff suspension and hard seats with tight "leather" for "sport". American luxury is a big land yacht that you sink into and can cruise all day in. The closest thing we still have are the full-size SUVs like the Escalade and Navigator. I want to sink several inches into my seat when I sit down. I want to feel like I'm riding on a cloud. I want a steering wheel I can turn with my pinky.
My father rented a brand new white and red Lincoln Town Car in 1984 when I was 8 to take us on vacation to Wildwood, N.J.. My goodness, the ride was so luxurious plus I remember how cool the triangle front smokers window was plus fooling around with the antenna switch on the dash board. Great memories. Glad this channel exists
My uncle has a mint 10,000 mile 89 Town Car Signature. It's back with a black carriage roof and dark red leather. It's by far the best riding car I've ever driven.
Those seats were the top option - They came standard with the velour/cloth "flat" bench, then you could option the pillow top velour/cloth, then you could option in a leather "flat" bench, THEN you could option these leather "pillow top" seats which were AMAZINGLY comfortable and still look cool to this day.
The "Signature Series" cars had that interior. They were a variant on the "Luxury Group" style seats used in the 1977-79 Mark V (also in many of the Designer Series Mark Vs, like my '77 Cartier), brought back in 1982, but with the "pillows" on the edges of the front seats added then.
This was my wedding car in 1990. I worked for a Ford dealer at the time and the owner let me use one for that weekend. My wifes Grandma owned one and she kept it immaculate. These cars were super highway cruisers… lazy boy recliners at 70 mph.
I had an '89 Signature Series. An aquiantance from the local auto club had an '89 Rolls Royce Silver Spur. I told him I wanted to ride in his Rolls. He said, "Your Town Car rides smoother and is quieter."
This car… that was the year and that was the series you wanted from the decade. They did some blackout details on the 89 that I never liked. And a couple years prior to 88,,, it didn’t have that gorgeous chrome strip on the tail lights…. That was the car,,, the right color,.. and the MODEL year for that decade. Perfect perfection.!!!!
My Dad traded his 1980 Cadillac DeVille for a new 1985 Lincoln Town Car he loved it. He liked the Caddy but loved the Lincoln. He let me take it to my prom in 86 I didn't want to give it back 😅
I've always been a GM guy when it came to American cars... but I love full-size sedans, and when my daughter was born in 2018, I had a rare 86 base model Town Car... mine was silver with black cloth interior and the body and interior was mint... base models do not have the tiara half roof but a full vinyl roof and no chrome rocker trim... the original silver top had been replaced with a black one and looked top heavy, and I painted the base rocker black, and it was beautiful... I only sold the car because electrical gremlins and fuel issues were making the car unreliable for a new baby, so I bought a roadmaster sedan which I've owned several... the ride and handling in the town car was superb for a full size... excellent brakes, great turning radius, wonderful presence... I planned to keep it for a long time, but my little one was more important.. Its on my short bucket list of cars I hope to own again someday
When I was about 11 we went to the states (Im from Australia)and my dad rented a 1984 Lincoln Town Car it was plush and roomy as we had 7 of us. Will always remember that.
Auto manufacturers can we please get rid of all these damn cuvs and suvs and uncomfortable sedans and bring cars like this back with v8 a comfy seats and much much less bullshit?!?! We have definitely taken a step back when it comes to vehicles these days
This is my favorite car of all time. I hope to still find one. My uncle worked for Ford in the 80’s and during the summer I would get to see his Town Car. His 1988 was the best one.
The 1980s full-sized Lincoln's certainly held a presence. At a time when Cadillac was like a golden retriever puppy, going in multiple directions at once trying to figure out what they're buying demographic was (or should be), Lincoln had it pretty much tagged down. Lincolns dripped of luxury, and mainstream opulence.
Both Cadillac and Lincoln had the same issue. They were still only appealing to the same buyer they had been who was getting older and older. The Younger affluent people were buying imports by this time.
@@turnne The 1980s Cadillac Cimarron was to pull in the BMW and Mercedes buyers.. Ha! As if... and then there was that disastrous 4-6-8 motor... And the 4.1 in general. 1980-85 Cadillac Seville sales were abysmal, compared to the classy good looks of the 1976-79 models. With the exception of the attractive Eldorado, the 1980's Cadillac just didn't know what it wanted to be, when it grew up.
@@muckraker610 I would add that the 76-79 Seville was supposed to pull in some of that buyers that were younger, more affluent and were buying imports I think the Cadillac buyer just kept getting older and it was same people. As the automobile market went more upscale I never understood why Cadillac/Lincoln didnt move their brands more upscale...really, people in the United States were buying Mercedes that were twice the price of this Town Car
@@turnne Too an extent, you are correct, save for one thing; The Amercan Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln buyers had grown accustomed to the floatiy, road insulating ride, of these cars. The plush seats, and over-the-top interiors were something the imports just could not provide. The [typical] 50-80 year old U.S. luxury car buyer felt that BMWs and Mercedes rode like buckboards, and their seats were lacking of padding and comfort. Power seats weren't even offered on a Mercedes until the late 80s. The pricey 450SL didn't even offer a power top, at any price. At that time, most American, geriatric, buyers could care less if there was a three-pointed star on their hood ....They wanted that numming comfort..
@@muckraker610 Except it was the same buyers and they were getting older and older...displaced by weathier and younger buyers who were buying the more expensive imports I once heard someone say you want to inspire a younger generation to want that luxury item when they have the financial means So in the 50'sand 60's that person aspired to have a Cadillac/Lincoln when they could afford one...By the 70's and 80's they wanted a Benz /BMW when they could afford one and oh by the way those were much more expensive than the luxury cars their parents aspired to have Addtionally...when Lexus hit the market with the LS400 at about the same price as a Cadillac Seville, it was just more coffin nails for the brand
At this point the Panther platform was ten years old, and carried on with some parts virtually unchanged until 2011. For several years I drove a '95 Grand Marquis and I pulled one of those awesome dome lights from a junkyard and wired it in.
In my neighborhood, every older black person, and every 6th Italian house had one. Hopefully the characteristics of long car and soft ride come back to the luxury segment. Plus, we need a ‘big friggin box’ to measure the size of the truck.
I own a 1985 Lincoln Town Car I bought three years ago. It's a dark gray Signature Series. No digital instrumentation, but it was an option. It's my daily driver and I love it.
These Town Cars were great. They stayed the same for a few years and I ran a limo service back then and we had regular town cars like this one and a few stretched town cars. These were popular to become stretch limo's. In regards to the rear wheel drive I can say first hand that they were great in the snow & ice, probably because they were heavy. I remember doing a late night pickup at Logan airport and on the highway coming home I saw a bunch of tail lights on the side of the road that were cars that slid off of the road due to black ice. I could see the shiny road and I just let off the gas and slowed down nice and easy and she handled so fine. Got a $50 tip for that run which was real nice in 1988. Miss those cars and those days.
Wow! A great experience in more ways than one. I wish I could find a reasonably in shape TC of this vintage with a sunroof. The only doubt I had was how it would do on a snow laden street or road. Your comment here changed my mind! Peace...♐
I don't see too many around anymore, but yes, I drove in the snow often and they went great. The limo service was in Wells Maine and of course Maine did do a way better job on the roads than MA. I miss those days more than the car. Glad you liked my comment. @@AladdinSaneNYC
It may sound pretty much hard to believe but watching a 17 year old boy, driving back in the 80s, a 1988, brand new Lincoln Town Car; was pretty much more extraordinary than unusual. It was an extravagant Signature Series. Throughout 33 years in a row, the LTC is still the most elegant and luxurious sedan ever built. The sports of the age weren't enough for me. My driver's tendencies were aligned not just with body on frame sedans but to a car with no respectable competitors within it's category. This well-prepared video rmade me remind those teenage emotions. This 1980-89 generation is a symbol of distinction on wheels. It's comfortable back seat became the right place to improvise kisses and love in a hurry. 😂 Your narrative and the professionalism of this video great. Hope you may preserve and keep enjoying your arkenstone. Today, mine is a 2011 Signature Limited.
We used to call cars like this "Rolling Ocean Liners"! We got a lot of respect on the highway in those things. Even 18 Wheeled Semi's wouldn't challenge us. 😉
The vintage with clipped fins. The beginning of lost elegance, though the following generation looked sleek, the last generation just didn't do it for me.
Nice there is a dark blue 1980s Lincoln Towncar like this one that is rotting away in someone's driveway right down the road from where I live. Poor thing has flat tires that have rotted into the ground, the paint is rusty and faded, and the car has probably not moved since the 1990s or early 2000s. Shame the owners have allowed the car to rot away like that; it looked like it was a very nice car when it was new.
I love these cars! I nearly bought one years many many years ago and I am so disappointed that I passed it up. I bought the supercharged Park Ave instead. Still a nice car, but not a Town Car. Thank you for this video!
I bought myself a 1989 signature series model. It is a dream to drive! I was at dinner time at my school and I took my little moped to a walmart, saw the big blue one. Called the guy and 4000$ Canadian later, I got myself one of the best-driving cars of all time.
I agree, those seats are comfortable. I built a loveseat/sofa using a dark blue velour version of the front bench from one of these. I like it, my wife loves it, and Churchill P. Furo, my ferret absolutely adores it; it’s his favorite napping spot.
as awesome as the town car is I am a Cadillac man and the 80s Fleetwood was still a step above the town car in my book. this town carcis beautiful and these cars whether ford GM or Chrysler need to be saved
I drive my 1988 Cartier Town car daily, ive also owned the Cadillac Fleetwood, the old Cadillac was more riddled with issues by far, the plastic fender extentions rotted off, the carbed engine was rough and had less power , the lincoln is by far a better car. it even had EFI which cadillac never got till the 90's. to each there own. either way all these older cars should be saved
I'm curious about the accent lights inbetween each bank of 165mm's. I understand it was an uncommon mod for owners to add the bulbs themselves, and I've personally hacked a pair of T10's to my own car. It looks really good.
I think the radio has been replaced with one from an earlier model, it looks like the unit in my 87. The original 88-89 Town Car radios are known to prematurely fail.
It was the same 302 they had in the Mustang, with a lower compression ratio and less horsepower. And at some point the Mustangs 302 got 4 valves per cylinder, i think, but the Lincoln’s always stayed with 2.
I love these cars. The only thing that would make me hesitate getting one is that huge intrusive dashboard which blocks 1/3 of the view of the road. Big styling mistake! Not sure what the designers were thinking; people watch the road and not the dashboard when driving.
That’s not “fake” vinyl, that’s 100 percent, grade A, the best vinyl one could have for a landau roof. Not to mention the beautiful “opera” lamps on the center pillar.
I had a 1989 model. It was a beater with a heater… But that thing was amazing! I still wish I had kept it. It is one of the cars of my past, that I want to purchase again.
As someone who fathoms in wanting to become a private chauffeur for a vip individual (or someone around that line), it would fulfill the euphoria in my soul to drive this car as at least a service car (if I do become a chauffeur)
It’s my old baby! I had this exact same car a little over 20 years ago but mine the windshield wipers kept cutting out during the rain which I almost gotten accident one reason why I sold the car.
I’ve owned a lot of cars over the years and the 1985 Lincoln town car that I got for free out of a junkyard was one of the best cars I ever owned take that how you will. She had a quarter of a million miles and was still running strong when I sold her for $250 bucks. Wish I’d kept that car..
I had an 85 and an 89. MAX output was like 185 HP. Even later panther platforms barely broke 200, and current crown vic, with a tun and some basic top side work, puts MAYBE 245 to the wheels! Funny!
And now Lincoln’s spirit lives on in a rebadged ford expedition, instead of a rebadged crown Victoria. God speed ford motor company and to many more years of full size luxury to come
I absolutely love these cars. I am actually trying to find one now, we'll after the new year. I am going to contact the Town Car Clubs to see if I can find one.
I would NEVER sell my nice '02 Town Car, it's the last car I want to own, over 200K and runs like new, everything works, super radio, everything, a true classic.
between the Lincoln Town Car, and it's competitor the Cadillac Brougham, I would love to have one of each, both American icons, the last of the Mohicans
You bought a Cadillac or Lincoln based on the decade. Cadilac ruled the 50s, especially the 59 with the tail fins. Gorgeous cars in the 70s and even the 90s with the last of the Fleetwoods. Lincoln was the 60s with the four-door (suicide door) convertible. And of course this beautiful 80s Town Car..
I agree with you for the most part, but would have to say that in the 60’s, both Cadillac and Lincoln built amazing cars. I used to own a 61 Lincoln Continental and currently own a 64 Cadillac Deville, both are awesome cars. The Cadillac however rides ways smoother than the Lincoln, but the Lincoln felt more like a tank and was extremely solid to drive. The interior quality and styling is better in the Caddy as well. Starting in the 1970’s, Lincoln actually built a better car than Cadillac. The Lincoln’s rode smoother, had better fit n finish, better exterior and interior quality, better styling depending on the years. Cadillacs started to fall off greatly after 1970. Their quality control went down the drain starting in 71. The bodies of the 71-73 years were terrible. They rattled, had cheap quality interiors and they didn’t ride nearly as nice as their older models. By 1977 downsized models, Cadillacs got better, but they never rode as quietly, nor as smoothly as the big Lincoln’s in the 1970’s. How do I know? I’ve owned plenty of old Cadillacs and Lincoln’s from different decades. Lincoln had Cadillac beat as far as riding comfort since the 70’s on up with the Continentals, Marks and Town Cars . Stylish is subjective, but I will say I love the styling better on the 80’s Fleetwoods and Broughams over the 80’s Town Cars, the 92 Brougham D’Elegance in black being absolutely beautiful looking on the inside out. The 80’s Broughams feeling more solid and having a higher quality interior than the Town Cars as well. But the Town Cars still rode better and had a much softer ride.
@@CA-nm7mb Nana had a 71 Cadillac Deville. Tail lights on that thing and back. Fenders were epic. Her second of five husbands bought her a 65 in white. She traded it in to get this new thing called a Mustang. He was appalled,,, “ no wife of mine” mentality!!!!! After about a year of him not helping her with the car or having the oil changed or anything, it of course ended up on the side of the road. He then bought her a cream colored Cadillac in a very similar looking late 60s. My father wasn’t any better. They hated each other.!!! Robin,,, “SWEETIE’ your Cadillac has yellowed……. We can talk more about my single mother later.!!!!
One of my favorite stories….. after dinner we went to this ice cream shop that served ((believe it or not ))) had 31 flavors…. While in the middle of placing the order a Man came up to Robin, my grandma NANA ,,,, ma’am, you’ve left your lights on in your car,,,, It was at this exact moment that the lights went off from her Twighlight Sentinel setting on the dashboard of her Deville. I could’ve been more than 7-8 years old and I still remember that…. It was so funny she made such a fool of him.!!! Gotta love, grandma!!!!
If I'm not mistaken, I think that radio dates back to about 84 85 period the later 88 Lincoln had an upgraded radio which looks different and doesn't say ford on it.
Yep. My father had an 81 Eldorado also with a 5 digit odometer. The 300D that replaced it had a six digit odometer. Subtle indicator that the German car was expected to last.
I'm french, I never drove those big american cars. I only saw them in movies and tv shows. For me this one, among a lot of others, is iconic. I love the style, the v8 sound, the fancy interior... So special in every way. Pure american made crazyness lol
Its a big v8 but it only makes 150 HP thats not alot,they could have gotten more from it
I had 1988 Mercury Grand Marquis in 1998 when my wife and I got married. We drove it from Ohio to Montana for our honeymoon, and it was the greatest 3 days I’ve ever spent driving anywhere. If you get chance to drive one of these some day, you should take it. It’s like nothing else.
I had a similar year. It was really rough and tried to sell the old girl to no avail. Only buyer? The crusher. The scrap truck driver let me rip it around my neighborhood for a few minutes and finally park it on the trailer. It’s a bittersweet moment when you drive a car the last time it’ll ever be driven. Cool car, can’t save em all though!
@@xxyvng6831 It had 270lb-f of torque, which is respectable. These cars were about the smoothness. They weren't fast but they accelerate smoothly and once they get up to speed they can sit there all day.
@@UnlessRoundIsFunny it's very reliable and luxurious tho
I just sold my 97 Town Car and I really like the styling of the 95-97 years, but to me the 80s boxy body style will always be the quintessential Town Car.
My first Lincoln Town Car was a 1989 but it had a 351 Cleveland in it. Weighing a little over 2 tons,the motor was more than capable. The one I have now is an 1988 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series. I have let some people I know drive it and every time that smile comes on once they look down that long hood. Then they're completely blown away by the comfort and quietness. I was at a car show in 1987 in Moncton New Brunswick and being a young guy,out of all the trucks and cars to choose from,once I seen it in silver,polished and under the spotlights,I fell in love. I got my way in the end and was allowed to sit in it even though it was roped off and had my picture taken,I told the guy, "I'm going to own one of these some day" I kept true to those words and I'll drive nothing else. When a car grabs at a guy's heart strings like that one did,nothing on this earth will change it. To the top folks at Ford/Lincoln,you made a very fateful mistake by doing away with your flagship car. You never leave it behind because it would have taken you to greater heights and taken its loyal crowd with it and could have outshone the rest. I've informed the ones I'll leave behind that my mortal remains are to be taken to my resting place in my 1988 Lincoln Town Car, if they use anything else,Lord have mercy. 😂 Guys,gals,if you ever have the chance to drive one of these,jump at it. You won't regret it,I promise. 🙂🤝💙🇨🇦
These cars are so well built. and ride amazingly smooth! I think Lincoln Town Car seats of the 80’s, specifically the Signature and Cartier series had the softest thickly padded seats even when compared to the Cadillac Brougham.
The quality of the exterior trim, and sheetmetal was superb as well. Modern luxury cars aren’t truly luxurious anymore in the way they ride, which feels more like you’re riding in a harsh buckboard where you feel every road impact.
The Germans taught everyone that luxury means stiff suspension and hard seats with tight "leather" for "sport". American luxury is a big land yacht that you sink into and can cruise all day in. The closest thing we still have are the full-size SUVs like the Escalade and Navigator. I want to sink several inches into my seat when I sit down. I want to feel like I'm riding on a cloud. I want a steering wheel I can turn with my pinky.
@@bwofficial1776yup, almost every new car today rides stiff, especially the German cars.
My father rented a brand new white and red Lincoln Town Car in 1984 when I was 8 to take us on vacation to Wildwood, N.J.. My goodness, the ride was so luxurious plus I remember how cool the triangle front smokers window was plus fooling around with the antenna switch on the dash board. Great memories. Glad this channel exists
That’s a really cool memory! 😊
Cool memory and.....someone had a second owner car in the 80s that you toyed with
What a luxury car should be today!
My uncle has a mint 10,000 mile 89 Town Car Signature. It's back with a black carriage roof and dark red leather. It's by far the best riding car I've ever driven.
Wow! I hope that car stays in your family always. Don't let anyone get rid of that classic beauty 👏
He fills it up once a year?
@@nickf4333 He drives it about 10 miles a month. He replaced the fuel tank and calipers. It actually has 4 wheel disc brakes. This car is perfect.
Those seats were the top option - They came standard with the velour/cloth "flat" bench, then you could option the pillow top velour/cloth, then you could option in a leather "flat" bench, THEN you could option these leather "pillow top" seats which were AMAZINGLY comfortable and still look cool to this day.
The "Signature Series" cars had that interior. They were a variant on the "Luxury Group" style seats used in the 1977-79 Mark V (also in many of the Designer Series Mark Vs, like my '77 Cartier), brought back in 1982, but with the "pillows" on the edges of the front seats added then.
This was my wedding car in 1990. I worked for a Ford dealer at the time and the owner let me use one for that weekend. My wifes Grandma owned one and she kept it immaculate. These cars were super highway cruisers… lazy boy recliners at 70 mph.
I had an '89 Signature Series. An aquiantance from the local auto club had an '89 Rolls Royce Silver Spur. I told him I wanted to ride in his Rolls. He said, "Your Town Car rides smoother and is quieter."
👍.
I bet he traded that Rolls for a Town Car after. LOL
This car… that was the year and that was the series you wanted from the decade. They did some blackout details on the 89 that I never liked. And a couple years prior to 88,,, it didn’t have that gorgeous chrome strip on the tail lights…. That was the car,,, the right color,.. and the MODEL year for that decade. Perfect perfection.!!!!
Older Town Cars of that body style had bumpers that stuck out several inches past the bodywork.
That Town Car is beautiful and very well preserved
That's an excellent example of an 80s land yacht.
My Dad traded his 1980 Cadillac DeVille for a new 1985 Lincoln Town Car he loved it. He liked the Caddy but loved the Lincoln. He let me take it to my prom in 86 I didn't want to give it back 😅
Who the hell Didn't wanna roll to prom in an 80's Town Car??❤
I've always been a GM guy when it came to American cars... but I love full-size sedans, and when my daughter was born in 2018, I had a rare 86 base model Town Car... mine was silver with black cloth interior and the body and interior was mint... base models do not have the tiara half roof but a full vinyl roof and no chrome rocker trim... the original silver top had been replaced with a black one and looked top heavy, and I painted the base rocker black, and it was beautiful... I only sold the car because electrical gremlins and fuel issues were making the car unreliable for a new baby, so I bought a roadmaster sedan which I've owned several... the ride and handling in the town car was superb for a full size... excellent brakes, great turning radius, wonderful presence... I planned to keep it for a long time, but my little one was more important.. Its on my short bucket list of cars I hope to own again someday
When I was about 11 we went to the states (Im from Australia)and my dad rented a 1984 Lincoln Town Car it was plush and roomy as we had 7 of us. Will always remember that.
Auto manufacturers can we please get rid of all these damn cuvs and suvs and uncomfortable sedans and bring cars like this back with v8 a comfy seats and much much less bullshit?!?! We have definitely taken a step back when it comes to vehicles these days
I used to have a burgundy signature series of the same year. I miss it horribly.
Thank you for reviewing this!
This is my favorite car of all time. I hope to still find one. My uncle worked for Ford in the 80’s and during the summer I would get to see his Town Car. His 1988 was the best one.
The 1980s full-sized Lincoln's certainly held a presence. At a time when Cadillac was like a golden retriever puppy, going in multiple directions at once trying to figure out what they're buying demographic was (or should be), Lincoln had it pretty much tagged down. Lincolns dripped of luxury, and mainstream opulence.
Both Cadillac and Lincoln had the same issue. They were still only appealing to the same buyer they had been who was getting older and older. The Younger affluent people were buying imports by this time.
@@turnne The 1980s Cadillac Cimarron was to pull in the BMW and Mercedes buyers.. Ha! As if...
and then there was that disastrous 4-6-8 motor... And the 4.1 in general. 1980-85 Cadillac Seville sales were abysmal, compared to the classy good looks of the 1976-79 models. With the exception of the attractive Eldorado, the 1980's Cadillac just didn't know what it wanted to be, when it grew up.
@@muckraker610 I would add that the 76-79 Seville was supposed to pull in some of that buyers that were younger, more affluent and were buying imports
I think the Cadillac buyer just kept getting older and it was same people.
As the automobile market went more upscale I never understood why Cadillac/Lincoln didnt move their brands more upscale...really, people in the United States were buying Mercedes that were twice the price of this Town Car
@@turnne Too an extent, you are correct, save for one thing; The Amercan Buick, Cadillac, Lincoln buyers had grown accustomed to the floatiy, road insulating ride, of these cars. The plush seats, and over-the-top interiors were something the imports just could not provide. The [typical] 50-80 year old U.S. luxury car buyer felt that BMWs and Mercedes rode like buckboards, and their seats were lacking of padding and comfort. Power seats weren't even offered on a Mercedes until the late 80s. The pricey 450SL didn't even offer a power top, at any price. At that time, most American, geriatric, buyers could care less if there was a three-pointed star on their hood ....They wanted that numming comfort..
@@muckraker610 Except it was the same buyers and they were getting older and older...displaced by weathier and younger buyers who were buying the more expensive imports
I once heard someone say you want to inspire a younger generation to want that luxury item when they have the financial means
So in the 50'sand 60's that person aspired to have a Cadillac/Lincoln when they could afford one...By the 70's and 80's they wanted a Benz /BMW when they could afford one and oh by the way those were much more expensive than the luxury cars their parents aspired to have
Addtionally...when Lexus hit the market with the LS400 at about the same price as a Cadillac Seville, it was just more coffin nails for the brand
I had one and it was the smoothest riding car I've ever owned. Such a classy car.
"dammit Myrtil, I can´t figure out a way to make this steering wheel square!"
At this point the Panther platform was ten years old, and carried on with some parts virtually unchanged until 2011. For several years I drove a '95 Grand Marquis and I pulled one of those awesome dome lights from a junkyard and wired it in.
I bought a 1989 with an excellent body and interior but a knocking engine. I replaced the engine with a 430 HP 392 Windsor. It was a beast!
In my neighborhood, every older black person, and every 6th Italian house had one. Hopefully the characteristics of long car and soft ride come back to the luxury segment.
Plus, we need a ‘big friggin box’ to measure the size of the truck.
I agree with the " friggin big box trunk" test...
I had an 85 Mercury Grand Marquis (coupe!) which was nearly the same with some different parts but yea it was an amazing car. I miss that car.
That Lincoln is factory fresh - brand new - just built out of the Wixom plant....
i like that generation of town car nice powerful luxury car.
I own a 1985 Lincoln Town Car I bought three years ago. It's a dark gray Signature Series. No digital instrumentation, but it was an option. It's my daily driver and I love it.
I envy you, but in a good way...👍♐
These Town Cars were great. They stayed the same for a few years and I ran a limo service back then and we had regular town cars like this one and a few stretched town cars. These were popular to become stretch limo's.
In regards to the rear wheel drive I can say first hand that they were great in the snow & ice, probably because they were heavy. I remember doing a late night pickup at Logan airport and on the highway coming home I saw a bunch of tail lights on the side of the road that were cars that slid off of the road due to black ice. I could see the shiny road and I just let off the gas and slowed down nice and easy and she handled so fine. Got a $50 tip for that run which was real nice in 1988.
Miss those cars and those days.
Wow! A great experience in more ways than one. I wish I could find a reasonably in shape TC of this vintage with a sunroof. The only doubt I had was how it would do on a snow laden street or road. Your comment here changed my mind! Peace...♐
I don't see too many around anymore, but yes, I drove in the snow often and they went great. The limo service was in Wells Maine and of course Maine did do a way better job on the roads than MA. I miss those days more than the car. Glad you liked my comment. @@AladdinSaneNYC
@@hartfordsignpost589I did...thanks for the postscript, friend. I appreciate it!♐
This car looking clean is quite the understatement. Nice find 👍🏻
It may sound pretty much hard to believe but watching a 17 year old boy, driving back in the 80s, a 1988, brand new Lincoln Town Car; was pretty much more extraordinary than unusual.
It was an extravagant Signature Series. Throughout 33 years in a row, the LTC is still the most elegant and luxurious sedan ever built.
The sports of the age weren't enough for me. My driver's tendencies were aligned not just with body on frame sedans but to a car with no respectable competitors within it's category.
This well-prepared video rmade me remind those teenage emotions.
This 1980-89 generation is a symbol of distinction on wheels. It's comfortable back seat became the right place to improvise kisses and love in a hurry. 😂
Your narrative and the professionalism of this video great.
Hope you may preserve and keep enjoying your arkenstone. Today, mine is a 2011 Signature Limited.
We used to call cars like this "Rolling Ocean Liners"! We got a lot of respect on the highway in those things. Even 18 Wheeled Semi's wouldn't challenge us. 😉
These look very classy
Absolutely love these cars! Thanks for posting!
I really enjoyed your energy on this one!
The vintage with clipped fins. The beginning of lost elegance, though the following generation looked sleek, the last generation just didn't do it for me.
I’ve had 3. I’d like to find another 88-89. Best years IMO
This one is my favorite back in the 80's. Room for everyone, smooth as silk, boxy but beautiful, everything Lincoln. I love this color also.
My all time favorite car.
Nice there is a dark blue 1980s Lincoln Towncar like this one that is rotting away in someone's driveway right down the road from where I live. Poor thing has flat tires that have rotted into the ground, the paint is rusty and faded, and the car has probably not moved since the 1990s or early 2000s. Shame the owners have allowed the car to rot away like that; it looked like it was a very nice car when it was new.
I love these cars! I nearly bought one years many many years ago and I am so disappointed that I passed it up. I bought the supercharged Park Ave instead. Still a nice car, but not a Town Car. Thank you for this video!
I bought myself a 1989 signature series model. It is a dream to drive! I was at dinner time at my school and I took my little moped to a walmart, saw the big blue one. Called the guy and 4000$ Canadian later, I got myself one of the best-driving cars of all time.
I have a 1988 light blue town car with dark blue interior 96k miles on sun faded but still looks good fucky minty inside
This car is in excellent condition!
I agree, those seats are comfortable. I built a loveseat/sofa using a dark blue velour version of the front bench from one of these. I like it, my wife loves it, and Churchill P. Furo, my ferret absolutely adores it; it’s his favorite napping spot.
as awesome as the town car is I am a Cadillac man and the 80s Fleetwood was still a step above the town car in my book. this town carcis beautiful and these cars whether ford GM or Chrysler need to be saved
I drive my 1988 Cartier Town car daily, ive also owned the Cadillac Fleetwood, the old Cadillac was more riddled with issues by far, the plastic fender extentions rotted off, the carbed engine was rough and had less power , the lincoln is by far a better car. it even had EFI which cadillac never got till the 90's. to each there own. either way all these older cars should be saved
Classic 80’s American car
My brother just bought a 2002 Lincoln town car and I think it had a v8 as well but it wasn't a 5.0 Ford engine though looked like a corvette engine
I was WAITING for a first generation town car, you should do a first generation accord or some other
My dad has an 88. Unfortunately my sister just got in an accident with it!
I'm curious about the accent lights inbetween each bank of 165mm's. I understand it was an uncommon mod for owners to add the bulbs themselves, and I've personally hacked a pair of T10's to my own car. It looks really good.
I also see this car has had the 3G Alt upgrade done which replaces the firehazard OEM 2G. Great stuff!!!
I think the radio has been replaced with one from an earlier model, it looks like the unit in my 87. The original 88-89 Town Car radios are known to prematurely fail.
❤
A modification I made. Thought it would look good.
@@iliketowncars good eye. I thought it was a good idea to do. Thanks.
Beautiful classy luxury car. Is that engine not the Mustang 5.0?
It was the same 302 they had in the Mustang, with a lower compression ratio and less horsepower. And at some point the Mustangs 302 got 4 valves per cylinder, i think, but the Lincoln’s always stayed with 2.
Cool, my neighbor had a 1985 light blue one, a nice car.😀
I love these cars. The only thing that would make me hesitate getting one is that huge intrusive dashboard which blocks 1/3 of the view of the road. Big styling mistake! Not sure what the designers were thinking; people watch the road and not the dashboard when driving.
2body trunk, back seat kids fidget toys. What! No finger steering test! Love it🎉
This Town Car > any Cadillac of the day.
My father bought one BRAND NEW! 1988 Town Car signature series. Dual exhaust!
Zack you look awsome driving this car, you both match just fine
That’s not “fake” vinyl, that’s 100 percent, grade A, the best vinyl one could have for a landau roof. Not to mention the beautiful “opera” lamps on the center pillar.
Thank you Zack. I love your review on this 88 Lincoln towncar.
My grandfather has Lincoln’s, he knew a good value!
3:35 That sounds like a 1980s grocery store checkout and I friggin' love it.
It's a typical 80s digital beeping sound. Any electronic device of the era had beeping sounds like that.
I had a 1989 model. It was a beater with a heater… But that thing was amazing! I still wish I had kept it. It is one of the cars of my past, that I want to purchase again.
As someone who fathoms in wanting to become a private chauffeur for a vip individual (or someone around that line), it would fulfill the euphoria in my soul to drive this car as at least a service car (if I do become a chauffeur)
When you were in the back seat.. I thought you were going to fall asleep right there, Zack.
Love it!
The second gen is my favorite, 1991-97, but I sure do love this one!
I had an 89 TC and it is the most comfy thing to drive. There is a reason they made all of the limos out of Lincolns
Pretty well kept Town Car… I like the look of it, the ride must feel like on air suspension.
Is that digital gauge original?
Yes, digital gauges were optional direct from factory
It’s my old baby! I had this exact same car a little over 20 years ago but mine the windshield wipers kept cutting out during the rain which I almost gotten accident one reason why I sold the car.
Why not get the wipers fixed. That's insane to sell a whole car over such a silly easy repair...LMFAO😂
@@bestoflincolnmotorcompany dude that was over 20 years ago. I didn’t really care much of the time.
@@nolahahnshouse3389 20 years or yesterday, it's still hilarious 🤣🤣
I’ve owned a lot of cars over the years and the 1985 Lincoln town car that I got for free out of a junkyard was one of the best cars I ever owned take that how you will. She had a quarter of a million miles and was still running strong when I sold her for $250 bucks. Wish I’d kept that car..
Please give power specs
I had an 85 and an 89. MAX output was like 185 HP. Even later panther platforms barely broke 200, and current crown vic, with a tun and some basic top side work, puts MAYBE 245 to the wheels! Funny!
What a beauty
I wish I could give this video 1 million likes
Great great review!
Always been a Lincoln fan. Had an 88/91/98. Loved them all, except the 98 didn't have a hood ornament.
I don't like big cars, but these old Lincon's always seem awesome to me. I want one, but likely never will get one.
And now Lincoln’s spirit lives on in a rebadged ford expedition, instead of a rebadged crown Victoria. God speed ford motor company and to many more years of full size luxury to come
I absolutely love these cars. I am actually trying to find one now, we'll after the new year. I am going to contact the Town Car Clubs to see if I can find one.
In my area these cars and crown vics are rare. Unfortunately everyone is using them for the derby
“Oh Baby!” She’s great!! 🎉
I would NEVER sell my nice '02 Town Car, it's the last car I want to own, over 200K and runs like new, everything works, super radio, everything, a true classic.
In what way is the vinyl top “fake”? Wasn’t it actual vinyl?
between the Lincoln Town Car, and it's competitor the Cadillac Brougham, I would love to have one of each, both American icons, the last of the Mohicans
You bought a Cadillac or Lincoln based on the decade. Cadilac ruled the 50s, especially the 59 with the tail fins. Gorgeous cars in the 70s and even the 90s with the last of the Fleetwoods. Lincoln was the 60s with the four-door (suicide door) convertible. And of course this beautiful 80s Town Car..
I agree with you for the most part, but would have to say that in the 60’s, both Cadillac and Lincoln built amazing cars. I used to own a 61 Lincoln Continental and currently own a 64 Cadillac Deville, both are awesome cars. The Cadillac however rides ways smoother than the Lincoln, but the Lincoln felt more like a tank and was extremely solid to drive. The interior quality and styling is better in the Caddy as well.
Starting in the 1970’s, Lincoln actually built a better car than Cadillac. The Lincoln’s rode smoother, had better fit n finish, better exterior and interior quality, better styling depending on the years.
Cadillacs started to fall off greatly after 1970. Their quality control went down the drain starting in 71. The bodies of the 71-73 years were terrible. They rattled, had cheap quality interiors and they didn’t ride nearly as nice as their older models. By 1977 downsized models, Cadillacs got better, but they never rode as quietly, nor as smoothly as the big Lincoln’s in the 1970’s.
How do I know? I’ve owned plenty of old Cadillacs and Lincoln’s from different decades. Lincoln had Cadillac beat as far as riding comfort since the 70’s on up with the Continentals, Marks and Town Cars . Stylish is subjective, but I will say I love the styling better on the 80’s Fleetwoods and Broughams over the 80’s Town Cars, the 92 Brougham D’Elegance in black being absolutely beautiful looking on the inside out.
The 80’s Broughams feeling more solid and having a higher quality interior than the Town Cars as well. But the Town Cars still rode better and had a much softer ride.
@@CA-nm7mb Nana had a 71 Cadillac Deville. Tail lights on that thing and back. Fenders were epic. Her second of five husbands bought her a 65 in white. She traded it in to get this new thing called a Mustang. He was appalled,,, “ no wife of mine” mentality!!!!! After about a year of him not helping her with the car or having the oil changed or anything, it of course ended up on the side of the road. He then bought her a cream colored Cadillac in a very similar looking late 60s. My father wasn’t any better. They hated each other.!!! Robin,,, “SWEETIE’ your Cadillac has yellowed……. We can talk more about my single mother later.!!!!
One of my favorite stories….. after dinner we went to this ice cream shop that served ((believe it or not ))) had 31 flavors…. While in the middle of placing the order a Man came up to Robin, my grandma NANA ,,,, ma’am, you’ve left your lights on in your car,,,, It was at this exact moment that the lights went off from her Twighlight Sentinel setting on the dashboard of her Deville. I could’ve been more than 7-8 years old and I still remember that…. It was so funny she made such a fool of him.!!! Gotta love, grandma!!!!
Can’t go wrong with any Cadillac who’s model year ends with a 9……. Regale me with more stories!!! Love to hear from you !!!
If I'm not mistaken, I think that radio dates back to about 84 85 period the later 88 Lincoln had an upgraded radio which looks different and doesn't say ford on it.
Great specimen, especially with the digital dash. Oh my God
Sweet ride.
This was my first car in 1998, it was like driving a boat. Through Jello. On a cloud.
This is a real car!
If Ford made these today, in 2024, they would out sell all luxury cars!
props for knowing how to pronounce buoy. As a pronunciation nazi, it warms my cold heart.
Best cars ever!!!
So when are you coming to visit my 84 Thunderbird? That's my best ride
Is that a 5 digit odometer?
Yep. My father had an 81 Eldorado also with a 5 digit odometer. The 300D that replaced it had a six digit odometer. Subtle indicator that the German car was expected to last.
I'd love to have an 88, a 92 and a 2011 Lincoln Town cars in my garage
Why a 92? The 93 and 94 has a few nice upgrades I think?
The lincoln town car is my favorite ford and the 1980s lincoln town car is my favorite out of all the town cars
My mom refused me to buy this as my second video glad I didn’t because my 09 impala is hard to keep full imagine filling that Lincoln up lol
Put on a suit and you can pass as a made man. Oh you need a ring for that pinky finger.