Introduction   Car Models   Historic Lincolns   Current and Future Models

The Lincoln Town Car-Three Generations of Excellence

The Lincoln Town Car took over as it's own model in 1982, putting an end to the Continental as the flagship model of the company. It actually took it's Panther styled body from the 1980 Continental model however. This first generation Town Car featured a grille and body profile that was based on that of Lincoln's late 1970's Continental. The car featured many luxury items that may have even been considered as "ahead of their time". A digitally displayed trip computer would be able to show the driver "miles to empty", while also allowing the driver to input information which would be able to give an estimated time of arrival. Another major innovation was the keypad entry system. The keypad was a factory programmed five digit code enabling the driver to lock and unlock doors, as well as open the trunk. This system is still in use today in many Lincoln, Ford, and Mercury vehicles. Other than the base Town Car, other models included the Signature Series and Cartier models. From 1980-1989 all Town Cars also featured an optional trailer towing package. There were minor design updates for 1985 through 1989 which were mostly cosmetic in nature. The second generation Town Car came about in 1990.

In 1990 a rear air suspension was added as standard and the body of the car went through a major redesign as well. The model later became Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1990. There were still three levels to the auto being the Base, Signature , and Cartier and aside from the new look of the vehicle also featured new door panels, seats, and dashboard. Driver and passenger side airbags became standard in these new models, but there was a production problem with the passenger side airbags leaving some customers to either accept a discount or have them installed later. The Lincoln Town Car experienced other minor changes from 1995-1997, but perhaps the most interesting thing from this era was the emergence of Special Editions.

From 1992 to 1997 the Jack Nicklaus Signature Series sedan came to the market. Featuring a green body and a white vinyl top, the interior also sported white leather trimmed in green. Another version that was offered has white paint and conventional roof. The front fenders were adorned with "Golden Bear" badges. Options included monotone paint, leather seats, and memory seats with power recliner. 1995 also brought about the Spinnaker edition with it's own logo on the floor mats, spoked aluminum wheels, and tri-coat paint. A "Diamond Anniversary" edition Town Car was produced in 1996 to celebrate Lincoln's 75th anniversary. This edition was only available in Signature Series models and included many options such as a cellular phone, JBL audio system, and leather seats among others. The Touring Edition and Ride Control packages were also introduced in 1996. Ride Control featured things such as revised air springs and shocks among other ride related improvements. The Touring Edition featured a JBL audio system and power moon roof along with most of the other revisions found in the Ride Control series. While the Touring Edition made a brief comeback in the 2000 model year, both the Ride Control and Touring Edition series only lasted for 1996 and 1997.

1998 spawned the third generation Town Car. The redesign included more rounded shapes and the removal of the car's hood ornament. The third generation Town Car now featured cat-eye headlights, a pursed lip grille, and a downward sloping trunk lid. Although shorter in length the new car weighed 270 kg more than the previous model. While the exterior underwent changes, the interior also sported a totally new design. The door panel and dashboard as well as all panels and controls were completely remodeled as well. Still considered one of the top vehicles for "chauffeuring", the Town Car has received praise as one of the most quiet riding, comfortable and roomiest luxury cars available.
 

Live in the UK? Check here for churchill car insurance or churchill home insurance

Copyright 2008 Don Poole