1988 Lincoln Town Car

Highlights

  • 302ci (5.0-litre) 150hp V8 with fuel injection
  • Four speed automatic with overdrive
  • Super low mileage of just 35,794
  • Cream Landau top in unmarked condition
  • Bodywork is commensurate with the mileage
  • Interior and headlining are in exceptional condition
  • Engine looks highly original
  • Keypad door entry for driver

The Appeal

Replacing the Continental as Lincoln’s flagship, the first generation of Town Car was introduced in 1981 and ran until 1989. Built by Ford, all models featured the typically Eighties boxy styling and came dripping with electrical goodies such as powered seats, electric windows, a powered trunk soft-close mechanism and even a novel keypad to allow keyless entry (that was still in use on Ford and Lincoln cars up to 2021).

All models were powered by a 302ci (5.0-litre) V8 that came with either fuel injection (better for economy) or a carburettor and was mated up to a silky smooth four-speed automatic with column change and an overdrive.

The spacious front seats meet in the middle for a sociable layout and the dash sports lashings of woodgrain effect trim for an upmarket and oh-so-Eighties feel. Even the fonts used on the dials are all specific to that era. It’s all wonderfully kitsch.

This particular example is in exceptional condition for its age having only covered 35,794 miles and appears to be highly original. The interior and exterior condition is commensurate with the mileage with only a couple of minor paint defects needing correction to be perfect. Unlike cars that have lived under the glare of harsh UV in the hotter USA states, the paintwork still gleams and the dash is uncracked and not faded – it’s likely this car was garaged for much of its life.

The History and Paperwork

  • V5C in owner’s name
  • Bought in a Florida dealership in 1988 by a British man
  • Shipped to UK in 1989 via Sheerness Docks in Kent
  • Never registered in USA and only 5 UK owners
  • MoT until dated May 2023 (only covered 905 miles since last MoT)
  • Comes with all handbooks and owner’s manual
  • Chassis plate indicates it was built in Ford’s Michigan plant in Wixom



The Interior

  • Original velour interior is in superb condition
  • Comfy armchair seats are unmarked and in first rate condition
  • Immaculate rear seats covered with thick clear vinyl so ideal prom or wedding car
  • Headlining unmarked and isn’t drooping
  • Only noticeable defect is slight cracking to driver door armrest
  • Wonderful woodgrain effect dash is unmarked
  • Dials sit behind cut-glass effect fascia
  • Tilt adjustable steering wheel
  • Fully loaded with air-conditioning, cruise control and auto-dipping lights
  • Electric front seats, windows, mirrors and power door locks
  • Original radio (not working but repairable) included



The Exterior

  • Looks fantastic and bodywork gleams in the sun
  • Lower half of car looks fabulous as it’s all gleaming chrome
  • No visible rust on exterior paintwork and all panel gaps look even
  • Paintwork gleams and appears to be largely original
  • Two blemishes on paintwork – one 50p sized and one hand-sized (both easy fixes)
  • Landau style vinyl top is unmarked
  • Brightwork all original and in great condition
  • Original touch keypad entry system works well (no more lockouts!)
  • Exterior temperature gauge built into driver’s mirror
  • Apart from foglamp added to comply with UK law, exterior is all original
  • Original ribbed wheels in reasonable condition
  • Matching USA-made BF Goodrich Lifesaver 215/70 R15 whitewalls with ample tread
  • Original spare wheel still in boot
  • Front headlamps would benefit from resilvering (they passed last MoT)



The Mechanics 

  • 302ci V8 starts on the button and ran faultlessly on photoshoot
  • Gears all said to work fine and selected smoothly
  • Current owner is a former professional mechanic and maintains car to a high standard
  • Owner claims that all the electrical items work and that it drives without issue
  • Brakes discs and pads replaced, new handbrake cables
  • Recently serviced by owner who drives it regularly to keep fluids circulating



Summary

This is slice of Eighties Americana perfection that just screams dayglo socks and shoulder pads. Its boxy looks are like nothing else on the road and the creamy smooth V8 soundtrack coupled with all the luxurious features make this a real American take on a Rolls Royce. But its much rarer over here with real attitude and charisma. 

The low mileage and condition of this car are exceptional for its age and you’ll struggle to find a better one in the UK. What better way to cruise to Goodwood or Le Mans?

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here

Vehicle specification
  • Year 1988
  • Make Lincoln
  • Model Town Car
  • Colour Cream
  • Odometer 35,974 Miles
  • Engine size 5000
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Lincoln
  • Location Lincolnshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
8 bids from 5 bidders
  • li•••• £5,100 09/02/23
  • IV•••• £5,000 09/02/23
  • li•••• £4,600 08/02/23
  • Di•••• £4,400 08/02/23
  • li•••• £4,300 08/02/23
  • Ed•••• £4,000 07/02/23
  • li•••• £2,600 03/02/23
  • jo•••• £100 03/02/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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