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?

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