Lincoln Town Car

Lincoln Town Car
Overview
Manufacturer	Lincoln (Ford)
Model years	1981–2011
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car Limousine Armored car
Layout	FR layout
Platform	Ford Panther platform
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Ford Crown Victoria
Chronology
Predecessor	Lincoln Continental (1980)
Successor	Lincoln MKS (livery/civilian) Lincoln MKT (limousine/hearse)

The Lincoln Town Car is a full-size luxury sedan that was sold by Lincoln from the 1981 to the 2011 model years. Some units have been converted into a stretch limousine; it was the most commonly used limousine and chauffeured car in the United States and Canada.^[1]

The Town Car nameplate for the 4-door sedan was first introduced in 1959 to the Lincoln Continental Mark IV, and then to Mark V lineup, each as a top-of-the-line luxury 4-door sedan. The nameplate became a permanent part of the Continental lineup again in 1969, and beyond that year with special editions of the brand denoting its highest-trim interior package. In 1981, the Town Car became a stand-alone model in the Lincoln product line, superseding the Continental as the flagship for the Lincoln brand as well as for Ford Motor Company.

Its large dimensions made it the largest car in production in North America. From 1997 to 2003, the Town Car was the longest car (but not the heaviest) built in the Western Hemisphere, measuring nearly 18 feet (5.49 m) in length for a standard Town Car and 18.5 feet (5.64 m) for an L Edition.^[2]

Overview

In English, "Town Car" is a literal translation of the French term "Sedan de Ville", a nameplate introduced by Cadillac in 1956. Both names refer to a classic style of limousine popular in the 1920s which had an open chauffeur's compartment in the front. While the Cadillac was a styled as a four-door hardtop, Lincoln made its modern models visually suggest their older namesakes. Many examples from the 1970s and 1980s had a vinyl roof style that swept down the center pillar as part of a raised molding, complete with opera lamps, suggesting a partition between front and rear seats while no vinyl was applied to the front section of the roof over the driver. Other models had a full-length vinyl roof.

The Town Car name first appeared in the Lincoln line in 1922, on a custom-built Lincoln made for Henry Ford.^[3] The name reappeared in 1959, on a special limousine-like version of the Lincoln Continental Mark IV; it was available only in black and was identifiable by a unique padded vinyl top, a rarity at that time. After 1959, the Town Car name went dormant for 10 years, reemerging as an interior option package for the 1969 Lincoln Continental. It next appeared as a trim option in 1970 ("Continental's Town Car Interior option", to quote from the 1970 deluxe catalog), and thereafter continued through 1980 as the top-line trim option package for the Lincoln Continental. Again, the Town Car trim featured an extra plush interior (Media velour cloth) along with more standard equipment. The Town Car badge has always been applied to sedans, but from 1973 to 1981, there was a similar option for coupes called the Lincoln Continental Town Coupe'.

In 1981, the Town Car became a separate model from the Continental in preparation for further downsizing of the latter; aside from the closely related Continental Mark VI, it became the last full-size Lincoln in the lineup. Since its introduction, there have been three generations of the Town Car, introduced in 1981, 1990, and 1998. Each of these received a substantial refresh approximately halfway through its production cycle, in 1985, 1995, and 2003.

Featuring a standard V8 engine, body-on-frame design, rear-wheel drive and large exterior and interior dimensions,^[4] the Town Car was based on the Ford Panther platform. This gave it powertrain and suspension commonality with the Mercury Grand Marquis and the Ford LTD Crown Victoria (later the Crown Victoria). This design made them durable even in the rough conditions taxi and livery cars are subjected to, and easy and cheap to repair when they did suffer damage.^[5] Town Cars are typically operated in commercial service for at least 400,000 miles.^[5]

First generation (1981–1989)

First generation
1989 Lincoln Town Car
Overview
Also called	Lincoln Continental (1980)
Production	1980–1989
Model years	1981–1989
Assembly	United States: Wixom, Michigan (Wixom Assembly Plant)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan 2-door sedan
Related	Lincoln Continental Mark VI Mercury Grand Marquis Ford LTD Crown Victoria
Powertrain
Engine	4.9 L (302 cu in) 5.0L Windsor V8
Transmission	4-speed AOD automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117.3 in (2,979 mm)
Length	219.2 in (5,568 mm)[6]
Width	78.1 in (1,984 mm)
Height	55.9 in (1,420 mm)
Curb weight	2-door: 3,993 pounds (1,811 kg)[7] 4-door: 4,006–4,120 pounds (1,817–1,869 kg)[8][9]

After lagging behind Cadillac and Chrysler, for the 1980 model year, Lincoln became the final American manufacturer to downsize their full-size cars with the introduction of the all-new Lincoln Continental model line. The Town Car was now the mid-level trim of the Lincoln model line, as the all-new Mark VI coupe and sedan took the top trim level. In contrast to 1970s models, the Town Car wore exposed headlights.

Sharing the all-new Panther platform with its counterparts from Ford and Mercury, the 1980 Lincoln Continental Town Car was radically smaller than its predecessor. In comparison to its 1979 counterpart, the 1980 Town Car shed approximately 900 pounds in weight, fourteen inches in length, and ten inches in wheelbase. In spite of these dimensional regressions, careful engineering led to increased interior space over both its predecessor and competitive luxury automobiles. As the sales of full-size Lincolns had held steady in the late 1970s, much of the styling of the Continental was carried onto the Panther platform, including its blade-like fenders, power vent windows, and the Rolls-Royce grille shape.

The downsizing of the Continental in 1982 marked the beginning of an expansion of the Lincoln lineup. As the division had relied nearly entirely on full-size cars, Lincoln split the Continental and the Town Car into separate models. The Town Car remained the traditional full-size Lincoln, while the Continental became a mid-size car (based on the Fox-body Fairmont/Mustang/Thunderbird platform) to replace the slow-selling Versailles. The Mark Series was redesigned in 1984, instead of a landyacht, it became one of the most advanced cars ever sold by Ford Motor Company.

This generation of Town Car was commissioned by United States President Ronald Reagan as the Presidential State Car of the United States to succeed the 1983 Cadillac Fleetwood used during his administration. The Presidential Town Car limousine arrived in 1989, and was the state car for the entire presidency of George H. W. Bush, being succeeded by a Cadillac Fleetwood delivered in 1993 and used by his successor, Bill Clinton.

Year-To-year changes

The 1980 model year Continental/Town Car arrived in showrooms during the fall of 1979, just in time for the early 1980s recession. Total production for 1980 was 31,233, a 57% drop from the 1979 Continental. The 1981 total was 32,839 cars, after which the slow-selling Town Coupe' two-door version, now very similar to the Mark VI, was dropped. Sales remained depressed for 1982, with 35,069 Town Cars built. As the economy recovered and gas prices moderated in 1983, Town Car production increased 22% to 53,381. For 1984, over 94,000 Town Cars were produced.

Design features

A leather-grained vinyl full-roof covering with center pillar coach lamps was standard on base Town Car, while the padded vinyl coach roof (covering only the rear half of the roof) with a frenched (smaller) rear window opening was included on Signature Series and Cartier models (and optional on base Town Car). A cloth (Canvas) roof—re-creating the look of a convertible—was optional on all except Cartier. Previously an optional feature, all Town Cars were equipped with functional vent windows, one of the last American cars fitted with them.

Inside, the Town Car featured many advanced luxury options for its time. Signature Series and Cartier models featured 6-way power seats (and manual seatback recliners) for the driver and front passenger. In the place of the full-width bench seat found in the 1970-1979 Continental, the Town Car featured a 50/50 split front bench seat like the Mark-series coupes. An optional full-function trip computer with digital displays showed the driver "miles to empty" and (based on driver input) an "estimated time of arrival", among other features.

Another new feature, the keyless entry system, allowed access to the vehicle via a factory-programmed (or self-programmed alternate) five-digit combination. From the keypad mounted above the driver door handle, the driver could lock all four doors, or after entering the code, unlock the vehicle's doors or open the trunk lid. With this system being linked only to the vehicle, rather than a satellite, the need for drivers to share their identity with an operator in a potentially unsecure environment was not required. Along with standard keyless entry devices, this feature is still in use on many Lincoln-Mercury and Ford vehicles (as of the 2015 model year).

Marketing

For the 1985 model year, the Cadillac Sedan de Ville and Fleetwood were converted to front-wheel drive and further downsized, to a size smaller than the Lincoln Continental. However, Lincoln chose use the larger size of the Town Car to its advantage in the luxury-car segment.

In response to the downsized Cadillacs, Lincoln introduced a series of ads in late 1985 titled "The Valet" which depicted parking attendants having trouble distinguishing Cadillacs from lesser Buicks (Electras) and Oldsmobiles (Ninety-Eights), with the question "Is that a Cadillac?" answered by the response "No, it's an Oldsmobile...or Buick." At the end the owner of a Lincoln would appear with the line "The Lincoln Town Car please." The commercial saw the emergence of the new advertising line, "Lincoln. What a Luxury Car Should Be." which was used into the 1990s.^[11]

While the Town Car retained its traditional layout and large size, fuel prices dropped to a contemporary new low at the time, and operating economy became less of a concern to buyers than a decade prior.

Special editions

Sail America Commemorative Edition
This special edition 1987 Signature Series model came in white with a blue carriage roof and had white leather interior with blue piping and special badging. Ford Motor Company was one of the corporate sponsors of the "Sail America Foundation" syndicate, owner of the 1987 America's Cup winning yacht Stars & Stripes 87.

Special Edition
The 1988 Town Car Signature Series was available with a $2,461 'Special Edition package', which included a carriage roof (giving the appearance of a convertible top), wire spoke aluminum wheels, JBL audio system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and leather upholstery with contrasting-color piping. This replaced a proposed Gucci edition Town Car that had been in the works.

Powertrain

The 1980 introduction of the Panther-platform full-size Lincoln brought about the replacement of the large-block 400 and 460 V8s. The standard engine was a 130 hp 4.9L fuel-injected V8 (marketed as a 5.0L V8). For the 1980 model year only, an optional 5.8L carbureted V8 was available. Canadian-market vehicles featured a 2-barrel carburetor on the 5.0L V8 from 1980-84, with central fuel injection appearing for the 1985 model year only. The standard transmission was the 4-speed AOD automatic overdrive transmission; Lincoln was the first American car manufacturer with such a transmission.

In 1986, the fuel injection system on the 5.0L V8 of all Panther-platform vehicles was changed from CFI (throttle-body) to sequential multi-port fuel injection. These engines are easily distinguished by their cast aluminum upper intake manifolds with horizontal throttle body (vertical throttle plate); this replaced the traditional throttle body with a carburetor-style top-mounted air cleaner previously used.

All Town Cars from 1980 to 1989 featured an optional trailer towing package which included: dual exhausts, a 3.55:1 limited slip differential (code 'K') and an improved cooling package for the engine as well as transmission.

Engine	Displacement	Years produced	Horsepower rating	Torque output	Notes
Ford 5.0 Windsor V8	4.9 liters (302 cu in)	1981	130 hp (97 kW) at 3400 rpm	230 lb·ft (310 N·m) at 2,200 rpm
		1982	134 hp (100 kW) at 3400 rpm	245 lb·ft (332 N·m) at 2,200 rpm
		1983	140 hp (104 kW) at 3200 rpm	250 lb·ft (340 N·m). at 2,000 rpm
		1984-1985	140 hp (104 kW) at 3200 rpm	250 lb·ft (340 N·m) at 1,600 rpm
		1984-1985	155 hp (116 kW) at 3600 rpm	265 lb·ft (359 N·m). at 2,000 rpm	dual exhaust option
		1986-1989	150 hp (110 kW)	270 lb·ft (370 N·m) at 2,000 rpm
		1986-1989	160 hp (120 kW)	280 lb·ft (380 N·m) at 2,200 rpm	dual exhaust option

Second generation (1990–1997)

Second generation
1990-1992 Lincoln Town Car Signature Series
Overview
Production	1989–1997
Model years	1990–1997
Assembly	Wixom, Michigan, U.S.
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Ford Crown Victoria
Powertrain
Engine	1990: 4.9 L (302 cu in) 5.0L Windsor V8 1991–1997: 4.6 L (281 cu in) Modular SOHC V8
Transmission	4-speed AOD automatic 90 – 92 4-speed AOD-E automatic 92 – 95 4-speed 4R70W automatic 95 – 97
Dimensions
Wheelbase	117.4 in (2,982 mm)
Length	1990–94: 218.9 in (5,560 mm) 1995–97: 219.0 in (5,563 mm)
Width	1990–91: 78.1 in (1,984 mm) 1992–94: 76.9 in (1,953 mm) 1995–97: 76.7 in (1,948 mm)
Height	1990–94: 56.7 in (1,440 mm) 1995–97: 56. in (1,422 mm)
Curb weight	3,935–4,103 pounds (1,785–1,861 kg)[12][13]

After ten years on the market (nine of them as the Town Car) relatively unchanged, Lincoln redesigned the Town Car inside and out for the 1990 model year. While the Panther platform was retained, along with the powertrain, the body itself was a clean-sheet redesign; the angular lines seen on full-size Lincolns since 1970 were dropped. Highly influenced by the Mark VII and the 1988 Continental, the new Town Car was given a far more aerodynamic shape, trimming its drag coefficient from 0.46 to 0.36.^[12] The front half of the Town Car echoed that rest of the Lincoln line, with the Rolls-Royce grille given a far more aerodynamic shape and the exposed halogen headlamps replaced with a wraparound composite design. Other sheet metal gave Town Car a decidedly contemporary look, while styling cues like those of the trunklid and taillights, remained somewhat similar to the 1980s model. The revised interior featured a new dashboard, seats, and door panels.^[14]

The second generation Town Car was an overwhelming sales success and became one of the best selling full-size U.S. luxury sedans. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, Town Car sales regularly exceeded 100,000 units with 120,121 Town Cars being sold in 1994 alone.^[15] The vehicle was so widely received that it was named the 1990 Motor Trend Car of the Year.

Year-to-year Changes

Features

Introduced on the second-generation model were several new options that had never been available before on the Town Car. A two-position driver's memory seat was an optional on Signature (standard on Cartier). The power front seats gained power adjustment for the seatback angle (recline) with inflatable lumbar support as an option. While carried over from 1989, the Electrochromic Dimming Mirror was widened to fit the wider rear window of the new Town Car. Rear load-leveling air suspension was added as standard equipment.

Initially featured on Signature and Cartier models, the digital instrument panel (later shared with the Ford Crown Victoria/Mercury Grand Marquis) featured an advanced trip computer with temperature, average/instant MPG, trip odometer, and distance to empty. The previous "estimated time of arrival" feature from the 1980s was deleted (it returned in 1994).

Trim

As before, the Town Car was available in three trim levels. Base trim (renamed Executive Series for the 1991 model year), the Signature Series, and Cartier in increasing price points and availability of features. In a departure from the previous generation, the Cartier model was available in several interior and exterior colors (rather than the previous single design each year).^[16]

The Base/Executive Series Town Car offered six-passenger seating with two bench seats, a four-speaker AM/FM stereo with cassette player, 8-way front power seats, a four-speed overdrive automatic transmission, cloth seating surfaces, fifteen-inch tires, a digital LED dashboard, trip computer, dashboard clock, and keyless entry with Ford's Securicode keyless entry keypad.

The Signature added leather seating surfaces, standard alloy wheels, and an available cloth imitation convertible roof.

Finally, the top-of-the-line Cartier offered a JBL-branded sound system with amplifier, a security system, alloy spoked wheels, and other exclusive details, such as cloth and leather seats.

A Jack Nicklaus Edition Town Car, based on the Signature Series Town Car, was available for model years 1991 to 1997. It offered special commemorative badges, gold lettering for exterior badges, gold front grille spokes, a gold Lincoln hood emblem, gold laced alloy wheels, gold interior accents, and a JBL premium sound system with amplifier. This Town Car celebrated professional golfing legend Jack Nicklaus. Production of this one-of-a-kind Town Car ended in 1997.^[17]

Special Editions

Regatta Edition
For 1994 only, the Town Car was available with a special package for the Signature Series. White Oxford Leather seats, which could offer optional blue piping along the seat edges, were paired with regatta blue carpeting with matching blue color trim on the doors and instrument panel. The package was often paired with white oxford vinyl carriage roof as well, with embroidery on the "C" pillar near the opera windows. Approximately 1,500 were produced.

Jack Nicklaus
In 1992 to 1997 a special Signature Series sedan was produced: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Series, which featured a green body with a white vinyl top with white leather interior trimmed in green. Another version came with white exterior paint and a conventional roof and a similar white leather interior with green carpets and trim. Most of these editions have ornaments and wording on the exterior trimmed in gold including green and gold "Golden Bear" badges on the front fenders.^[18] Options included on the 1992 to 1997 Jack Nicklaus Signature Series included: Memory Seats with Power Lumbar/Recliner, Leather Seats and Monotone Paint.

Spinnaker Edition
1995 also featured another special Signature Series edition called the Spinnaker Edition which featured tri-coat paint, two-toned leather seats, the Spinnaker logo on the floor mats, and 16" spoked aluminum wheels.

Diamond Anniversary
To celebrate Lincoln's 75th anniversary in 1996, the Town Car took on a "Diamond Anniversary" edition. This edition was applied to Signature Series sedans only. Features included unique accent stripe, leather seats, wood instrument panel trim, window badging, cellular telephone, power moonroof, JBL audio system, auto electrochromatic dimming mirror with compass, and traction assist.^[19]

Cypress Edition
Also in 1996, Lincoln offered a Signature Series Cypress Edition which featured Cypress Gold Frost exterior paint, two-toned leather interior, and red Cypress tree badging.

Safety

The 1990 Town Car was fitted with dual air bags as standard equipment (the first American-built car in the luxury segment to do so). However, supply problems with the passenger air bag module caused many cars to be built without the passenger side module. A credit, shown on the window sticker, was issued for the missing component. Upon request from an owner, the credit would be taken back and the passenger side airbag module would be installed. For the first time since 1979, beginning with the 1991 models, 4-wheel disc brakes were standard on the Town Car; ABS was optional.

Powertrain

The second-generation Town Car was powered by the same powertrain as the 1989 Town Car: a 150-hp 5.0L Windsor V8 with a 4-speed AOD automatic. 1991 saw the introduction of the SOHC 4.6L Modular V8. Making its debut in the Town Car, the Modular V8 would go on to power the Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis as well as the F-Series/E-Series trucks as it replaced the 302 and 351 V8s.

All second-generation Town Cars were fitted with variants of the 4-speed AOD overdrive transmission. From 1990-1991, the AOD was standard, with the AOD-E replacing it for 1992. For 1993 to 1997, the Town Car used the 4R70W shared with the Mark VIII.

Engine	Displacement	Years Produced	Horsepower rating	Torque output	Notes
Ford 5.0 Windsor V8	4.9 liters (302 cu in)	1990	150 hp (112 kW)	270 lb·ft (370 N·m) at 2,000 rpm	Single exhaust configuration, sold with base trim level
Ford Modular SOHC V8	4.6 liters (281 cu in)	1990	160 hp (120 kW)	280 lb·ft (380 N·m) at 2,200 rpm	Dual exhaust configuration, sold with Signature Series and Cartier
		1991-1997	210 hp (157 kW)	275 lb·ft (373 N·m) at 3,250 rpm	Dual exhaust configuration, sold with Executive Series, Signature Series, and Cartier
		1997	190 hp (142 kW)	265 lb·ft (359 N·m) at 3,250 rpm	Single exhaust configuration, sold with Executive Series only in 1997

Third generation (1998–2011)

Third generation
Overview
Also called	Lincoln Town Car L FAW Hongqi CA7460 FAW Hongqi Limousine
Production	October 1997–September 15, 2011
Model years	1998–2011
Assembly	Wixom, Michigan, U.S. (1998–2007) St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada (2008–2011)
Body and chassis
Body style	4-door sedan
Related	Mercury Grand Marquis Mercury Marauder Ford Crown Victoria Hongqi CA7460/Hongqi Qijian(红旗旗舰)
Powertrain
Engine	4.6 L Modular SOHC V8
Transmission	4-speed 4R70W automatic 4-speed 4R75W automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	Town Car: 117.7 in (2,990 mm)[20] Town Car L: 123.7 in (3,142 mm)
Length	1998–2002 Town Car: 215.3 in (5,469 mm) 2003–2011 Town Car: 215.4 in (5,471 mm) 2001–2004 Town Car L: 221.3 in (5,621 mm) 2005–2011 Town Car L: 221.4 in (5,624 mm)
Width	1998–2002: 78.2 in (1,986 mm) 2003–2011: 78.5 in (1,994 mm)
Height	1998–2002: 58.0 in (1,473 mm) 2003–08 Town Car: 58.6 in (1,488 mm) 2003–08 Town Car L: 58.7 in (1,491 mm) 2009–2011 Town Car: 59.0 in (1,499 mm) 2009–2011 Town Car L: 59.1 in (1,501 mm)
Curb weight	Town Car: 4,006–4,369 pounds (1,817–1,982 kg)[21][22] Town Car L: 4,360–4,517 pounds (1,978–2,049 kg)[23][24]

For the 1998 model year, Ford gave its full-size cars for all three divisions major redesigns, with the Town Car receiving the most attention. The straight-lined body seen for eight years gave way to a curved design scheme with a downwards sloping trunk lid, and cat's-eye headlights. The C-pillar opera windows and Rolls-Royce grille seen since the 1970s were left off, as was the hood ornament. In the front, the new Town Car wore a waterfall grille much like the Navigator that was introduced alongside it for 1998.

The interior received major changes as well. Door and instrument panels as well as the radio face, switches and controls were redone. Additional wood trim was added to the newly designed dashboard and the door panels. The power seat recliner and lumbar controls were moved to the door panels. Lincoln emblems remained on the door panels and the seatbacks, as well as the rear tail lights, making the 1998–2002 models the last Town Cars with that feature. The Cartier model also received a 220-hp version of the Modular V8.

The Town Car didn't follow a popular trend with luxury brands, by installing a cabin air filter for the HVAC system, while the smaller Lincoln LS did offer one.

Year-to-year changes

Special Editions

Touring
Touring/Touring Sedan option packages were offered on Signature trim level models from 1996 to 2002. Specific options varied through the years with latter packages becoming more focused on sporting performance and handling features.

Pro Series
In 2005, a Pro Series edition/option package was available on the Signature Limited and included embroidered "Pro Series" logos on driver/front passenger seat backs, 9-spoke chrome wheels, chrome B-pillar, two-tone instrument panel, and floor mats with "Pro Series" brushed aluminum badges.

25th Anniversary Edition
Lincoln commemorated the 25th anniversary of the Town Car by offering a 25th Anniversary Edition package on the 2006 Signature Limited. The package included chrome B-pillar and door handles, unique Eucalyptus wood applique and matching steering wheel with wood inserts, scuff plates with "25th Anniversary Edition" and "25th anniversary" badging, Provence leather individual 40/20/40 lounge seating with individual comfort, shirring, contrast piping and rear seat adjustable headrests, foglamps and 9-spoke chrome wheels.

Continental Edition
Offered in 2010 and 2011 was the Continental Edition package; available as an option only on the Signature Limited trim. The package added Continental badging, chrome 17-inch wheels and accents to the B-pillars. On the interior, the Continental name was embroidered on the front seats and front floor mats.

Variants

Town Car L

A new "L" designation was used for extended-wheelbase Town Cars from 2000 to 2011. The L editions offered an additional 6 in (150 mm) of rear-seat legroom, as well as remote access audio and climate controls mounted in the rear center armrest. Also included was a two-way travel switch for the front passenger seat base (a feature shared with the extended-wheelbase Jaguar XJ). This L designation was similar to that used on other luxury flagship sedans such as the BMW 7-Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The L designation was applied to the top-of-line Cartier (2000–2003), Ultimate (2004 only), and Signature (2005–2011) trim levels. Fleet buyers received it under the Executive L trim designation.

For 2000–02 versions, the "L" edition is best identified by a widened B-pillar, bearing the Lincoln "star" ornament; this was done to maintain parts commonality with the standard Town Car. 2003-2011 "L" editions are distinguished by longer rear doors, featuring wider versions of the fixed windows seen in the Town Car doors.

Ballistic Protection Series

Starting in 2003, the Lincoln Town Car had been available featuring ballistic protection from the factory. Adding nearly $100,000 to the base price, the armored body and bulletproof glass raised the curb weight of the Town Car to nearly 7,000 pounds.^[26] Other changes to the suspension and brakes were intended to preserve the handling of the Town Car. Only a handful of Lincoln dealers in the US were authorized to sell this series.

Hongqi CA7460

See main page, Hongqi (marque)

In China, FAW produced a licensed version of the Lincoln Town Car rebadged as the Hongqi CA7460(红旗CA7460) and Hongqi Qijian(红旗旗舰) from November 10, 1998^[27] to 2005.^[28] However the limousine version continues to be produced and sold in China. The limousine version is currently called the Hongqi Limousine.

Powertrain

Engine	Displacement	Years produced	Horsepower rating	Torque output	Notes
Ford Modular SOHC V8	4.6 liters (281 cu in)	1998-2000	205 hp (153 kW)		single-exhaust, sold with Executive Series, Signature Series
		1998-2000	220 hp (164 kW)	290 lb·ft (390 N·m) at 3,500 rpm	dual-exhaust, sold with Cartier
		2000-2002	235 hp (175 kW)	285 lb·ft (386 N·m)	dual-exhaust, sold with Town Car L
		2001-2002	235 hp (175 kW)	287 lb·ft (389 N·m) at 3,500 rpm	dual-exhaust, sold with Executive Series, Signature Series
		1998-2011	239 hp (178 kW)	287 lb·ft (389 N·m) at 4,100 rpm	Introduced with 1998-2002 Signature Touring, this version became the sole engine for all Town Cars from 2003 to 2011.

Sales

Calendar Year	American sales
1994[15]	120,191
1995[15]	92,673
1996[15]	93,598
1997[15]	92,297
1998[15]	97,547
1999[29][15]	84,629
2000[15]	81,399
2001[30][15]	66,859
2002[31]	59,312
2003[15]	56,566
2004[32][15]	51,908
2005[15]	47,122
2006[33]	39,295
2007	26,739
2008[34]	15,653
2009[35]	11,375
2010[36]	11,264
2011[37]	9,460
2012[38]	1,001
Total	1,058,888

Discontinuation

In spite of declining sales, the Town Car remained one of the best selling American luxury cars; it was the United States' and Canada's most used limousine and chauffeured car.^[1]

In 2006, as part of The Way Forward, Ford considered ending production of Lincoln's largest model as part of the 2007 closing of the Wixom Assembly Plant.^[39] Industry observer George Peterson said "It blows everybody’s mind that they are dropping the Town Car. Just think what Ford could do if they actually invested in a re-skin of Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis and Town Car."^[40] Ford ultimately decided to keep the model and move assembly to the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada; this was home to the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis; both models also used the Ford Panther platform. The Town Car's manufacture resumed at its new location in late 2007.^[1] The first Canadian-assembled Town Car was built on January 10, 2008.^[41] However, in Canada, Town Cars were sold exclusively for fleet and livery sales, having been discontinued in retail markets after the 2007 model year.

In 2009, the fate of all three Panther-platform models was determined when Ford announced the 2011 closure of the St. Thomas Assembly Plant. For the limousine and livery markets, Ford had promised availability of the Town Car through the 2011 model year;^[42] retail sales continued on a limited basis in the United States and for export. On January 4, 2011, the Town Car became the last Panther-platform variant available for retail sale as the final Mercury Grand Marquis was produced (the last Mercury-brand vehicle). On August 29, 2011, the final Town Car rolled off the assembly line, without any fanfare or announcement from Ford.^[43]

After the Town Car's discontinuation following the 2011 model year, the Town Car was left without a direct replacement. Although dimensionally a full-size sedan, the Lincoln MKS's architecture is considerably different as it has a front-wheel drive unibody platform with optional all-wheel drive. The MKS is marketed more as of a successor to the sportier Lincoln LS as well as the 1995–2002 Continental. To fill the gap left by the Town Car, Lincoln has remained in livery markets by developing a limousine variant of the MKT full-size crossover vehicle, which was made available around the second quarter of 2012 and is known as the "MKT Town Car."^[44][45]

Trim levels

Signature Series Identification Label

In 1981 the Town Car was introduced in three trim levels: the base model, the mid-range Signature Series, and the top-of-the-line Cartier Series. In 1991, the Executive Series became the designation for the base/entry model. In 2004, the Cartier name was dropped and replaced by Ultimate, and the Executive Series name was now only used for fleet vehicles going forward. This left the Signature Series as the entry level model. In 2005, however, the lineup was changed again and all three trim levels carried a Signature badge: Signature, Signature Limited, and Signature L. In 2006 and 2007, a Designer Series was added to fit in between the mid-range Signature Limited and the top-of-the-line Signature L. Starting in 2008 and through the end of the model run, the Signature Limited and Signature L were the only retail trim levels available.

Signature (1981–2011)
The Signature Series was the mid-level, and also most popular, trim level from 1981 through 2003. In 2004 the trim levels were renamed, and the Signature Series was now used to describe the base trim level and Ultimate was now used to describe the upper level trim. In 2005 the Ultimate was dropped and all trim levels were changed to a version of Signature. The base trim level for 2005 was called Signature, the mid trim level was called Signature Limited and the top-of-line trim-level was called Signature L. The trim level designations were revised again for the 2006 model year with a Designer Series being added between the Signature Limited and top-of-line Signature L. By 2008, with only two models remaining, the Signature Limited became the base model, while the Signature L badge was used for the extended-wheelbase model.

Cartier (1981–2003)
Cartier was used on the top-of-line Town Car from 1981 through 2003, including LWB or "L" versions 2000–2003. The Cartier also featured the designer's logo stitched onto the seats in place of the Lincoln star. Golden Lincoln emblems on the tail-lights also became a staplemark on the Cartier Edition on 1998 through 2002 models.

Executive (1991–2003 for retail and 2004–2011 for fleet)
The Executive Series was the base trim level and thus the most affordable Lincoln Town Car from 1991 through 2003. After 2003, the Executive Series designation continued on, but for fleet vehicles only and included both SWB and LWB versions.

Limited (2000–2004) and Signature Limited (2005–2011)
"Limited", as an option package, was available on Signature trim models from 2000 to 2003 and on the Ultimate in 2004. Starting in 2005, Limited (known as Signature Limited) became its own trim level.

Ultimate (2004)
Ultimate was only used on the 2004 Town Car. The Ultimate designation replaced Cartier for 2004 and was used for the top-of-line model. Like the Cartier, it was offered in SWB and LWB versions.

Designer (2006–2007)
The Designer Series was an upper-middle trim level in between the Signature Limited and Signature L. This trim included two-tone interior accents, a special higher quality leather called Provence leather. The rear seats also included four way adjustable head restraints exclusively on this trim for the standard wheelbase. On the exterior special chromed B pillars and chrome wheels were included.

Aftermarket
Throughout the entire run of the Town Car, numerous aftermarket companies and Lincoln-Mercury dealerships offered unique "trim packages" that typically included special roof treatments, grilles, wheels and badging. These were especially popular in the 1980s and 1990s.

Trim level timeline

Lincoln Town Car Timeline

Trim level

1980s

1990s

2000s

'81

'82

'83

'84

'85

'86

'87

'88

'89

'90

'91

'92

'93

'94

'95

'96

'97

'98

'99

'00

'01

'02

'03

'04

'05

'06

'07

'08

'09

'10

'11

Entry

Base

Executive Series

Signature Series

Signature Limited

Mid-level

Signature Series

Signature Limited

High-end

Cartier Series

Ultimate

Designer Series

L

Cartier L

Ultimate L

Signature L

Fleet

Executive, Executive L

Awards

The Town Car has received several awards and recognitions.

• Forbes magazine repeatedly named the Town Car one of the best cars to be chauffeured in along with other, often more expensive flagship sedans, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series and Lexus LS.^[46] The Town Car Signature L features a rear seat comfort package which not only provides rear seat passengers with audio system and rear compartment climate controls, but also features a control function which allows for the rear seat occupants to move the passenger seat forward, a feature exclusive to few ultra-luxury sedans.^[46] In addition to its many amenities, the Signature L also features an unrivaled 46.9 in (1,191 mm) of rear legroom, and 60 in (1,524 mm) of rear shoulder room.^[2]
• In 1990, upon the introduction of the second generation Town Car, the vehicle was named Motor Trend Car of the Year.^[47] However this award was later included by Car and Driver in a list of poorly chosen car of the year award winners.^[48] It should be noted that Motor Trend has changed the criteria by which it awards its highest accolade: Originally, Car of the Year awards went to the vehicle model which was the most significantly improved over the previous year's design in all respects. Currently, no such consideration is given to contenders for this award, and vehicles are considered for the award even if in their first year of production.

Safety

The Lincoln Town Car was the first production sedan in the world to receive US five-star crash ratings in every category. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2010 Lincoln Town Car Crash Test Ratings (with side airbags)^[49]

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Impact (Driver):
• Side Impact (Passenger):
• Rollover:

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 2000 Lincoln Town Car Crash Test Ratings (with side air bags)^[50]

• Frontal Driver:
• Frontal Passenger:
• Side Impact (Driver):
• Side Impact (Passenger):
• Rollover: N/A

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1990 Lincoln Town Car Crash Test Ratings^[51]

• Frontal Driver:

See also

• Ford Crown Victoria/Police Interceptor
• Mercury Grand Marquis/Marauder
• Ford Panther platform
• Lincoln Mark Series

References

External links

Media related to Lincoln Town Car at Wikimedia Commons

« previous Lincoln, a luxury division of Ford Motor Company – road car timeline, 1980–present
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Sedan
	Mid-size	Versailles		Continental (Fox)						Continental (D186)							Continental (D186)											Zephyr/MKZ (CD3)							MKZ (CD4)
																						LS
	Full-size	Continental (Panther)	Town Car									Town Car								Town Car
																															MKS
Personal luxury car
	Mark Series	Continental Mark VI				Continental/Lincoln Mark VII									Mark VIII
Truck
	Mid-size SUV																								Aviator
	Full-size SUV																			Navigator (UN173)					Navigator (U228)				Navigator (U326)
	Compact Crossover																																				MKC
	Mid-size Crossover																												MKX									MKX
	Full-size Crossover																															MKT
	Pickup truck																							Blackwood				Mark LT				Mark LT (Mexico)