This 49K Mile 1990 Lincoln Town Car on the Panther Platform was a Car Ford Never Intended to Build
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2020
- www.AutohausNaples.com
If things had gone the way the top brass at Ford was planning, this 2nd generation Town Car never would have existed. The Panther Platform was intended as a stop gap measure to pave the way for smaller, front-wheel-drive cars like the ones that got Cadillac in so much trouble in the mid-1980s. Instead, Town Cars enjoyed a 30+ year production run, becoming the longest running platform in Ford history, and created billions in revenue for the company.
The FN36 body, or 2nd generation Town Car, has a special place in my heart. Fresh out of college and making a living on eBay, I purchased a 100K mile Cartier edition 1990 model and promptly fell in love with it. The rich interior, the regal good looks, and the pampered ride - it was like riding a cloud. It would forever make me a fan of the panthers, and the Town Cars in general.
This 1990 is a beautifully preserved example, and ordered with the most desirable features - Signature package, dual exhaust (good for 10 extra HP), full leather seats, dual-side airbags, and more. It's as lovely to drive as it is to look at.
Full review and test drive by Bill. Vehicle available at Autohaus of Naples, on the phone at (239) 263-8500, or at www.AutohausNaples.com. - Авто та транспорт
This type of car is something that the rest of the world fails to understand: the USA is a massive country and therefore massive cars like this provide the ultimate experience for interstate travel. "oh it can't go around a corner, oh it's got a lazy big V8, oh it's softer than a bag of marshmellows"; all of these aspects are the exact point of the car, a large, safe, comfortable vehicle with an understressed engine that requires nothing more than oil changes and gasoline. great video on this for sure!
I'll bet a European never drove across middle of nowhere on highway 50 in Nevada.
Thats such a good point that people don’t get. I love fast cars or cars that can handle. I enjoy manual transmissions and turbocharged 4s, v8s etc. I hate the new trend in cars where they stiffen the chassis and suspension so damn much to make it feel sporty. You can make a car have flex, body roll and handle too.
American cars were purposely designed. Hard to detune a V6 or I4 for reliability and retain any power back in the 80-90s. Also gotta have some torque for that long economic gearing. I love it. Missing stuff like this more and more everyday. You wouldn’t import a bunch of town cars to japan, and West Europe and tell them how their Hondas and BMWs are stupid. How come people think big cars are stupid. Its a perfect car for flat land and cruising.
I don't know if Bill said that this was Motor Trends Car of the Year for 1990! Look it up if yu don't believe me! It's too bad horsepower was so low on this car however!
@@nathanlewis5682 I'm from great Britain I love and daily drive my 91 tc , it was interesting to find out that this shape tc is designed by british engineers, american car better than anything the Swedish French or Germans can offer from this time .
Bingo!
We need this back.
@Bjorn Ronan I use Instahack. It’s much better! Check it out please.
I have a 92 Cartier a whole lot like this.
While I was cleaning it up to sell it.... I fell in love with it and decided to keep it until I die.
No offense.. but many Lincoln lovers are awaiting that day. I bought a 92 town car yesterday from the 1st owner who recently passed away. The only way to get a good one anymore..
Absolutely a good idea !!! I'm never selling my 90 I get offers all the time its always NO😁the guy is right in another 15 plus yrs people will pay a arm and a leg for one these cars
Good choice I sold mine in '08 and have been regretting it almost every day since 😤
@@jessemedina4482 indeed. I just got a 1 owner 93 with 41k on it from a deceased owner sale.
same here bro i also have a 92 towncar and its the best car ever i love it man
To me, this generation Lincoln Town Car is the nicest riding American car ever built. Thank you for sharing!
Agree. Former Cadillac Fleetwood owner here :-0)
American cars are crap
@@Anonym-kd5wf Most are crap, but most are made with low quality parts from many different countries.
GM finally got serious about the Corvette and the Eighth Generation of Corvette went with high tech and race design from the ground up. With the center of gravity being just behind the driver's seat it also rides much smoother than imagined.
@@Anonym-kd5wf These Lincolns we’re great cars. Don’t be a jerkoff troll.
@@Anonym-kd5wf Must have a lot of time on your hands when the BMW is in the shop lol.
Auto Haus of Naples video checklist:
1. Start each video with a healthy "Good Morning!"
2. Weather report/mentioning of nearby birds
3. History lesson of the vehicle we're about to see
4. "Very nice stuff" referenced multiple times
5. Golf bag or body reference for the trunk space
6. "Your Canadians are gonna be chipper in the back seat." "You can fit a couple of Canadians back there."
7. A gun reference for door pockets
8. Shaming the detailers for missing a spot
Don't forget the trips to the Asian massages and strip clubs
Someone's been paying attention in class. Excellent summary!
Not bad, but you did overlook a few things: "Let's just get into this thing", the occasional use of the phrases "Everything is nice and proper (under the hood), "Oh for the love of God", and talking about infant containment nets in the trunk, if applicable. Close the video with thanking us for watching, telling us about what's coming up next, and finally saying "Take care".
@@242HP throw in some `harkens back` and `you knows` for good measure.
love bill tho
And after listening to him say those a hundred times, it still never gets old.
The 1990 town car will go down in history as the iconic classic American luxury cars back when cars were cars.
Watching Jack Nicklaus introduce it in the promo video, makes me want to go back to a simpler time
And, all that plus it was rated as one of the top used car purchases around the early 2000's. Very reliable and minimum expense on maintenance.
I listen to this guy talk all day. He’s got a great voice and an eloquent vocabulary. Love it.
I just bought a 1990 with 59k miles. gonna give it to my dad, I'm sure he would love and appreciate this classic
Now THAT is a beauty! My favorite generation of the Town Car.
Mine too. The best TC body.
Beautiful but im not sure it's more beautiful than the late 80's Town Car
Mine also; it took me a while to get used to the new look as I had an '88 square body with a 302 but the gas mileage was horrible. I know the 4.6 came out in '93? It was better looking to some degree but I waited until the new style in '95 to lease one. My '97 wasn't much different but it was my favorite and I could eek out 22.5 MPG's according to the computer dash. For me it was a rolling living room!
@@garthlocklin6355 4.6L came out in the 91 model year.
Mine too. Dad had this. Gave to shit brother. Of course he destroyed it. But of course he had to install 24s. Ghastly against such beauty.
I thought I had a ton of knowledge about Lincoln town cars but this guy is pretty impressive. This was one of the best cars ever made. I have 2 97’s a and 1 96. Such great cars. A rental with hertz in 1996 created my obsession.
Had a 91, my neighbor handed me a check and told me he was purchasing my car. I knew he loved it so I agreed. Took a while but realized I missed it. Was a fabulous car. I am buying another this month. And yes, stumbled onto this video and laughed with the bird and goat comments. Cheers
It's a beautiful car. It looks elegant and understated. I also love the fact that it doesn't have a vinyl top.
From the 1961 Lincoln Continental sedans up to the very last Lincoln Continental/Town Car sedans in 2011, my favorites are the 61-65 models and the 1990-1997 body style. You definitely have a classic with this car being the last year with the legendary 302 cu. in pushrod V8. A beautiful survivor.
This was my favorite generation of the Town Car. It got more advanced & modern, & yet somehow became even more beautiful, classy & elegant than ever before.
Just bought a 1994 for 300 bucks!
Yes I agree with that
This is my kind of luxury!! Well done Bill!
I started eyeing these cars after 92-93 models came out.
Ended up with a 2008 model. Bought in 2010 with 33,000 miles. Now 213,000 miles with no regrets....
This car is beautiful. My grandma had one for many years, but her's was kind of an oddball model. It was 92 executive series with the analog dash, bbs wheels, simulated convertible top, and the flat leather seat instead of the pillow-like bolster seat.
I liked the tail end of this generation better (95 - 97). I liked when they changed the dashboard design and made it flow into the doors.
My Monday was crap until I seen this video! Well done Bill
I bought a 1993 Town Car Signature Jack Nicklaus Edition for $500 about 2 1/2 years ago and absolutely love it!
WOW! What a find. I am jealous
Owned a 93 town car at 17 and loved it one of the best cars ever. I've had lacs but this car was special
I wonder how many here know or remember the advertising slogan for this car when it came out: "Lincoln. What a luxury car should be." Couldn't be more true.
I remember that slogan very well.
@@mr.oshawottryana.m.1785 Good. I am glad I am not the only one.:)
I have several of the ‘80’s models, but the ‘90’s Town Cars are a pleasure all their own. This was the last year for the 302. ‘90 was also the only year for those exposed chrome bumper facades. The ‘90s models had such a nice glide, and they were really quite fast for such big cars. If you were not used to them you had to watch it, because you would be going 85 miles an hour in no time but it would feel like 55 because the cars were so quiet and smooth. These still look like such elegant, expensive cars. If this car were produced today, I still think it would sell - ESPECIALLY today, given that everything is now so devoid of style, comfort and personality.
Beauty. I love my 1990 Cartier. Whoever buys this will be happy.
Dig the Cartier trim on Town Car.
I had one of these. Gold metallic paint, fully loaded Signature trim, windshield de-icer. Miss it badly.
Making Monday’s Great Again with Bill🇺🇸🚘😎 I’m in West Palm we had some major rain and wind last night. Thanks for being so great you’re better than most of what’s on tv today along with Mary Ann. I love these cars. To me they are more classy than the SUVS. Keep up the Great work👏👏👏
The most beautiful interior I have ever seen on a car. What a spectacular color on those leather seats. Super electronic gauges, just amazing.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. This car is the reason I got hired by Ford & just retired this year. I just pulled my jacket outta my coat closet that says 1990 Motor Trends Car of the year. It doesn't fit as good as it used to 🏭🐭🇺🇸
What a beauty. Those were the days of high quality craftsmanship from Ford.
And the short, video bonus, cruising at 85mph so softly, like riding on a cloud, made my day.
Thank you, Bill!
Agreed, sold it to me right there. unfortunately my 98 escort refuses to die and gets 42 mpg at 366000 miles now.
Just bought a red 92 Town Car yesterday from the original owner. Perfect companion car to my red 90 Mark VII.
It’s been a tough day and your videos make my day :)
Auto Europa Naples For sure!
I've always liked the 90's body style the best! Growing up my dad had a 1974 Continental Town Coupe that he drove for many years. Have always been a Lincoln fan.
A whole family of bodies would fit in the trunk. Another good reason to have one of these awesome cars. Love the video!
Very good reason! come with me
God this car in 1990 was such a breath of fresh air for the traditional American luxury car market. It looked somehow formal but contemporary with no chrome bumpers and no vinyl top. Cadillac had their slightly refreshed/warmed over version of the 1980 model "Brougham" on sale, along with that smaller FWD Deville that I don't care for.(which sold really well). Chrysler just discontinued their boxy RWD 5th Ave luxury version along with the very similar looking Diplomat cop car version. All they had was a shrunken ugly lump called the New Yorker and the Imperial with more tacky trim.
Great video😍 I'm a proud owner of 2 lincolns a 90 and a 96 the 96 is on hydraulics my 90 is being restored no hydraulics on that one I want to keep it stock she runs like a dream
Nice ride. Now you guys need to find a Lincoln Mark VII with the 5.0L engine!
Yes
My uncle in Ormond Beach had the Jack Nicklaus edition of this car. It was the softest smoothest ride I've ever experienced.
My Dad had a 90 white with blue interior,beautiful!
I really miss my 1992 town car. Best ride ever!!
I adore your pure passion for lincoln's.
Oh yeah! I have a 92...51,000miles, blue with a white half vinyl, blue interior. I love it, love it, love it!!
The only car I ever had that drove and rode as well was a 96 Fleetwood.
I purchased a black on black 1990 Lincoln Town Car signature w/a factory moonroof. a few years ago. It had 95K on it. Was a Ford Executive car for a year and a half before it was stolen - doors, seats, and the hood were taken. Someone in Ohio reassembled it, painted the parts, and resold it at a Ford dealer in 1993 with 30K in Ohio. Some elderly folks bought it and took it to florida for the winter for years. When I got it from their grandson, the paint was faded, the engine had been unfortunately overheated once, and the AC didn't work. One $60 clutch/coil/pulley NOS from eBay had the air pumping ice cubes again, no problem. Had the car repainted. Done lots of work to it - headgaskets, reman'd heads, etc. The seats are FANTASTIC. The car is not quick, but goes down the road well. Since it's fully restored - brakes, shocks, etc, it's my new truly turn key car. I can always depend on it to start, and go where I want to. But i use the car as a weekend pleasure car.
I'm amazed how many people tell me how much they LIKE the car - figured most don't care about them. But times are changing. The 1995-7 models I have to imagine will really capture the market's attention.
Please be sure to check the TV cable grommet on the throttle lever - if that plastic dried out junk bushing disintegrates, and the cable drops, the transmission will burn up in less than a mile.
What a grand car!!!!!
@@curiouscars9282 I'll tell you Bill, you sure have been showing some absolutely fantastic cars lately! Keep 'em coming, we love 'em!
I love this era Town Car!! Very quiet & comfortable!!!
Absolutely one of the best cars ever made. I've had 4 and loved every single one of them.
When you find the best, easy to be addicted :-)
@@2Truth4Liberty that's a dang fact.
I’m looking at a ‘96 w/150k mi with apparently no mechanical problems. What are the common problems with these?
As a rule, I'm strictly a Cadillac devotee, but I still have a great love for the early 90's Town Car. For one thing, the cabin was almost completely dead silent as you floated down the road. Cadillac was quiet, but I think Lincoln mastered the art of cabin silencing just a little bit better. Great video. I get a kick out of these Luxo barge videos because I absolutely adore the big Caddys and Lincolns. Don't judge me, but the FWD 1987 Cadillac Sedan de Ville is near the top of my favorite list for 80's American luxury cars. I swear I was born an 80 year old man.
I feel the same way, my favorite car since I was like 10 has been the Lincoln Town Car. I kinda dress like an 74 year old back in the late 90s 😂😂 and I’m 21
Haha I have both aswell
I clicked for the Town Car, but stayed for the enjoyable commentary
I'm in my 30s an I recently came across the upgraded version signature series
An hand's down Love it. it's very hard to find one of these kind of cars in the kind of condition that it is in. Wanted to say you have a very beautiful Lincoln
I want a Town Car so bad.
Get one - my first car was a 2005 and I miss it every day
I’m selling a 93 Towncar with 66,000 original miles and a 2 owner car ! Needs very little to be perfect ! Mint interior, new tires and brakes and master cylinder with booster !I removed the fake convertible top because it deteriorated and want to put it back like the car in this video. Plus a few windows are not functioning well but I have 4 new oem Ford motors that need installed. Well maintained mechanically! Asking 2500 !
Best looking town car ever made
What a gorgeous car. I love the nest of buttons on the driver side door.
This made my day. Thanks, Bill.
I had one ,,, last year with the 5.0,,, beautiful car
I bought one four 2000 dollars ten years ago and it’s still my daily driver
Love this Lincoln... I just picked up a 91 Mustang LX 5.0 convertible and I was pretty stunned how much power it has.
I used to almost fall asleep going to work at 4 am ,,, dangerous but it saved my life at least twice 😊
I love Bills weather, bird, cat, and goat reports!!
Just FYI Bill. The 2nd Gen. Town Car was about an inch shorter than the 1st Gen at around 218 compared to 219 while the Cadillac Brougham of the period was 221 inches long. The new Fleetwood that premiered in '93 was even bigger at 225 inches. I sure wish we could still buy big luxury sedans that have American style like this new off the showroom floor.
Interesting
I have a 97 love it. Just tripped 239000 miles.
It’s what Frank Cannon might have drove when he could no longer get the big full size Mark series coupes
As a kid, watching Cannon was pretty awesome. Short chubby guy basically running the perps over in a Continental Mark IV.
My first car was an 05 Town Car Signature L - I miss it every day.Had 378k on it
I have always watched your videos and now I'm subscribed! I can't express how much I enjoy your commentary. You mix it up with a little history that's not Google generated and I love how you treat the cars. Btw, I can detail for you full time even in a pinch.
This is the car I owned. Best car I ever owned. If I wasn't a completely broke bastard I buy this. From road trips to paint contracting using the trunk ass my gangbox. You have several videos of towncars. Gonna give them a thumbs up.
Good decision on fords part to build the panther platform, great car!!
I got to drive this car for a week as an upgraded rental on a FL vacation. I didn't want to return it to Hertz, so sweet! Leaving the airport, the first right turn I made zipped me from the far right turn lane to the third lane going north. After that it became a special ride on a cloud! 💓
You're my hero Bob!!!
The 91 got the 4.6 liter for an additional 40 horsepower.
Beautiful car, love that red interior.
The that it has "Mustang-like" 302 is a winner for me 👍🏾
I love the town car that’s my favorite car my dad had a 1987 Lincoln town car and 88 so it brings back memories for me I love the Lincoln town car
There will never be a better ride than what these cars gave
Beautiful combination!!
Gotta love these clouds on wheels xD 😆😍
The metal trim on the bumper and side trim was unique to 1990. After this particularly year the bright work was replaced with pealing prone silver film covering a plastic/rubber material. Also I believe ‘90 was the last for the 302 V8. Indeed this was a beautiful luxury sedan. I still have my first generation panther platform Continental (Mark VI)
Through those years the interior was beautiful,was lost in the newer models
@@jamessimpson422 you’re correct, later Town Cars did go through a decontent phase. what do you think about the 3rd generation Town Car?
Outstanding car Bill. I love your in-depth descriptions.
Lol you make my day when I hear you say something amusing. 😅 that's what I like on my 2006, the cornering lights when the left or right turn signal is on. My doors lock once I go a few feet on mine too.
Here are some facts for this 1990 Lincoln Town Car.
1. In 1990 the Town Car was Motor Trend car of the year.
2. 1990 was the 1st year of the 2nd generation Town Car... But it was the last year of the 5.0L V8 used in the Town Car. The 4.6L came out in 1991 and of all the panther cars the Town Car was first to use it.
3. 1990 was also the only year I believe the Town Car bumpers had chrome finishes around them...!!!
Polished stainless steel
What a gorgeous car! I personally daily drive a '92 Signature, which is basically the same car other than the engine. I love the vacuum fluorescent instruments. Mine runs great all around with 183k on the odometer. I really enjoy your take on the vehicles in your videos. Super entertaining!
Yes my 90 is a daily driver a lot of work went into her but well worth the $$$
What a beautiful car
Great video on my favorite car the lincoln town cars are the best 👌 thank you 😊 🇺🇲❤
I miss my old Town Car. Owned a 1993 Jack Nick. Signature series. It was a beautiful car.
And very rare.
Wow I love this old car
I'm from Fort Myers and own a very similar TC in Denver at the moment. What a gem.
Drive it hard for a few miles and it will learn to go faster they have a learning computer in them that adjusts the engine to your driving style.... if I take it easy in my LX 5.0 it becomes more docile on throttle..if I hammer it a few times it wakes up and is ready to go same thing with my 88 Crown vic back in the day... same engine just hit it a few times and it will be better...
Interesting
Is this factual?
Thank you for your information and history of this era. I appreciate it
I’m definitely a Cadillac person. Cadillacs are some of my favorite cars in the world, but this car beats out 90s Cadillacs for sure (Even though I prefer Cadillacs from 1956-1978)
I put a 1970's Cad 502 CID (along with the T400) into a 1958 Apache step step pickup.
THAT was a blast.
This is my dream car. What a deal at under 14 thousand. One day soon.
My dad had this exact car, ran for years...comfortable too would love to have one
Gorgeous
We need to have stately big luxury back into the car world.. heavy full framed elegance, beefy enough to bring down a fence! We already have so much of the hard taut sporty stuff. Hearing Bill actually owning this particular model of the Town Car in his late-20s made me think of- Pimp! hahah Good on ya, brother
This is such a clean car. Great design.
Love this year . I had a triple black one, then a 2004 that wasnt even close to the quality of the 1990.
Drove one back n the day classy
Had a 92 with the first gen 4.6 OIL BURNER ! Ford never would admit they had a problem with the valve guides ! Fogging skeeters driving with 70k on the clock ! 88, or 89 my favorite !
One of the very few nice looking American cars !!!
Awesome, I love town cars. That's a real beauty
Bill, you and this Town Car are AWESOME!
Absolutely love the freeway clips! Keep on doin those. Car cruise amazing at 85.
There's a transmission kit available to fix the 4th gear engagement rumbling noise that Ford addressed by adding an additive to the transmission fluid. Changing the fluid to full synthetic helps protect these transmissions .The air bag suspension can be instantly replaced with standard coil springs, by undoing one end of the shocks ,( cursing a bit ),& putting the springs in . Airbags have a finite life , springs do not!.Other than these 2 things,the car is basically bullet proof. ,& the transmission fix if done now, doesn't require removal or the transmission , just don't expect to save it if you delay, &/ or leave in the old outdated fluid..Years built after the 1994 model have the plastic intake manifold, which always cracked after warranty was over, & had to be replaced .(91 to 94 had the updated 4.6 engine which was even better for reliability, & an up dated ignition with no distributor to need service). The transmission issue went from 89 to 6 or more years, before it was quietly updated to eliminate problems with the 4th gear up shift issue .(Some quit shifting to 4th entirely if ignored).Aside from maintaining rubber hoses etc , I plan on taking mine on a long trip with no problem.Models before 1989 had the now famous C6 transmission renowned for it's reliability, (which was dumped for a lighter weight gas saving design after 1988). The rest of the car is robust after tossing the air bag suspension., That costs about $200 in parts & maybe another $100 in labor .
The interior looks flawless. Thanks for sharing.
That’s the great American cars that we know hope they start make them again......AHMED FROM BAGHDAD IRAQ
I'm not a Ford guy by any means, but this has always been one of my favorite cars... honestly, this, the Crown Vic and the Grand Marquis are really the only Ford products I'd consider buying.
The air suspension on these cars that Bill mentioned is what led to their shortened longevity compared to the other Panther cars, once the system failed (and they ALWAYS DO) it became cost prohibitive to replace and led to a large number of them being scrapped even if they were otherwise mechanically sound. Sure is a shame. 15-20 years ago these things were everywhere, now it is a rare treat to see one going down the road. If I could find one that isn't clapped out/rusted/dragging ass and has had the air suspension replaced/repaired/maintained, I'd buy it on the spot.