52,482 original miles. 460 V8, aluminum wheels, all options except sunroof. Beautiful color combination, excellent preservation, everything works! Fantastic example of the end of an era.
The time is coming when these iconic cars will be collectable, and perhaps that time has already arrived. Unlike so many of its peers, it wears a handsome color combination that will always be fashionable. As far as we can tell, the Dove Gray paint remains 100% original and in very, very good condition and we really had to look to find any flaws. Despite what you've heard, build quality on these big cars was quite good for the period, and all four doors close with a precision that you may not expect. Likewise, the chrome is excellent (there's some light pitting on the grille shell, but I bet you won't see it without using a camera flash like we did), the wonderfully ornate parking light lenses are just beautifully rendered, and the padded half roof shows no rips, tears, or other notable demerits. And yes, the headlights work as they should.
The wonderful gray velour interior is pure 1970s, but it's tasteful instead of over-the-top. There's no notable wear on any of the seating surfaces and they're still firm where they're supposed to be firm, soft where they're supposed to be soft. The carpets are deep enough that you could lose a shoe, and with those heavy-duty weather seals, it's dead silent inside this car. The options list is extensive, with this car carrying every available feature except the electric moon roof: automatic climate control, power windows, locks, and seat, cruise control, automatic headlights and dimmer, an exterior thermometer, power antenna, tilt steering column, and an AM/FM/8-track stereo radio. Better yet, it all works. Your passengers will be stunned by the amount of space they have in back and the trunk is large enough for everyone to bring, well, everything. The original spare tire and jack assembly are still in place, hidden behind their own carpeted bulkhead.
Downsizing was on the horizon, and 1978 was the last year that you could get Ford's biggest V8 in a Town Car, a 460 cubic inch mill that never seems to work very hard. With just 52,000 original miles, it has never needed anything but routine service items and still runs superbly. Turn the key and it starts almost instantly and settles into a smooth idle that you can sense, but isn't terribly noticeable. There's torque all over the map, which is why you want a big cubic inch engine pulling your luxury car around, and like a good servant, it never, ever calls attention to itself. The engine bay is wonderfully original and very well preserved, with Ford Blue on the engine, air cleaner, and other parts, all of which remains bright and clear. It is notable in the fact that little things like the hose clamps, fasteners, distributor cap, and other small parts that are often discarded are all correct and likely original. Parts are plentiful and maintenance will be easy in the future, so no worries about this becoming a money pit, because I just don't see how that could happen. It's rugged, simple, and very well designed.
The big V8 is backed by a C6 3-speed automatic transmission with seamless shifts and good reflexes. Yes, if you hammer the throttle, the big Lincoln will gather up its skirts and hustle, although it prefers not to. Instead, it's best at gliding around town where the luxury-grade suspension can vacuum up potholes or out on the interstate where it can gobble up pavement at a voracious rate. With 2.73 gears in the rear end, 80 MPH is effortless and there's only a whisper of wind noise past the A-pillars to let you know how fast you're really going. The chassis is extremely clean, albeit original, so you're going to see some light surface scale on some of the heavy metal parts like the front suspension arms and driveshaft, but nothing that should cause you any alarm. It has obviously not been used in winter weather. And as you'd expect, the exhaust is just a muted hum thanks to a new muffler and correct resonator out back. Polished aluminum wheels were an expensive option and are the most desirable wheels on these big cars, and they carry recent 235/75/15 whitewall radials for an appropriate look.
Documentation includes owner's manual, sales brochures, and a full set of shop manuals, which are invaluable for the do-it-yourself enthusiast.
We have to admit that we like this car a lot more than we expected to. It's beautifully preserved, a joy to drive, and you can't help but feel like a millionaire when you're behind the wheel. It's probably the most car per dollar available anywhere on the planet and it is already a popular car for AACA and LCOC events simply because it's so easy to drive and so comfortable for the whole family. At this price, what do you have to lose, and you will be getting one of the best examples we've ever seen. Call today!
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
