Vehicle Description
1988 CMC Tiffany Classic
The 1988 Tiffany, the epitome of the Neo-Classic motor car. This
spectacular car was built in Florida by the Classic Motor Carriage
Company. Utilizing a new Mercury Cougar chassis and frame,
fiberglass body panel components were attached to create a look
that was much like the very expensive cars of the 1930's with open
headlights attached to curving fenders that had spare tires nestled
into them. Also, long hoods with flexible faux exhaust piping
snaking out of them, to a rear mounted trunk strapped on with
original leather belting. It was all about the replicated look, but
with modern amenities.
This long hooded classic from 1936...AHEM!! I mean 1988, with all
the fixings here in our Hallowed Halls at Classic Auto Mall. With
the underpinnings of a Mercury Cougar LS and styling
neo-contemporary looks, it's ready to whisk you to the country club
for that round of golf with Al Czervick, and Judge Smails, or
dinner at the Fedora Lounge with the Mrs. as they say.
Exterior
Bathed in Snow White paint from tip to toe, then just barely dip
the lower curvaceousfenders and running boards in deep maroon and
then put on enough chrome accoutrements to make Google proud, this
Tiffany presents very nicely, and has an amazingly low 24,162 title
verified miles. From its swept back 1930's style grille which is
flanked by open headlights which organically grow from the fenders,
and 4, count em, 4 trumpeting horns surrounding the very European
yellow lensed fog lamps, which will have all the lessers scattering
out of your way when you hit it! A vertically barred chrome grille
resides behind this display of excess and presents with 4 of the
driver's side bars missing. Stepping up on the side running boards,
a large single door for each side offers easy access for the driver
and his passenger. A ivoryoval carriage lamp is attached to each
side of the B pillar, and the cabin abruptly ends in a spacious
actual trunk. By actual trunk, I mean an actual trunk with leather
belts strapping it on, (supposedly), to the rear of the car. Nice
dual bar chrome bumpers undulate on the bow and stern of this car.
Keeping this all grounded are 15-inch deep dish chrome wire spoke
wheels shod in medium band whitewall radials.
Interior
Inside we are met with door panels, front buckets, and a rear bench
with a console and padded armrest all clad in retina searing red
cloth. Many buttons and toggles to keep the passengers busy with
electric power windows, mirrors, and seat controls. The dash
presents in digital form with digital speedo readout, gauges, and a
climate control center...all 7 segment digital readouts, with a
green glow. On the floor we see it flooded with clean red color
carpeting in nice condition, and a headliner that has nary a mark
on it.
Drivetrain
But your favorite mainstream piece is found under the
classically-styled hood. That's Ford's trusty 5.0-liter
fuel-injected V8 providing all the power. This one appears quite
stock, which is something we always like to see. But before you get
too wild, just know that this V8 already runs smoothly, and it's
backed up by the right components like an AOD 4-speed automatic
transmission and a Ford 8.8" rear axle with 2.73 gearing.
Undercarriage
Minor surface rust is noted on the usual suspects, but it remains
structurally sound. Typical of low mileage steel and undercarriage
wear and tear from 1988 and being in the elements, however really
unremarkable. Floorpans, and toe kicks are rust free, and all
original and rust free with a mix of the factory gray paint and
some black overspray. The rockers are strong and the body hangs
straight and true from the frame. Independent coil spring front
suspension works with a 4 link and coil spring arrangement in the
back to provide a smooth luxurious ride. Bringing this long long
mass to a halt are power front disc brakes assisted by power drums
in the rear.
Drive-Ability
I called up my crack decoder and informed him I would be in early
to take in the sights and sounds of Morgantown from the back seat
of this fiberglass and steel symbol of excess. Arrive I did in my
"asbestos" suit, (thanks to The Stooges), actually I wore my khakis
and a wonderful knit sweater, but I digress...After a quick climb
into the back seat my cohort shut the door as any good
chauffeurshould then hopped behind the wheel and brought the car to
life. On our test track the car performed well with adequate
acceleration, bias free braking and competent for its size
handling. The amount of looks we drew from passersby could rival
that of my time behind the wheel of an Isetta. All in all a
wonderful classy cruiser with the only frowns being a passenger's
power window that doesn't move and reverse lights that don't
light.
We can jest tongue in cheek for a while, however really the concept
of an older looking car with modern power conveniences is shades of
an early "resto-mod?" Think about it and it makes sense. Think
about this and it will make you seem RICH! Look! It's an Excalibur,
No! It's A Zimmer! NO... It's a Tiffany.... baby!
1MEBM60F2JH697449
1-USA
M-Mercury
E-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
M60-Cougar LS
F-5.0 Liter V8
2-Check Digit
J-1988
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
697449-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
