Vehicle Description
1988 Lincoln Town Car Presidential Series Sedan
"In a world where the difference between promise and product is
often considerable, this automobile delivers exactly what you
expect of it. Uncompromised room and comfort. A smooth, substantial
ride. Plus a look and presence on the American road that is
becoming increasingly distinctive." From the 1988 Town Car sales
brochure.
For consignment, a 1988 Lincoln Town Car Presidential Series sedan
with a title verified 100,096 actual miles. The Presidential Series
was a fairly common dealer add-on according thelincolnsonline.com,
and included the full top, some chrome trim, Signature Series
wheels, and gold emblems.
Exterior
The striking presence of our car, here in Crystal Metallic
coverage, is due is large part to the blue vinyl top which not only
creates a large C-pillar where a rear quarter window once was, but
shrinks the rear window to a size congruent with limousines at the
time. If you were following this car from behind, you wouldn't know
if it was one of the common Town Car limousines of the era, or the
Presidential Series. In profile, the era's boxiness is accentuated
by the roof while straight lines and right angles dominate the
shape. Stateliness is emphasized with addition of coach lights on
the B-pillars, a Rolls Royce style grille between quad headlights,
and a presidential seal and script on the massive C-pillar. The
exterior is in fantastic condition with a scuff near a wheel
opening being the only imperfections.
Interior
All four doors are nicely sized and dressed in dark blue door
panels with velour inserts, simulated woodgrain faceplates for the
switchgear, and carpeted kick panels. Apropos for the time, blue
velour covers the thickly padded split bench up front, each side
with their own flip up armrest and all is in very nice condition.
The rear bench mirrors the material and while it doesn't provide
the extended space of a limousine, occupants do enjoy lots of room
and can now rest their head behind the solid C-pillar, thereby
hiding from the adoring plebeians on the outside. Things are kept
simple for the driver and/or chauffeur up front with nice faux
woodgrain accenting around square gauges, the A/C panel, and a new
Pioneer AM/FM/CD player in the center stack. Plush blue carpet is
protected by carpeted mats which have taken on usage, the headliner
is a sea of soft blue cloth, and the trunk is finished is gray
cloth, including wrapped around the spare.
Drivetrain
Ford's familiar 5.0 liter V8 of the era is under the hood,
producing 150 horsepower and mated to the AOD4-speed automatic with
overdrive, sending power to the Ford 8.8 inch in back. The crowded
bay presents cleanly with some evidence of use, while power brakes
are employed with discs in front and drums in the back.
Undercarriage
Clean and mostly dry underneath with just a few drops of oil on the
trans pan and some typical surface rust on the heavy metal. No
major leaking nor invasive rust is anywhere to be seen, and there's
no road dirt either! The single exhaust flows quietly through a
stock style muffler and suspension here is the typical coil springs
up front and a 4 link with coil springs in back.
Drive-Ability
If you have a working power antenna from the 80's, count yourself
among the fortunate few. The one on this car is no longer
functional. But the engine fires right up and delivers smooth power
to this cruiser, and the ride is appropriately soft, aided of
course by the sofa like setting on the interior. We are on 30 year
old tires, so we kept our ride to the essential loop at moderate
speeds, and the car had no problem tracking straight. Beyond the
antenna, all functions on this nicely preserved Lincoln operate as
they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these
functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot
guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your
purchase.
What a fantastic period piece from a time when special edition Town
Cars were kings of the hill. Regardless of cosmetic modifications,
Town Cars were ultra focused on comfort, and people still compare
today's luxury cars to 60's, 70's, and 80's experiences. As Lincoln
wrote, "A space with one overriding goal. Your comfort.". It still
delivers.
1LNBM81FXJY649267
1-USA
L-Lincoln
N-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
M81-Town Car 4 Door Sedan
F-5.0L V8
X-Check Digit
J-1988
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
649267-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
