Shopping on line can be easy, simple and save you lots of money. It can also take a lot of your time, frustrate you, and result in unwanted purchases. Now the same can be said for regular high street shopping, but with the vast opportunity presented by the Internet it will pay you to spend a few minutes reading this and understanding how to better optimize your Town Car shopping experience:

1. Compare - without doubt the biggest advantage that the Town Car offers shoppers today is the ability to compare thousands of Town Car at a time. This is a great thing, but not necessarily all the time! Too much can be daunting at times so take advantage of the great comparison sites and where possible let them do the hard work for you.

2. Research - if it has been said it will be on the internet. Ignorance is no longer a justifiable reason for buying the wrong thing. Take the time to research in detail everything that you could possible want to know about

3. Testimonials - don't know anybody that has bought a Town Car? Wrong! If the Town Car is good the internet will let you know. Use the Internet as a friend and get testimonials before you buy.

4. Questions - Got a question about Town Car then search the Forums, FAQ's, Blogs etc. Don't be afraid to ask .....

5. Reputation - Never heard of the company selling Town Car? Don't worry, no reason why you should know every company in the world, but you know someone that does! Use the internet to find out what people are saying about Town Car and build up a picture of their reputation for sales, returns, customer service, delivery etc.

6. Returns - still worried that even after all of the above your Town Car wont be what you want? Check out the returns policy. There is so much competition now that someone, somewhere is bound to offer the terms that you are comfortable with.

7. Feedback - happy with your Town Car then let people know, after all you are depending on others people input in your buying decision, so why not give a little back.

8. Security - check for the yellow padlock on the Town Car site before you buy, and the s after http:/ /i.e. https:// = a secure site

9. Contact - got a question about Town Car, or want to leave a comment then check out the sites contact page. Reputable companies have them and respond.

10. Payment - ready to pay for your Town Car, then use your credit card or PayPal! Be aware of companies that don't accept them, there may be genuine reasons but given the huge amount of choice you have when buying online there is no reason at all not to buy via credit card or PayPal.

{{Infobox Automobile|image=|name=Lincoln Town Car|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company|class=[Full-size luxury car|platform=[Ford Panther platform-->

The Lincoln Town Car is a rear wheel drive [full-size luxury vehicles and serves as the flagship vehicles of Ford Motor Company Lincoln (automobile) luxury vehicles division. Often referred to as a traditional American luxury sedan, the Town Car features a V8 engine, rear wheel drive, very generous exterior and interior dimensions as well as a "Pillowy ride and chrome aplenty." (Forbes) The Town Car is currently the largest American-made car, measuring nearly 18 feet (5.49 m) in length for a standard Town Car and 18 1/2 ft (5.64 m) for an L Edition. The Town Car's main competitors include the Lexus LS#Fourth Generation (2007), BMW 7-Series and Cadillac DTS. Manufactured in the Wixom Assembly Plant, the Town Car is, despite recently declining sales numbers, one of the best selling American luxury cars. It also serves as America's most used limousine and chauffered car.Author: Spero News. " Town Car wins stay of execution" Publication: Spero News. Article Date: 9/19/06. Date Retrieved: 9/22/06. While relatively affordable when compared to European flagship vehicles luxury vehicles, the Town Car is currently the most expensive American luxury sedan (according to base MSRP) with prices ranging from $43,075 for a basic Signature Series to $56,745 for a top-of-the-line Signature L Series. The Town Car has been available featuring Armored car since 2003 with prices starting at $144,995.

Ford, at one time, had considered ending production on Lincoln's flagship model after the planned closing of the Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan in 2007. Ford ultimately decided to keep the model and move assembly to the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada where the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, which also use the Ford Panther platform, are currently built. The Town Car's manufacture will resume at its new location in late 2007.Author: Spero News. " Town Car wins stay of execution" Publication: Spero News. Article Date: September 19/06. Date Retrieved: September 22/06. According to Consumer Guide the vehicle's strengths are comfort, materials, and ride quality, while acceleration and handling are named as being the vehicle's weaknesses. The Town Car is one of the safest cars available on the North American market.

Name It is probably not a coincidence that "Town Car" is English for "Cadillac Deville," Cadillac's model that was gaining popularity in the 1950s. Both names refer to a classic style of limousine, popular in the 1920s, which had an open chauffeur's compartment up front, but only Lincoln has sometimes attempted to make its modern models visually suggest their older namesakes. Many examples from the 70s and 80s have a vinyl roof style which sweeps down the center pillar as part of a raised molding, complete with opera lamps, which suggests a partition between front and rear seats, while no vinyl is applied to the front section of the roof over the driver.

History The Town Car name first appeared in the Lincoln (automobile) line in 1922, on a custom built Lincoln for Henry Ford.The Town Car name later appeared on several trim levels on the Lincoln Continental flagship vehicles in from 1959 to 1980. In 1981, the Lincoln Town Car became a model in its own right and became Lincoln's largest sedan as well as its flagship vehicle. Since then, there have been three generations of the Town Car with additional minor redesigns, one in 1995 and another one in 2003.

Pre-1981 It later reappeared in 1959, on a special limousine-like version of the standard Lincoln Continental. This first Town Car was available only in black and was identifiable by a unique padded vinyl top, which was a rarity at that time.

After its first appearance in 1959, the Town Car name went dormant for 10 years, and re-emerged as an especially plush interior option package for the 1969 Lincoln Lincoln Continental.

It next appeared as a trim option in 1971, 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 along with, usually but not always, a vinyl top over the rear passenger compartment. The Town Car badge has always been applied to sedans, but from 1975 to 1980, there was a similar option for coupes called the Town Coupe.

First generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image = | name = First generation| production = 1981–1989| engine = 5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 [Automatic transmission| length = | width = | height = | related = Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury Colony Park
Ford LTD Crown Victoria
Ford Country Squire| weight = 4044 lb (1834 kg)| wheelbase = | fuel_capacity = 18 US gal (68.1 L)-->Since 1981, the Town Car has been considered a model in its own right, replacing the Continental (whose name reappeared a year later on a smaller model). Upon its introduction, the Town Car immediately became Lincoln's flagship model, a purpose it continues to serve to this day.

The first generation Town Car featured a body profile and grille similar to that of the late 1970s [Lincoln Continental. The interior layout included new seats, dashboard and door panels. The exterior door panels and fenders were also completely new, while the taillights and trunk lid experienced a slight redesign. To keep up with current design trends, the previously covered headlights were now exposed and composed of two adjoining square units.

The first generation Town Car also featured many advanced luxury options for its time. While leather trim was available on the Cartier and Signature edition, all trim levels featured six-way power seats as well as an electronic six speaker audio system with integrated amplifier called "Premium Sound." A fully functioning trip computer with digital displays was optional on the Cartier and Signature Series.

The key pad entry system became available on upper models, allowing for the driver to use either a factory-programmed or self-programmed alternate five digit combination to gain entry to the vehicle and trunk. 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 potentally unsecure environment is not required. This feature is still in use on all contemporary Lincolns, most Mercurys and some Ford branded products.

Similar to the Continental Town Car package, a half-vinyl coach roof with frenched rear window was standard on every Town Car. Cloth (Canvas) roofs were optional. The introduction of the Panther platform Town Car in 1980 was also the end for 400 in³ and 460 in³ V8 engines in Lincoln's line-up; they were replaced with the very popular 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8 (carburated from 1980-1981; and with a throttle body fuel injection system an option at the start, replaced by Port Fuel Injection in 1986 through the 1989 model year). The transmission also changed to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive. All Town Cars from 1980-1989 featured an optional trailer towing package which included: dual exhausts, a shortened limited slip differential and an improved cooling package for the motor as well as transmission.

For the 1980 to 1983 model years, inclusive, a Lincoln Mark#1980 Continental Mark VI version of the Town Car was produced with hidden headlights and the characteristic simulated spare tire shape on the trunk lid.

1985 For 1985, the Town Car received minor design updates. Like previous years, the design scheme introduced for 1985 included a reflector running in between both taillights above the license plate frame, a design feature kept for the second generation Town Car. 1985 also saw the introduction of newer more ergonomically designed seats, including four way adjustable front head restraints(1986-1989). Signaure and Cartier models featured boulstered seating.

In 1988, the Town Car went through a minor facelift including additional brushed metal work on the rear of the vehicle. On the front end of the vehicle, Lincoln returned the waterfall grill verses a crosshatch design from 1985-1987. For this restyle, a single disc factory installed JBL CD Player became an available option on Signature and Cartier Models.

While the Cadillac DeVille and Fleetwood were both downsized to more compact dimensions and converted to front-wheel drive for 1985 (Cadillac did keep the larger car in its line and renamed it the Fleetwood Brougham), Lincoln continued to field the Town Car as a traditional-sized luxury car during this time. In response to the downsized Cadillacs, Lincoln, began running a series of ads in late 1985 titled "The Valet" which depicted parking attendants having trouble distinguishing Cadillacs from lesser Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and even Chevrolets, with the question "Is that a Cadillac?" answered by the response "No, it's an Oldsmobile (or Buick, Chevy, etc.)." 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.

Second generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image =| name =Second generation| production =1990–1997| engine =4.6 L Ford Modular engine#4.6 V8 (1991-1997)
5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 (1990)] automatic
4-speed Ford AOD transmission#4R70W automatic| length =1990-94:
1995-97: | related =Mercury Grand Marquis
[Ford Crown Victoria| height =1990-94:
1995-97: | weight =4040 lb (1818 kg)| wheelbase =| fuel_capacity =18 US gal (68.1 L) (1990-1991)
20 US gal (75.7 L) (1992-1997)-->

1990 In 1990, the Town Car's body went through a major redesign and a rear air suspension was added as standard equipment. That year, it was also named as Motor Trend's Car of the Year. Through most of this model run, the car was available in four trim levels: Town Car (Pre-cursor to the Executive Series ending in 1990), Executive (beginning with the 1991 model year), Signature, and Cartier, in increasing order of price and appointment of features. The 1990 Lincoln Town Car also marked the end of the Town Car's 1970s-based angular design. The wedges on the side of the hood which contained the parking and signal lights were removed and the Rolls-Royce car-like grille was replaced with a more modern and more aerodynamic front fascia. Parking lights were now located adjoining to the grille and the headlights wrapped around the corners of the front. The door panels and fenders were replaced as well, while the trunk lid and taillights remained somewhat more similar to the 1980s model. The revised interior featured a new dashboard, seats, and interior door panels.

Introduced in 1990 were several new options that had never been available before on a Town Car. Memory seating with power front passenger and driver lumbar and recliner support was an option on Signature Town Car and standard on Cartier Town Car. The Electrochromatic Dimming Mirror was also a carryover option from the 1989 Town Car. Also being introduced as standard equipment for all Town Cars during the 1990 model year was a new digital instrumentation system with a more advanced message center, however the 1991 and 1992 model years featured a conventional analog instrument cluster as standard equipment. Many advanced safety features were made available on this generation Town Car. In 1990 a drivers air bag became standard. Dual front air bags and ABS braking was an available option for 1990. 1991 saw the introduction of Ford's new Ford Modular engine, an SOHC design replacing the Ford Windsor engine. ABS braking as well as dual front driver and passenger airbags became standard in 1992 as well.

1993 Saw a minor facelift on the front grill. Also a fully digitized electronic automatic temperature control(EATC) unit replaced a manually operated automatic temperature control thermostatic unit.

Overall the second generation Town Car was an overwhelming sales success and quickly became one of America's best selling full-size 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.

With the demise of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham after 1996, the Town Car became the only traditional luxury car on the American market, as far as such cars were defined in earlier years before downsizing and conversion to front-wheel-drive began to take shape. Lincoln's other direct competitor in the domestic luxury car market, Chrysler Corporation's Imperial (automobile), was dropped after 1975 with two subsequent revivals of the Imperial nameplate made in 1981 and 1990 on much smaller vehicles that were unsuccessful and short-lived.

1995 The Town Car underwent a minor exterior facelift for the 1995 model year. Changes to the exterior included smaller, clear headlights as well as additional running lights in the rear.

The interior was completely revamped. The Town Car received a new dashboard, new seats and new interior door panels. The angular interior shapes from the 1990 to 1994 model's interior were replaced by more modern-looking curved design elements. Many of the new interior components, such as the dashboard, featured a so-called "organic" design. 1995 also saw the introduction of a new steering wheel, which was used in all Ford Panther platform-based sedans until 2004.

Also introduced in 1995 was a new digital dash layout that featured a more italisized look to the readouts and a new feature called "Average Speed." This feature, on all digital instrument panels until the 2005 overhaul, calculated the average travel speed over a period of time. Every other function remained the same from the 1990 overhaul of the digital dash. Memory seats with power lumbar support also became standard on Signarture Series sedans during this time as well.

Special Editions 1992 to 1997 saw a special Signature Series sedan come to market: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Series, which featured a green body with a white vinyl top with white leather interior trimmed in green. Most of these editions have ornaments and wording on the exterior trimmed in gold. Options included on the 1992 to 1997 Jack Nicklaus Signature Series included: Memory Seats with Power Lumbar/Recliner, Leather Seats, and Monotone Paint.

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

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. Options included a paint strip down the side, leather seats, wood instrument panel trim, window badging, cellular telephone, power moonroof, JBL audio system, auto electrochromatic dimming mirror w/compass, and traction assist.

Also introduced in 1996 were the Ride Control and Touring Edition packages. Ride Control was only available on Signature and Cartier Town Cars while Touring Edition was available for all Town Car models. Ride control featured an auxiliary power steering fluid cooler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 225/60/16 tires, 3.27 axle ratio, 28.5 mm stabilizer bar, and revised air springs and shocks. Touring Edition featured a power moonroof, JBL audio system, auto dimming headlights, auto electrochromatic dimming mirror, auxiliary power steering fluid cooler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 225/60/16 tires, 3.27 axle ratio, 28.5 mm stabilizer bar, and revised air springs and shocks.Both the Ride Control and Touring Edition packages would last only between 1996 and 1997; however, the Touring Edition package would make a brief comeback during the 2000 model year.

Third generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image =| name =Third generation| production =1998–present| engine =4.6 L Ford Modular engine#4.6 V8 automatic
4-speed [Ford AOD transmission#4R75x automatic| length =1998-2002 SWB:
2003-present SWB:
1999-2002 LWB:
2003-present LWB: | width =1998-2002: | related =Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury Marauder
Ford Crown Victoria (1998-2007)
[St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada (2008-present)].

The more boxy Town Car design of the 1990s was replaced by a curvacious design scheme with a downwards sloping trunklid, pursed lip grille and cat-eye headlights.

While the Town Car lost three inches in overall length, the new Town Car was two inches wider, one inch taller, and weighed 600 pounds more. The post-1997 Town Car features a slightly longer wheelbase as well.

The interior was also completely redesigned. 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 well as seatbacks.

A factory option available to individual owners of Town Cars since 2001 has been a version of the Town Car with an extra six inches of rear seat legroom, designated as the "L" or "long" version. This model provides extra amenities for rear-seat passengers, including a unique rear-seat switch that allows the front-passenger seat to be moved forward as desired for extra room in the rear.

A Touring Edition also became available in late 2000. The Touring Edition featured a more powerful version of the Town Car's Ford Modular engine#4.6 engine, dual exhaust pipes and unique 16 inch alloy wheels with larger tires.

According to Consumer Guide the car scores above average in the premium luxury segment for comfort, room and materials but scores below average for acceleration, steering and overall technical performance. Otherwise, the Town Car has frequently received negative reviews with the car being considered "out of date." The Town Car is, however, still considered one of the best chauffeured vehicles as it receives high marks for being among the most comfortable, quiet riding and roomiest luxury cars available.

Gallery Image:LTC interior.jpg|Driver and passenger seatImage:LTC interior rear seat.jpg|BackseatImage:DSC00864.jpg|Rear

2003 A minor body redesign in 2003 added the hood ornament back again. 2003 also marked the last year that the Town Car was available in a trim package with the name "Cartier" (1981 to 2003). Beginning with the 2004 model year, the top-of-the-line Town Car was instead designated as the "Ultimate". The Touring edition (on the Signature model only) was dropped. The Ford Modular engine#4.6 with and sportier handling thanks to rack and pinion speed sensitive steering was also introduced for the 2003 model year. A power trunk lid, that closes remotely was added as an option. Also factory rear ultrasonic park assist became standard on all except the Executive Series this feature has two round sensors located at the rear of the vehicle.

The interior remained largely unchanged for 2003. More brushed satin metals and an analog clock were added to the interior. The Lincoln emblems on the door panels were removed and the radio face including climate controls received a facelift. A full-featured DVD based Satellite navigation with THX sound processors became available on the Cartier model for 2003. In 2004 it was available on the Ultimate series. For 2005 and present on the Signature Limited series and for 2006 to present on the Designer Series. The steering wheel received a facelift in 2005. In 2006 the Gauge cluster received a facelift and a revised analog/digital speedometer. A tachometer became standard. On the exterior, parking sensors became hidden.

Fuel Tank Safety Concerns see Ford Crown Victoria#Fuel tank safety concerns.

Popular Culture Lincoln Town Cars make frequent appearances in mob/crime movies such as; Fled, Heat (film), The X Files (film), Ocean's Eleven (2001 film), Rush Hour (film), among others. They are also frequently seen as limousines/executive cars in many different films, music videos, and TV shows. As the most chauffered vehicle in the US the Town Car is commonly seen as a limousine for high profile individuals on news broadcasts, televisions shows, such as The Apprentice or movies, such as Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. The latest version of the Town Car can be seen frequently in episodes of CBS' NCIS (TV series), transporting either the Director, Jenny Shepard, VIPs or other federal agency heads.

Trim levels In 1981 the Town Car was introduced in three Trim package, the base Executive Series, the mid-range Signature Series, and the top-of-the-line Cartier. The trim levels remained unchanged until 2003, when the Executive Series and Cartier names were dropped. The Signature Series did not any longer represent the mid-range model, rather it replaced the Executive Series with Ultimate designation being used for the mid-range and top model, which was formerly called the Cartier. In 2005, however, the lineup was changed again. For 2005 only, the Ultimate designation was dropped, with only the Signature Series designation being used for all three trim levels. In 2006, Lincoln introduced the Designer Series as an additional trim-level to fit in between the mid-range Signature Limited Series and the top Signature L Series.

Executive (1981 - 2003)
The Executive Series was the basic trim levels and thus also most affordable trim level on the Lincoln Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Executive Series designation is still used today, but only on fleet vehicles.

Signature (1981 - present)
The Signature Series was the mid-level trim and was also the 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 basic trim level and Ultimate was now used to describe the mid-level trim. In 2005 the Ultimate was dropped and all trim levels were changed to a version of Signature. The basic 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. For 2006 a trim level called the Designer Series was added between the Signature Limited and top-of-line Signature L.

Cartier (1981 - 2003)
Cartier was used on the top-of-line Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Cartier also featured its own version of Lincoln emblem which was stitched onto the seats. Golden Lincoln emblems on the tail-lights also became a staplemark on the Cartier Edition on 1998 through 2002 models.

Ultimate (2004 only)
Ultimate was only used on the 2004 Town Car. Ultimate designation was the mid-level trim, while Ultimate L was the designation used for the top-of-line Lincoln.

L Edition (2001 - present)
The designation "L" was used on Lincoln Town Cars with extended wheelbases. The L editions offer an additional six inches of legroom as well as separate audio and climate controls for rear passengers. While this designation is 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 never its own trim option on the Town Car. Instead the L edition was applied to the top-of-line Cartier (2003), Ultimate (2004 only), and Signature (2005 - present) Series trim levels.

Designer (2006 - present)
The Designer Series is an upper-middle trim level in between the mid-level Signature Limited and top-of-the-line Signature L. The Designer Series is roughly $1,000 more expensive than the mid-level Signature Limited with a starting MSRP of $45,915. This trim includes two tone interior accents, a special higher quality leather called "Provence" leather. The rear seats also include four way adjustable head restraints exclusively on this trim for the standard wheelbase. On the exterior special chromed B pillars and Chrome wheels are included with this package.

Trim level timeline
{| class="toccolours" align="center"|align="center" colspan="81"|Lincoln Town Car Timeline|-|align=center rowspan=2 bgcolor=#F0F0F0|Trim level|align=center colspan=10 width=38% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|1980s|align=center colspan=10 width=38% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|1990s|align=center colspan=7 width=24% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|2000s|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0 align=center|'80||'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|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Entry|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Executive Series|colspan=3 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Signature Series|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Mid-level|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature Series|colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Ultimate|colspan=2 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature Limited|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| High-end|colspan=26 bgcolor=#D0D0D0 ||colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Designer Series|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Top-of-the-line|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Cartier|colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Ultimate L|colspan=2 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature L|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| L Edition|colspan=21 bgcolor=#D0D0D0 ||colspan=7 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |L Series|- align=center|}

Awards Over its twenty-five year run, the Town Car has become one of best selling luxury cars of the United States and received several awards in the process.



Engine Specifications {| class=wikitable!Trim level!Year!Engine!Power!Torque|-|colspan=5|First Generation|-|rowspan=8|Executive
Signature
Cartier||1981||5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8||205 hp (153 kW)|-|2001–2002||220 hp (164 kW)||275 ft·lbf. at 3,500 rpm|-|2003–||239 hp (178 kW)||287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|rowspan=4|Signature Touring
Signature Limited
Ultimate
Designer Series||2000–2002||rowspan=4|239 hp (178 kW)||rowspan=4|287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|2004-present|-|2004|-|2006-present|-|Cartier||1998–2000||220 hp (164 kW)||290 ft·lbf. at 3,500 rpm|-|-|rowspan=2|L Edition||2001–2002||235 hp (175 kW)||285 ft·lbf.|-|2003–||239 hp (178 kW)||287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|}

References

See also

External links

{{Infobox Automobile|image=|name=Lincoln Town Car|manufacturer=Ford Motor Company|class=[Full-size luxury car|platform=[Ford Panther platform-->

The Lincoln Town Car is a rear wheel drive [full-size luxury vehicles and serves as the flagship vehicles of Ford Motor Company Lincoln (automobile) luxury vehicles division. Often referred to as a traditional American luxury sedan, the Town Car features a V8 engine, rear wheel drive, very generous exterior and interior dimensions as well as a "Pillowy ride and chrome aplenty." (Forbes) The Town Car is currently the largest American-made car, measuring nearly 18 feet (5.49 m) in length for a standard Town Car and 18 1/2 ft (5.64 m) for an L Edition. The Town Car's main competitors include the Lexus LS#Fourth Generation (2007), BMW 7-Series and Cadillac DTS. Manufactured in the Wixom Assembly Plant, the Town Car is, despite recently declining sales numbers, one of the best selling American luxury cars. It also serves as America's most used limousine and chauffered car.Author: Spero News. " Town Car wins stay of execution" Publication: Spero News. Article Date: 9/19/06. Date Retrieved: 9/22/06. While relatively affordable when compared to European flagship vehicles luxury vehicles, the Town Car is currently the most expensive American luxury sedan (according to base MSRP) with prices ranging from $43,075 for a basic Signature Series to $56,745 for a top-of-the-line Signature L Series. The Town Car has been available featuring Armored car since 2003 with prices starting at $144,995.

Ford, at one time, had considered ending production on Lincoln's flagship model after the planned closing of the Wixom Assembly Plant in Wixom, Michigan in 2007. Ford ultimately decided to keep the model and move assembly to the St. Thomas Assembly Plant in Ontario, Canada where the Ford Crown Victoria and Mercury Grand Marquis, which also use the Ford Panther platform, are currently built. The Town Car's manufacture will resume at its new location in late 2007.Author: Spero News. " Town Car wins stay of execution" Publication: Spero News. Article Date: September 19/06. Date Retrieved: September 22/06. According to Consumer Guide the vehicle's strengths are comfort, materials, and ride quality, while acceleration and handling are named as being the vehicle's weaknesses. The Town Car is one of the safest cars available on the North American market.

Name It is probably not a coincidence that "Town Car" is English for "Cadillac Deville," Cadillac's model that was gaining popularity in the 1950s. Both names refer to a classic style of limousine, popular in the 1920s, which had an open chauffeur's compartment up front, but only Lincoln has sometimes attempted to make its modern models visually suggest their older namesakes. Many examples from the 70s and 80s have a vinyl roof style which sweeps down the center pillar as part of a raised molding, complete with opera lamps, which suggests a partition between front and rear seats, while no vinyl is applied to the front section of the roof over the driver.

History The Town Car name first appeared in the Lincoln (automobile) line in 1922, on a custom built Lincoln for Henry Ford.The Town Car name later appeared on several trim levels on the Lincoln Continental flagship vehicles in from 1959 to 1980. In 1981, the Lincoln Town Car became a model in its own right and became Lincoln's largest sedan as well as its flagship vehicle. Since then, there have been three generations of the Town Car with additional minor redesigns, one in 1995 and another one in 2003.

Pre-1981 It later reappeared in 1959, on a special limousine-like version of the standard Lincoln Continental. This first Town Car was available only in black and was identifiable by a unique padded vinyl top, which was a rarity at that time.

After its first appearance in 1959, the Town Car name went dormant for 10 years, and re-emerged as an especially plush interior option package for the 1969 Lincoln Lincoln Continental.

It next appeared as a trim option in 1971, 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 along with, usually but not always, a vinyl top over the rear passenger compartment. The Town Car badge has always been applied to sedans, but from 1975 to 1980, there was a similar option for coupes called the Town Coupe.

First generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image = | name = First generation| production = 1981–1989| engine = 5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 [Automatic transmission| length = | width = | height = | related = Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury Colony Park
Ford LTD Crown Victoria
Ford Country Squire| weight = 4044 lb (1834 kg)| wheelbase = | fuel_capacity = 18 US gal (68.1 L)-->Since 1981, the Town Car has been considered a model in its own right, replacing the Continental (whose name reappeared a year later on a smaller model). Upon its introduction, the Town Car immediately became Lincoln's flagship model, a purpose it continues to serve to this day.

The first generation Town Car featured a body profile and grille similar to that of the late 1970s [Lincoln Continental. The interior layout included new seats, dashboard and door panels. The exterior door panels and fenders were also completely new, while the taillights and trunk lid experienced a slight redesign. To keep up with current design trends, the previously covered headlights were now exposed and composed of two adjoining square units.

The first generation Town Car also featured many advanced luxury options for its time. While leather trim was available on the Cartier and Signature edition, all trim levels featured six-way power seats as well as an electronic six speaker audio system with integrated amplifier called "Premium Sound." A fully functioning trip computer with digital displays was optional on the Cartier and Signature Series.

The key pad entry system became available on upper models, allowing for the driver to use either a factory-programmed or self-programmed alternate five digit combination to gain entry to the vehicle and trunk. 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 potentally unsecure environment is not required. This feature is still in use on all contemporary Lincolns, most Mercurys and some Ford branded products.

Similar to the Continental Town Car package, a half-vinyl coach roof with frenched rear window was standard on every Town Car. Cloth (Canvas) roofs were optional. The introduction of the Panther platform Town Car in 1980 was also the end for 400 in³ and 460 in³ V8 engines in Lincoln's line-up; they were replaced with the very popular 302 in³ (5.0 L) V8 (carburated from 1980-1981; and with a throttle body fuel injection system an option at the start, replaced by Port Fuel Injection in 1986 through the 1989 model year). The transmission also changed to a 4-speed automatic with overdrive. All Town Cars from 1980-1989 featured an optional trailer towing package which included: dual exhausts, a shortened limited slip differential and an improved cooling package for the motor as well as transmission.

For the 1980 to 1983 model years, inclusive, a Lincoln Mark#1980 Continental Mark VI version of the Town Car was produced with hidden headlights and the characteristic simulated spare tire shape on the trunk lid.

1985 For 1985, the Town Car received minor design updates. Like previous years, the design scheme introduced for 1985 included a reflector running in between both taillights above the license plate frame, a design feature kept for the second generation Town Car. 1985 also saw the introduction of newer more ergonomically designed seats, including four way adjustable front head restraints(1986-1989). Signaure and Cartier models featured boulstered seating.

In 1988, the Town Car went through a minor facelift including additional brushed metal work on the rear of the vehicle. On the front end of the vehicle, Lincoln returned the waterfall grill verses a crosshatch design from 1985-1987. For this restyle, a single disc factory installed JBL CD Player became an available option on Signature and Cartier Models.

While the Cadillac DeVille and Fleetwood were both downsized to more compact dimensions and converted to front-wheel drive for 1985 (Cadillac did keep the larger car in its line and renamed it the Fleetwood Brougham), Lincoln continued to field the Town Car as a traditional-sized luxury car during this time. In response to the downsized Cadillacs, Lincoln, began running a series of ads in late 1985 titled "The Valet" which depicted parking attendants having trouble distinguishing Cadillacs from lesser Buicks, Oldsmobiles, Pontiacs and even Chevrolets, with the question "Is that a Cadillac?" answered by the response "No, it's an Oldsmobile (or Buick, Chevy, etc.)." 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.

Second generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image =| name =Second generation| production =1990–1997| engine =4.6 L Ford Modular engine#4.6 V8 (1991-1997)
5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 (1990)] automatic
4-speed Ford AOD transmission#4R70W automatic| length =1990-94:
1995-97: | related =Mercury Grand Marquis
[Ford Crown Victoria| height =1990-94:
1995-97: | weight =4040 lb (1818 kg)| wheelbase =| fuel_capacity =18 US gal (68.1 L) (1990-1991)
20 US gal (75.7 L) (1992-1997)-->

1990 In 1990, the Town Car's body went through a major redesign and a rear air suspension was added as standard equipment. That year, it was also named as Motor Trend's Car of the Year. Through most of this model run, the car was available in four trim levels: Town Car (Pre-cursor to the Executive Series ending in 1990), Executive (beginning with the 1991 model year), Signature, and Cartier, in increasing order of price and appointment of features. The 1990 Lincoln Town Car also marked the end of the Town Car's 1970s-based angular design. The wedges on the side of the hood which contained the parking and signal lights were removed and the Rolls-Royce car-like grille was replaced with a more modern and more aerodynamic front fascia. Parking lights were now located adjoining to the grille and the headlights wrapped around the corners of the front. The door panels and fenders were replaced as well, while the trunk lid and taillights remained somewhat more similar to the 1980s model. The revised interior featured a new dashboard, seats, and interior door panels.

Introduced in 1990 were several new options that had never been available before on a Town Car. Memory seating with power front passenger and driver lumbar and recliner support was an option on Signature Town Car and standard on Cartier Town Car. The Electrochromatic Dimming Mirror was also a carryover option from the 1989 Town Car. Also being introduced as standard equipment for all Town Cars during the 1990 model year was a new digital instrumentation system with a more advanced message center, however the 1991 and 1992 model years featured a conventional analog instrument cluster as standard equipment. Many advanced safety features were made available on this generation Town Car. In 1990 a drivers air bag became standard. Dual front air bags and ABS braking was an available option for 1990. 1991 saw the introduction of Ford's new Ford Modular engine, an SOHC design replacing the Ford Windsor engine. ABS braking as well as dual front driver and passenger airbags became standard in 1992 as well.

1993 Saw a minor facelift on the front grill. Also a fully digitized electronic automatic temperature control(EATC) unit replaced a manually operated automatic temperature control thermostatic unit.

Overall the second generation Town Car was an overwhelming sales success and quickly became one of America's best selling full-size 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.

With the demise of the Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham after 1996, the Town Car became the only traditional luxury car on the American market, as far as such cars were defined in earlier years before downsizing and conversion to front-wheel-drive began to take shape. Lincoln's other direct competitor in the domestic luxury car market, Chrysler Corporation's Imperial (automobile), was dropped after 1975 with two subsequent revivals of the Imperial nameplate made in 1981 and 1990 on much smaller vehicles that were unsuccessful and short-lived.

1995 The Town Car underwent a minor exterior facelift for the 1995 model year. Changes to the exterior included smaller, clear headlights as well as additional running lights in the rear.

The interior was completely revamped. The Town Car received a new dashboard, new seats and new interior door panels. The angular interior shapes from the 1990 to 1994 model's interior were replaced by more modern-looking curved design elements. Many of the new interior components, such as the dashboard, featured a so-called "organic" design. 1995 also saw the introduction of a new steering wheel, which was used in all Ford Panther platform-based sedans until 2004.

Also introduced in 1995 was a new digital dash layout that featured a more italisized look to the readouts and a new feature called "Average Speed." This feature, on all digital instrument panels until the 2005 overhaul, calculated the average travel speed over a period of time. Every other function remained the same from the 1990 overhaul of the digital dash. Memory seats with power lumbar support also became standard on Signarture Series sedans during this time as well.

Special Editions 1992 to 1997 saw a special Signature Series sedan come to market: the Jack Nicklaus Signature Series, which featured a green body with a white vinyl top with white leather interior trimmed in green. Most of these editions have ornaments and wording on the exterior trimmed in gold. Options included on the 1992 to 1997 Jack Nicklaus Signature Series included: Memory Seats with Power Lumbar/Recliner, Leather Seats, and Monotone Paint.

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

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. Options included a paint strip down the side, leather seats, wood instrument panel trim, window badging, cellular telephone, power moonroof, JBL audio system, auto electrochromatic dimming mirror w/compass, and traction assist.

Also introduced in 1996 were the Ride Control and Touring Edition packages. Ride Control was only available on Signature and Cartier Town Cars while Touring Edition was available for all Town Car models. Ride control featured an auxiliary power steering fluid cooler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 225/60/16 tires, 3.27 axle ratio, 28.5 mm stabilizer bar, and revised air springs and shocks. Touring Edition featured a power moonroof, JBL audio system, auto dimming headlights, auto electrochromatic dimming mirror, auxiliary power steering fluid cooler, 16-inch aluminum wheels, 225/60/16 tires, 3.27 axle ratio, 28.5 mm stabilizer bar, and revised air springs and shocks.Both the Ride Control and Touring Edition packages would last only between 1996 and 1997; however, the Touring Edition package would make a brief comeback during the 2000 model year.

Third generation {{Infobox Automobile generation| image =| name =Third generation| production =1998–present| engine =4.6 L Ford Modular engine#4.6 V8 automatic
4-speed [Ford AOD transmission#4R75x automatic| length =1998-2002 SWB:
2003-present SWB:
1999-2002 LWB:
2003-present LWB: | width =1998-2002: | related =Mercury Grand Marquis
Mercury Marauder
Ford Crown Victoria (1998-2007)
[St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada (2008-present)].

The more boxy Town Car design of the 1990s was replaced by a curvacious design scheme with a downwards sloping trunklid, pursed lip grille and cat-eye headlights.

While the Town Car lost three inches in overall length, the new Town Car was two inches wider, one inch taller, and weighed 600 pounds more. The post-1997 Town Car features a slightly longer wheelbase as well.

The interior was also completely redesigned. 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 well as seatbacks.

A factory option available to individual owners of Town Cars since 2001 has been a version of the Town Car with an extra six inches of rear seat legroom, designated as the "L" or "long" version. This model provides extra amenities for rear-seat passengers, including a unique rear-seat switch that allows the front-passenger seat to be moved forward as desired for extra room in the rear.

A Touring Edition also became available in late 2000. The Touring Edition featured a more powerful version of the Town Car's Ford Modular engine#4.6 engine, dual exhaust pipes and unique 16 inch alloy wheels with larger tires.

According to Consumer Guide the car scores above average in the premium luxury segment for comfort, room and materials but scores below average for acceleration, steering and overall technical performance. Otherwise, the Town Car has frequently received negative reviews with the car being considered "out of date." The Town Car is, however, still considered one of the best chauffeured vehicles as it receives high marks for being among the most comfortable, quiet riding and roomiest luxury cars available.

Gallery Image:LTC interior.jpg|Driver and passenger seatImage:LTC interior rear seat.jpg|BackseatImage:DSC00864.jpg|Rear

2003 A minor body redesign in 2003 added the hood ornament back again. 2003 also marked the last year that the Town Car was available in a trim package with the name "Cartier" (1981 to 2003). Beginning with the 2004 model year, the top-of-the-line Town Car was instead designated as the "Ultimate". The Touring edition (on the Signature model only) was dropped. The Ford Modular engine#4.6 with and sportier handling thanks to rack and pinion speed sensitive steering was also introduced for the 2003 model year. A power trunk lid, that closes remotely was added as an option. Also factory rear ultrasonic park assist became standard on all except the Executive Series this feature has two round sensors located at the rear of the vehicle.

The interior remained largely unchanged for 2003. More brushed satin metals and an analog clock were added to the interior. The Lincoln emblems on the door panels were removed and the radio face including climate controls received a facelift. A full-featured DVD based Satellite navigation with THX sound processors became available on the Cartier model for 2003. In 2004 it was available on the Ultimate series. For 2005 and present on the Signature Limited series and for 2006 to present on the Designer Series. The steering wheel received a facelift in 2005. In 2006 the Gauge cluster received a facelift and a revised analog/digital speedometer. A tachometer became standard. On the exterior, parking sensors became hidden.

Fuel Tank Safety Concerns see Ford Crown Victoria#Fuel tank safety concerns.

Popular Culture Lincoln Town Cars make frequent appearances in mob/crime movies such as; Fled, Heat (film), The X Files (film), Ocean's Eleven (2001 film), Rush Hour (film), among others. They are also frequently seen as limousines/executive cars in many different films, music videos, and TV shows. As the most chauffered vehicle in the US the Town Car is commonly seen as a limousine for high profile individuals on news broadcasts, televisions shows, such as The Apprentice or movies, such as Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth. The latest version of the Town Car can be seen frequently in episodes of CBS' NCIS (TV series), transporting either the Director, Jenny Shepard, VIPs or other federal agency heads.

Trim levels In 1981 the Town Car was introduced in three Trim package, the base Executive Series, the mid-range Signature Series, and the top-of-the-line Cartier. The trim levels remained unchanged until 2003, when the Executive Series and Cartier names were dropped. The Signature Series did not any longer represent the mid-range model, rather it replaced the Executive Series with Ultimate designation being used for the mid-range and top model, which was formerly called the Cartier. In 2005, however, the lineup was changed again. For 2005 only, the Ultimate designation was dropped, with only the Signature Series designation being used for all three trim levels. In 2006, Lincoln introduced the Designer Series as an additional trim-level to fit in between the mid-range Signature Limited Series and the top Signature L Series.

Executive (1981 - 2003)
The Executive Series was the basic trim levels and thus also most affordable trim level on the Lincoln Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Executive Series designation is still used today, but only on fleet vehicles.

Signature (1981 - present)
The Signature Series was the mid-level trim and was also the 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 basic trim level and Ultimate was now used to describe the mid-level trim. In 2005 the Ultimate was dropped and all trim levels were changed to a version of Signature. The basic 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. For 2006 a trim level called the Designer Series was added between the Signature Limited and top-of-line Signature L.

Cartier (1981 - 2003)
Cartier was used on the top-of-line Town Car from 1981 through 2003. The Cartier also featured its own version of Lincoln emblem which was stitched onto the seats. Golden Lincoln emblems on the tail-lights also became a staplemark on the Cartier Edition on 1998 through 2002 models.

Ultimate (2004 only)
Ultimate was only used on the 2004 Town Car. Ultimate designation was the mid-level trim, while Ultimate L was the designation used for the top-of-line Lincoln.

L Edition (2001 - present)
The designation "L" was used on Lincoln Town Cars with extended wheelbases. The L editions offer an additional six inches of legroom as well as separate audio and climate controls for rear passengers. While this designation is 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 never its own trim option on the Town Car. Instead the L edition was applied to the top-of-line Cartier (2003), Ultimate (2004 only), and Signature (2005 - present) Series trim levels.

Designer (2006 - present)
The Designer Series is an upper-middle trim level in between the mid-level Signature Limited and top-of-the-line Signature L. The Designer Series is roughly $1,000 more expensive than the mid-level Signature Limited with a starting MSRP of $45,915. This trim includes two tone interior accents, a special higher quality leather called "Provence" leather. The rear seats also include four way adjustable head restraints exclusively on this trim for the standard wheelbase. On the exterior special chromed B pillars and Chrome wheels are included with this package.

Trim level timeline
{| class="toccolours" align="center"|align="center" colspan="81"|Lincoln Town Car Timeline|-|align=center rowspan=2 bgcolor=#F0F0F0|Trim level|align=center colspan=10 width=38% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|1980s|align=center colspan=10 width=38% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|1990s|align=center colspan=7 width=24% bgcolor=#F0F0F0|2000s|- bgcolor=#F0F0F0 align=center|'80||'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|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Entry|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Executive Series|colspan=3 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Signature Series|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Mid-level|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature Series|colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |Ultimate|colspan=2 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature Limited|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| High-end|colspan=26 bgcolor=#D0D0D0 ||colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Designer Series|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| Top-of-the-line|colspan=24 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Cartier|colspan=1 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Ultimate L|colspan=2 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 | Signature L|- align=center|bgcolor=#F0F0F0| L Edition|colspan=21 bgcolor=#D0D0D0 ||colspan=7 bgcolor=#C0C0C0 |L Series|- align=center|}

Awards Over its twenty-five year run, the Town Car has become one of best selling luxury cars of the United States and received several awards in the process.



Engine Specifications {| class=wikitable!Trim level!Year!Engine!Power!Torque|-|colspan=5|First Generation|-|rowspan=8|Executive
Signature
Cartier||1981||5.0 L Ford Windsor engine#302 V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8 [V8||205 hp (153 kW)|-|2001–2002||220 hp (164 kW)||275 ft·lbf. at 3,500 rpm|-|2003–||239 hp (178 kW)||287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|rowspan=4|Signature Touring
Signature Limited
Ultimate
Designer Series||2000–2002||rowspan=4|239 hp (178 kW)||rowspan=4|287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|2004-present|-|2004|-|2006-present|-|Cartier||1998–2000||220 hp (164 kW)||290 ft·lbf. at 3,500 rpm|-|-|rowspan=2|L Edition||2001–2002||235 hp (175 kW)||285 ft·lbf.|-|2003–||239 hp (178 kW)||287 ft·lbf. at 4,100 rpm|-|}

References

See also

External links



 

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