This 38K-Mile 1988 Lincoln Town Car was the Definitive American Luxury Car in the 1980s

The "Town Car" name had been a part of Lincoln's lineup for many decades, but the first model to wear only the Town Car name didn't appear until the 1980s. The car that wore it was a large, full frame car by today's standards, but was actually downsized at the time - and built on Ford's new Panther Platform, a legendary underpinning with a huge fan base.
Rear drive, full frame, and V8 powered, the Town Car was only supposed to hold the place for a few years until Lincoln could downsize like Cadillac had, answering rising gas prices and increased emission laws - but then the unexpected happened: fuel prices stabilized, and sales started to become much stronger than expected. Ford had a hit on their hands.
Town Cars went on to be not just continued, but restyled for two more generations, until their eventual demise in 2011. Livery Services loved them, as there was no end to what could fit in the trunk, the ride was smooth, and six passengers could fit inside. Seasoned Citizens loved them, because they hearkened to the cars of their youth, with wire wheels, chrome everything, effortless power steering and brakes, large comfy seats, and V8 power.
I just love these things. The styling is retro without irony, the ride is sublime, and the overall feel quintessentially American. If you wanted American luxury in the 1980s, this was it.
Full review and test drive by Bill. Vehicle for sale at Autohaus of Naples, www.AutohausNaples.com, or call [phone].

[@scottwilkins4544]

It was sooo good to hear that “Good morning!” Bill, don’t ever leave us!!!

[@VannyMcVanface13]

I don't know what it is , but his "Good morning " always make me chuckle. I thought I was the only one.

[@josephmirigliano8728]

I love Lincoln town cars so!!!!!!!!!!! Much!!!!!!!!!

[@michaeldickens7493]

I want this so much

[@thomasrhinehart6084]

Bill's presentation is always top notch. He is a a raconteur among car guys.

[@sim61642]

"raconteur" thanks for the new word

[@thetinpin]

I absolutely ADORE this generation of Town Car - hell I've put a couple hundred thousand miles on the TWO I've owned. I've commented on your previous Town Car videos and expressed my love there... But THIS! THIS IS THE TRUE TOWN CAR! There is NOTHING like the first generation Town Car! Believe me folks, this is one of the smoothest, most comfortable, wildly isolating (in a good way), vehicles ever made! Even though I'm now 35 (I was 20 when I got my first one), I LUST after these because they are some of the best riding cars ever made!

[@ericvonha7694]

Update: "The state of the world is still stupid" "We are living in idiocracy" -- GO BILL!

[@freedomvan2970]

Tell me about it!! Half the country is in a cult that doesnt use critical thinking! And now law and order is for thee but not he.

[@Brisoup1]

No Argument here....

[@ralphlee9215]

Please talk cars!

[@V8_screw_electric_cars]

Lincoln was going hard after Rolls with that grille

[@justinjoseph6966]

My dad has an ‘88 Town Car with a vinyl half roof and the extra opera glass. He’s the second owner and has had it for 17 years. He keeps it in pristine condition, so it still looks brand new!

[@philiplee7604]

“ 2 mph for the fast lane, that sounds about right!”.. Bill, you just keep on giving!!!! Brilliant.

[@zohaib876]

My Dad had this same car except in brownish beige color. I was just 7 years old at the time. An infinite amount of room in the rear seats as well as the rest of the car. Soo many wonderful memories with my family in this one. Unfortunately Dad got T-boned in it in 1997...car was built like a tank. My Dad walked away with just couple of scratches. The car absorbed the impact like as if it was nothing. This was back when cars were still made with full metal jackets...they don't make em like this anymore. Beautiful car you have there Bill

[@jimellison6157]

I was a Chauffeur in the late 80’s, and we had an 86 and 87 Town car Limos,. I drove them for the 2 years. The 302cid had plenty of power. My favorite of the Lincoln’s.

[@KoldingDenmark]

@Jim Ellison So was I in the 1990's. The advantage with these limos, compared to formal Cadillac limos in the 1970's, was that you as the chauffeur could stretch your legs and arms.

[@michaelwhite2823]

I really was surprised by the acceleration in the video! Pretty good for a small block in a big car. Better than GM v8s of the era.

[@dennisneo1608]

That beautiful car represents a better America.

[@wladimirnordemann5236]

Phenomenal how you remember all that history

[@randolfo1265]

Bill's knowledge of the history of so many car brands is impressive. Never needs a script

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

Back in the day, these Lincolns were all over the place in big cities like New York as they were the darling of the Livery Cab scene.

[@jmjfanss]

Them and the Cadillac brougham.

[@TheMaxx111]

I was obsessed with these cars as a kid. My dad's boss had one when I was 8 years old and I loved every thing about that car!

[@325xitgrocgetter]

I recall the Lincoln commercials lampooning the GM look alike cars with the confused parking valets trying to find the Buick, Olds or Cadillac because they all looked the same. With gas prices dropping in '86...plus with the 5.0 liter V8 getting decent mileage for their size...our neighbor had one and got 25 mpg on the highway with little difficulty. I think there is an appreciation for these cars these days.

[@Chefjoe63]

I used to have a 1984 Town Car and I absolutely loved it and miss it still. It was a great car that rode so well you would almost nod off.

[@lyleg.9192]

I've got an 83 that I won't say has had an easy life in the Florida sun and hell when I bought it it been parked under a tree for probably a little over a decade alone just because the fuel pump went out but I brought her back around got rid of the dirt daubers and the cobwebs inside and pass it up still got original paint with no exposed rust and the vinyl half roof top section is still original and not cracked ,even the leather seats and the door panels don't have any damage. A lot of parts like fuel injectors that weren't pulsing (from inactivity 10 yrs straight) ,if you just tap them with a tool start right back to work and keep on ticking without ever giving you a hiccup. Even the window regulators that were frozen in place you just take them off the doors disassemble them clean them regreeze them and then reassemble and they'll work again

[@MrShanester77]

Many rich, older, farmers drove the Town Car while I was growing up in then70's and 80's. Tons of Lincolns parked by the churches on Sunday's, all clean, and looking stunning.

[@ISEEORBS]

Love my 89 Townie. Still want a 70's Lincoln someday though.

[@doug9066]

I still love the older Lincoln Town Cars as much as the Cadillac Brougham. My parents had a 1983 Lincoln Town Car which I drove it before I had my driver license which lived in a small town in west Texas & was the 80's. I love this one, I like my 2006 but this one is even better.

[@christopherhale5445]

I spent many summers in west Texas...with my grandparents...in the 80s.... A little town called Spur

[@SuperBunnyBugs]

I'm from the Czech Republic, but I feel the same way when I was like you, my uncle had a Volga Gaz 21 from 1962, we made a lot of joy with her, I also drove her when she was twelve, it was an experience!

[@davidsimmons9763]

I rented a Continental in ‘83 for a wedding that I was going to and then I rented one of these for my own wedding in ‘84. Great cars. I think I rented from Enterprise.

[@smsunder]

My mother had this same model of TC as she was a real estate broker and needed this representation of success to haul around clients. Great car!

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Great story!

[@squeegied3rdeye713]

My mom got a blue one just like this when my parents got divorced. She used my child support $ to pay for it. You're welcome mom

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

@@squeegied3rdeye713 My father got $300/ss disability and gave his alcoholic friend $5 almost every day to buy booze. And I walked around in hand-me-downs that didn't fit. Thanks Dad!

[@TexasMan77]

@@squeegied3rdeye713 Yikes, she had good taste but now I know why some guys hate paying child support.

[@mikevelilla9757]

Bill, I sell new Fords up here in Peoples Republic of New York and have sold Lincoln’s. I have to say none of them are as beautiful and regal as these Lincoln’s. I can see why you have the love for them you do, the same a share. Keep up the good work and enjoy your freedom in Florida!

[@robertdoran7580]

Bill, you are the best! I have so much respect for you for acknowledging that the original stereo absolutely belongs in this car! I hate when people take the original systems out in this type of car!

[@ddoyle11]

This was when there was no blurred line between a luxury car and a sports car, unlike today. The entire purpose of this car was to separate the driver and passengers from the ills of the road with quiet softness. They didn't care how long it took the car to get from 0 to 60mph. It was all about being pampered. I miss those cars.

[@Pantherforlife]

I knew you were going to show another Lincoln Town car. It was just a matter of time how amazing. This generation so square shape but very elegant and stylish when you look at it now. Everything you said is true about it. Great video thanks...

[@MrSweetPimpin]

How much did this car sale for ?

[@Pantherforlife]

@@MrSweetPimpin His phone number is in the description. You would have to call him for the selling price tag on this classic Lincoln.

[@tracydoriot7595]

I owned a 86 Cartier edition same color, same wheels! Normal half top however. Loved the car. Everything BIll said about it is true. Wish I had it back!

[@bodyloverz30]

I had an white 88' Signature Series, with white leather interior with red carpeting. I loved the car and do miss it, though my gray 560 SEL was the best car I have owned!

[@nestorroman2694]

I miss my floating 1988 Lincoln Towncar traded it for 1991 LTC still have. I got the 88 towncar with 103k sold it with 305k after one year of just cruising the roads. Beautiful car and solid like a tank.

[@rajanrairealty8979]

200k n a yr

[@lancedukel3436]

It's very nice, so stately. While I tend towards Cadillacs I have to give it up to this car. I can really see the influence of the older Rolls design cues here and not just the grill. This car is conservative looking compared to the Fleetwoods of the time, it whispered that you had made it while the Cadillac screamed it. Thankyou Bill for showing it.

[@naplespan]

That car was built to compete with Rolls Royce.. what a gem! Thanks for sharing Bill!

[@crimsonstang]

Came for the Lincoln, stayed for the politics.

[@goodbonezz1289]

How could anyone give a thumbs down?? GREAT review on a great vehicle, and wonderful commentary and history. Thank you!

[@towrnghrybear]

I just upgraded all the headlights - she's bright and showing her way through the darkness.....Ezmerelda has been VERY well received...

[@garbage854]

Nice 😀, my neighbor across the street had a 1985 Baby Blue one of these, I rode in it once, very comfy, nice.

[@douglasb.1203]

It's spectacular and with dual exhaust that's the trailer equipped model. Heavy duty cooling and a 3:73 to one traction lock rear diff. Sweet car.

[@williammarik6159]

Bill.So glad your back ! You are wealth of automotive history ! I drove a 1974 Lincoln in the 80,s and that car simply refused to die. lol !

[@jaygonzo2927]

I had this same exact car, same exact year when I was 19 years old. the only difference was, I had the blue velvet interior. Wow, a trip down memory lane.

[@JoesGoldenGarage]

I was sitting here waiting. Holy shit. Bill! The man

[@PlugUlgy]

I'm so happy I clicked on the video. Love Lincoln's but really enjoyed the commentary most of all.

[@rubensalazarrgv6741]

Man great video. I have a 1989 Lincoln Town Car same color and interior. Only difference, mine has a sunroof and the roof cloth is black. I keep it in my garage, I only take it for a drive on Sundays if it's not raining.

[@michaelwhite2823]

Finally! A crack about the Lincoln Versailles! I can't wait until you review one.

[@Donaldopato]

Driving is a nautical affair, yep..why I nicknamed my 88 Town Car the “Queen Mary.” I always said my TC didn’t accelerate, she progressed.

[@arikthompson5495]

I always did love the Town Car.

[@WoodJack99]

I have an 88 too! Beautiful car.

[@donswier]

Bill... a treat to have you back! Town Car: Most.Florida.Car.Ever

[@sacredsteeler]

Everybody's grandparents car. The smell of riding in the backseat listening to 560AM

[@tootcliff]

Big fan out here in Huntington Beach, CA. Laugh out loud every time Bill points out the back of seat pocket being particularly useful for a “revolver”.

[@e.f.clarke2041]

In 1989, Lincoln claimed to have 91,000 new buyers that switched from Cadillac to Lincoln since 1985.

[@MikeJones-sb5xk]

Thank you so much for this video! I currently have an 88 with a lot of rust on her frame but I still LOVE her! I’ve also had an 87 down in Texas that was immaculate . But that’s a different story for a different time. Lol Again thank you for the video I watched it over three times!

[@vinloy23]

So right on all counts. A car presentation AND life talk. A+

[@sethdbourne]

It's sad nowadays we measure luxury by how many gadgets they can cram in it... which usually break and make the car unusable 🙁

[@howarddavis1307]

Another great video those truly were the last off the great Lincoln town cars even with the down sizing ford hit a home run with those cars they were reliable fit and finish was good had the tried and proven 5.0 v8 I owned one about 12 years ago one owner car metallic gray had the original spare tire with the red paint still on the white wall and the original wheel locks stored with the spare as the dealer didn’t intstall then during dealer prep .was very reliable only had too replace the original exhaust system.😊✌️

[@buddywayne1]

Love your car. I have a 2003 Town Car. I hope to have it a very long time. I also agree with you 100% about the state of our country and the world.

[@jamespeter1662]

These really were well made, handsome cars with class. I agree what a loss, when American cars had a unique style and an air about them no other had.

[@9rows]

I've had 3 Panthers. Crown Vic, Marauder and a Town Car. All 3 were effing awesome sales-mobiles. Piled on the miles. Hardly ever broke. Were cheap to fix in the rare event they did need a repair. I'm always shopping for a low mileage Crown Vic LX Sport.

[@marquisdejustin]

You are a hoot. Next time I’m in Florida, let’s cruise to Ruth’s Chris in my Mark VI Givenchy!

[@MAINEiac06]

For the love of god Bill, I missed u.... great looking Town Car

[@AntonioCaruso906]

You have an OUTSTANDING Voice, greetings from Europe!!!

[@45cobden]

All it will need is one of these videos to really take off and Bill will be a star!

[@francislawlor4123]

BILL: didn't they have a commercial in the 70's or 80's with a man (gem cutter) splicing a priceless diamond in the back seat of Lincoln Continental, driving down the road?? 🧐💎💍🔎🥸🙈👏🎅🎄☃️☕❄❄🌟⛈🍸🍹🍾🥃🐐🐿🦇🦨🦅🐊🐊p.s. Stay Well and put the pedal to the metal!!

[@doug9066]

Your so right Bill. I stooped watching the news for local & national, I had enough. I hate wearing them too but I'll wear it if have to otherwise not. I think they are more harm than good plus I like breathing oxygen/fresh air.

[@doug9066]

@Sweetski1964 lol me too or watch DVD's. A much better world this way. 👍

[@SangermanSwag]

Thank you bill for being your self in these videos! One of the best automotive review channels on KZbin period. Just from your mannerisms.

[@kevins4426]

Your voice makes me happy when I hear it

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

L-O-V-E that car!!! welcome back Bill, you've been missed a lot!

[@davidkeller7893]

Every video is a history lesson. Love it.

[@tonyanderson8497]

Great car don’t see them that often anymore

[@zaygoro]

I’m a college kid who was gifted a 98’ this year. I wouldn’t trade it for anything else.

[@davidroberts6635]

Beautiful car and there is nothing on the road today that will ride as well as the big Lincoln Town car

[@hazmathauler4536]

Total class…this car and Bill 😎😎.

[@MrCarGuy]

The Pioneer seems to blend in color-wise on camera. At least they didn't choose some blue or purple radio.

[@NorceCodine]

I thought it looked good.

[@PremierAutoMan86]

Bill spoiled us then disappeared, glad you're back!

[@user-zy3nv1jy1m]

Probably went on a bender.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

@@user-zy3nv1jy1m LOL do you blame him? Sounds like a good idea, to me!

[@michaelpfaff6009]

1980-1984 were the years that the Town Car front and rear ends were very vertical. It was refreshed in 1985 (not 1986) and the front and rear ends became more aerodynamic and smoothed out and continued on through 1989.

[@ginolombardi1250]

Mike thanks for clarifying. If I recall, 1985-87 models were very similar apart from minor things like 86 they added the rear brake light in the back window, 87 saw taller headrests etc. 1988 and 1989 received the next minor facelifts

[@Logan24855]

I was raised in TownCars in my family my whole childhood and adulthood life. Driving a 2007 TownCar now, taupe 114k kms. Air suspension drives like a lazy boy on the highway 👍👍👍

[@NickMyers1]

I own 4 town Cars - a 90, an 03, 06 and 07. I love these cars - best car ford ever made. As long as the TV Cable bushing for the transmission stays in the throttle arm, the engine has oil, and the radiator has coolant, the car will run forever. Those late 80s were some of the best Ford ever made. Great automobiles.

[@montymatilda]

Agreed!

[@acts2211]

I've owned three of these cars 88 Lincoln and two 89 Lincoln's and they were absolutely the smoothest riding car ever made. Handle well,,,,,, absolutely not. a lot of roll in the car when it went around the corner but going down the highway in a straight line nothing could beat a Lincoln

[@patrickwithers2031]

Chipper Canadians in a mob car. What a thought.

[@patcurrie7808]

Got married in 1990, had 2 stretched towncars to shuffle the bridal party, one white and one silver. They were gorgeous!

[@guyfromsac1]

Another great one! "In the back you have these little pockets. Nice place to stuff a revolver ..."

[@Dutillac01]

I don’t think I agree with this guy politically, yet somehow, I’d love to have several beers with him🤔. He sounds like he’s not just smart, but also wise. Love that TownCar too.

[@youremybiggestfan]

Same here but he was entertaining to lissen to.. What a character. Sounds like some car salesman from a GTA game

[@michaelwhite2823]

You can like a person without liking their politics. You might even learn to understand why they have their views. There is nothing worse than those on either side who use their views as a badge of honor. Bill doesn't pretend to be a role model.

[@Dutillac01]

@@michaelwhite2823 I have to agree with you.

[@michaelwhite2823]

@@Dutillac01 You don't HAVE to agree with me, but our interest in cars could be a common ground if we had drinks with Bill. LOL

[@auvomesilampi6325]

What political views are you talking about?

[@mrl2l]

Once again Bill nice job true Mob car great video

[@akramkour1015]

Bill is back ppl Bill is back

[@bluejayloyal2293]

My late father bought a black 1988 town Car signature series. List price $31,000 but he bought it for $26,500 because it was the last 88.

[@phillipbouchard4197]

Hi Bill, Thanks for the video of this beautiful 1989 Town Car. I have a friend that has a 1989 Town Car as well although his is in Maroon color with red carriage roof. I was able to purchase in January of 2022 a 1989 Mercury Grand Marquis LS 50th Anniversary Edition sedan with the same dark blue carriage roof as your Lincoln. My Mercury has almost as many options as your Lincoln and some that you do not such as all exterior trim is in gold anodized which compliments the dark blue metallic paint color of the car. The trunk lid sports a gold anodized Luggage rack and the Mercury has the Opera lights on the pillar between the front and rear doors. Cornering lamps are also present as well as four mudguards and stainless steel vent shades. This 50th Anniversary package has a plaque on the dashboard indicating only 250 were built in this configuration. The interior is not blue leather as in your Lincoln but dark blue crush velour which I find cooler in summer and warmer in winter. At only 38,000.0 miles your Lincoln should have a long life ahead of it. Thanks again for the video.

[@foxgodrecords2752]

The door code is on a sticker on the trunk lid. Speaking of the deck lid, that soft-close feature is made possible by the trunk's Monkey Motor. The mid-'80s Firebirds and Camaros had huge hatches, and to keep the rear glass from shattering, GM installed a soft-close feature. My brother owned one of these Firebirds, and somehow the concept of a "Trunk Monkey" was born. It went like this: The hatch was lowered until the latch was engaged. That completed an electric loop that shocked the Trunk Monkey and turned on a light in the Trunk Monkey compartment. When the light turned on, the Trunk Monkey would leap out of the Trunk Monkey compartment with a crank handle and would then proceed to wind down the hatch. Once the hatch was secure, the Trunk Monkey would return to the Trunk Monkey compartment and hibernate. This was the Monkey Motor system.

[@mfgreviews5028]

This guy is what an American means. Independent thinker, understands freedom is not free, defends American values... and loves cars. Yep a true American!

[@thomasthetrain789]

Hey Bill! I really respect these full size luxury sedans from the 80’s. My grandpa had an 1988 brown town car and I wish we restored it from sitting and rusting. I have his 05 signature limited and constantly think of this model. Thanks for the video!

[@Titus-as-the-Roman]

I have absolutely no where to park it but I want an '88/'89 Lincoln Town car.

[@michaelburley9479]

HENRY Leland founded Cadillac and Lincoln. His son Wilfred was also involved with the Lincoln Motor Car Co.

[@MrMenefrego1]

I hate to disagree with the Great Bill, but, it was "Henry" Leland, not "William" Leland who created both Cadillac and Lincoln. Anyway, speaking of Lincoln... back in 1995 I worked for a car dealership in the (once) Great State of Illinois, when a magnificent, clean, well cared for, low-mile 1988 Lincoln Town Car came in on trade, I HAD TO HAVE HER! She was white with a burgundy leather interior, a moon roof, it was ordered with all the 'bells & whistles' (options). I met the older couple who had originally ordered it from Lincoln and were trading the beauty in for a smaller car, and had a chat with them. The first owner, a man in his 80's was selling it because his eyesight wasn't what it once was and he had to quit driving, his Frau wanted a smaller car. It had just 29-K on the odometer, was never driven in the winter or even the summer rain, he had it detailed every year; in short, that '88 Lincoln was his baby. Since it was nothing more than just another old car in 1995, I got her for a very low price. Twenty-five years later and that beautiful ole Lincoln still sits proudly in my garage, (but, it now sits in a Dutch garage in The Netherlands now that I am retired) I never drive her in the winter, although I do drive it in the rain occasionally. It's a bit difficult to navigate some of the little brick streets here, but she sure does get a lot of second looks 👀 and thumbs-up 👍 when I cruise through the little European streets! As of Sept. 2020 she has just 51-K on her silky smooth 302-ci V-8 with OD-transmission. I once took her to Germany on the Autobahn, she cruised at 110-MPH with no problem; of course there were Porsche's and Mercedes blasting past me like I was standing still, but, it was awesome nonetheless! I want to be buried with my Lincoln so my wife can't destroy it after I die! lol.

[@andrewcolsen]

It was Henry Leland that founded Cadillac first then Lincoln second

[@billace90]

A dusty rear seat? “Arggghhh....I’m am cursed with never having great detailing!” LOL!!!! Good to hear from you, Bill!

[@BonnieKay13]

I bought mine 7 years ago for $3500, I'll never sell it, it's perfect, it's luxury, it's ride, it's the last car you'll ever need to buy. Mine in the '02 model, only 200+K on it, runs like new.

[@BradThePitts]

I remember being fascinated how the white "side marker" light would stay on for the duration of the turn signal.

[@ROLXXII]

Beautiful machine and wonderfully enhanced by to those classic whitewall tyres.

[@acts2211]

The digital option really takes this car over the top at the time very modern

[@andregonsalvez9244]

My favorite Town Car the square box styling .

[@trigger5.563]

Make Lincon town cars great again 🇺🇸

[@jadziadax5365]

If they start making Town Cars again....in my opinion it must have the grille on front. This is what I dislke about the Navigator, MKX, MKZ and Blackwood.

[@ronmccullock1407]

Welcome back Bill I missed you

[@mercoid]

The Lincoln Town Car. “She owes money all over town!” --Walter Sobchak

[@aramos811]

Hello Bill - I agree with your comments. Folks are getting fooled by all the crap going on. I just don't understand where common sense is nowadays. I'm glad you are not drinking the cool aid and never will. Keep up the good work. This 88 Towncar is absolutely beautiful! Right up my alley...

[@thevillainmarcbowman6349]

I have an '88 Lincoln Town Car & I have a pioneer CD player with Bluetooth & I love that!

[@auntbarbara5576]

Dear Billy, speaking of '88 t/c's, your Uncle Sal & I saw cousin Stella from Garden City today!