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The Lincoln Town Car is considered one of the finest American-made luxury cars. Along with its substantial length and width, the Town Car features a V-8 engine, rear-wheel drive, and expansive interior space. As the flagship of the Lincoln luxury car division, the Town Car is known for its pillowy ride and extensive use of chrome.

The car measures 18 feet (5.49 meters). The L Edition, 18-1/2 feet (5.64 meters) long, provides extra shoulder and leg room in the front and rear passenger compartment. The present engine is a 4.6L v-8 with a four-speed automatic transmission. Other specifications include a 19-gallon fuel tank and an empty weight of 4,467 pounds.

History

The name Town Car first appeared on a Lincoln sedan custom-built for Henry Ford in 1922. Since then, the name was used for several Lincoln models from 1959 to 1980. In 1981, the Lincoln Town Car became an individual model; in the same year, Lincoln designated the Town Car as its flagship. Three generations of Lincoln Town Car have gone to market.

Before 1981

The name Town Car was affixed to a limo-like edition of the Lincoln Continental in 1959. Black was the only color option and the vehicle boasted a unique-for-the-time padded vinyl roof. After 1959, the Town Car name disappeared for 10 years. The name reappeared in 1969 as a luxury interior trim option for the Lincoln Continental. This designation surfaced again in 1971 and continued until 1980, with the car's appointments including a padded vinyl roof and super-plush interior. The Town Car has been exclusively a sedan, except for when the name was applied to the Town Coupe from 1975 to 1980.

First Generation

The first-generation 1981-1989 Town Cars had a front grille and body style similar to the late 1970s Continental. But the car also had many features that were considered advanced for the time. These included an optional JBL audio system with 12 speakers and six-way power seats.

Note: Even though it was not until 1981 that the Town Car was a separate model, in 1980, Lincoln began producing what was then known as the Continental Town Car on the Panther platform, the same platform upon which the Mercury Grand Marquis and Ford Crown Victoria models were - and continued to be - constructed. Also, this year saw the end of the 400- and 460-cubic inch engines and the switch to the 302-cubic inch (5.0L) v-8.

Second Generation

The 1990 Town Car saw a major body design change. Outside, designers broke away from the 1970s overall angular look, which included replacing the Rolls-Royce style grille with a more aerodynamic one. The revised interior featured new seats, inside door panels, and dashboard. Also innovative for the time was an advanced messaging system that alerted the drive to Average Fuel Economy, Fuel Remaining (in gallons), Distance to Empty, and Instant Fuel Economy. Rear air suspension was also added. In addition, there were Signature-series units that featured a Jack Nicklaus version, a 75th Diamond Anniversary edition, and a Spinnaker Edition, all with special paint themes and logos. Named Motor Trend's Car of the Year for 1990, the car now had four trim levels: Town Car, Executive Series, Signature and Cartier, with the Cartier the top of the line in both features and price. In 1991, Lincoln introduced the Ford SOHC Modular v-8 into the car, which replaced the Ford 302 motor. This generation of Lincoln Town Car was very popular; the car sold over 100,000 units yearly.

Third Generation

An even more rounded body style premiered in 1998. It included sloping trunk and cat-eye headlights. The Town Car was now three inches shorter but wider by two inches, taller by one inch and heavier by 600 pounds. The Town Car of today is essentially unchanged since this time, but by 2003, the Ultimate replaced the Cartier as the top of the line.

Of note is that the Town Car dominates the United States limousine market. It is the only stretch luxury car still manufactured with frame construction, which is a production method less complicated than unibody for this type of vehicle. The Town Car continues to be considered a top chauffeured automobile and one of the best vehicles for roominess, comfort and a quiet ride.