26,969 Actual Mile Town Car Coupe 460 V8 3 Speed Auto A/C Survivor

SUMMARY

* This Lincoln is a 26,969-mile survivor
* Optional 460 cubic inch Ford 385-Series V8
* Ford C6 3-speed automatic transmission
* Factory CB radio
* Factory air conditioning
* Medium Chamois paint
* Chamois interior
* Factory power steering
* Factory power front disc and rear drum brakes

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Until you've been behind the wheel of a 'Motor City Behemoth' from the disco era, you just don't know what a smooth ride is. Lexus has made a fortune selling isolation, but this 1978 Lincoln Town Car takes it to an entirely different level. A special treat for Lincoln collectors, this luxurious full-size is an extremely well preserved survivor that's driven a mere 26,969 miles in almost 37 years. If you've been looking for a classic that's not only pristine but original, and not only original but unique, you'll have a hard time finding ANYTHING cooler that this!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Late '70s vintage is arguably the cleanest styling from the Malaise Era. And this coupe's delightful Medium Chamois on Chamois color combination is a very welcome change from the tepid palette we endure today. In fact, after seeing the concepts at this year's North American International Auto Show, the car's bright pigment is decidedly contemporary; proving once again that good taste never goes out of style. With that pigment comes acres of sheetmetal, which, thanks to decades of spending time in a dry garage, appears straight, clean and as crisp as the day it was stamped. That solid metal lines up beautifully, featuring wide doors, which open and close with ease. Tan pinstripes stretch neatly down the sides of one of the longest profiles ever built. And overall, this Lincoln's looks defy the decades its VIN suggests.

Speaking of fit and finish, everything on this incredible Dearborn creation is exceptionally well planned. And the car carries just the right amount of 'far out' bravado to inspire lust and exude presence. At the front of its massive body, a thick chrome grille anchors a sharp Lincoln gun sight between hidden headlights, V-ed parking lamps and a sculpted bumper. A characteristically linear profile complements big cornering lamps, small fender skirts and dent-free rocker guards with optional door trim, polished fender peaks and color-keyed body moldings. Like-new Lincoln-branded glass rides between classy frames, modernist mirrors and a color-keyed roof. And at the back of the car, a vast trunk hangs correct Lincoln ornamentation above intricate taillights and a second sculpted bumper.

ENGINE

The top engine for 1978 was Ford's smooth, powerful and reliable 385-Series 460. Topped by a requisite 4-barrel, the quiet mill glides this beast, and all its power accessories, with the silky torque of an electric motor, on its way to truly defining the word “luxury”. Like the rest of the car, the engine bay is immaculately preserved, from correct decals and Ford Blue block paint all the way to correct inspection markings and a familiar D1VE-6015-A2B casting number. Ideally suited for judging, this coupe will easily score very well in competition due to its astounding preservation. It runs as new, starting easily and idling almost imperceptibly. And on the highway, it wafts along effortlessly, virtually whispering at high speeds. There's simply nothing like a full-size American luxury car!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Ford's indestructible C6 3-speed makes the shifts, spinning a familiar 9-inch axle that's fitted with long-legged highway gears. That fully sorted drivetrain hangs in a factory-spec suspension, which duplicates Dearborn's smooth ride and reliable handling with the help of modern power steering. And power front disc and rear drum brakes are tough enough to reel this big cruiser in at will. Take special note of the condition of the floors, which still wear their factory-applied Satin Black skin. There's a single-pipe exhaust system that appears to be a combination of original and factory replacement equipment. And correct 'turbine spoke' wheels spin 225-15 Michelin whitewalls around black Lincoln center caps.

INTERIOR

Naturally, the Chamois interior is just as cool as the rest of the car, wrapping minimal wear in exquisite '70s luxury. Comfortable cloth seats are nicely stitched pieces that feel every bit as supple as they look. In front of those seats, a wood-trimmed dash hangs horizontal gauges and a cool Cartier clock above an AM/FM stereo, factory air conditioning and a factory CB radio. Below that dash, Chamois carpet shows a surprisingly minimal amount of wear thanks to heavy duty floor mats. At the sides of that carpet, stylish door panels seat a roster of power accessories in more wood trim. In front of the driver, an attractive steering wheel is fitted with requisite cruise control. And behind the passengers, the car's deep trunk conceals a small spare tire.

Now that they're over the AACA's 25-year age limit, '70s luxury cars are becoming increasingly popular as both show queens and road kings. These days, it seems everyone wants a high-strung curve carver, making this Town Car's superlative road manners, expansive comfort and smooth V8 the fruits of a bygone era. There simply can't be many Malaise Era cruisers that are nicer than this, and a classically themed Lincoln is most definitely the one to own. If you're looking for a spectacular classic that also happens to be a rather unique survivor, this fantastic full-size will not disappoint!