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 (239) 263-8500.