1978 Lincoln Continental Town Car review from North America

The gear shifter broke inside the steering column at 153,000 klms.

Since 1980, the previous owner properly maintained this car using only quality parts so the future looks bright.

Had the car sprayed at a rust control place, as did the previous owner. Will do it every year. Best $109 (cdn) I could spend.

For all practical purposes it's quick enough, but it really shines above 80 klms an hour. Had a tach in my last car, which was the same car as this one, and at highway speed 100 klms an hour, the engine's only doing about 1,850 rpm. Factory rear end gear was 2.50,and 2.75 optional.

If you only do city driving and like quick standing starts, get some stiffer gearing out back as I later did in my last Lincoln. The car felt like it shed 1,000 lbs.

The thing I like best about my Town Car is how relaxing it is to go from point A to point B. With the arm rest down, I feel like I'm in my living room. The car is quiet and the engine has the torque to make the car move around with ease. Anyone who's driven a compact car and then drove a 70's Lincoln will know what I mean. Fatigue free driving is the best I can describe it.

My previous '78 460 Town Car that I bought for $100 lasted 6 years. It still runs great, but the body was in terrible shape when I bought it. My present Town Car being in great shape all around should last me 'till I croak.