19th Oct 2012, 20:29
These old yachts are neat cars, but I'd rather have something along the lines of an old Mercedes/Volvo for regular driving.
For being such big cars, those old ships didn't have much room to work with.
20th Oct 2012, 03:25
Thanks! Original owner here, yeah the mid-late 70's was a horrible time in performance for every car made during those years. I wish I had the 460 in my Lincoln, that would have have made a huge difference. But I understand what was going on then, and accept the fact that these tankers were slugs. My 72 Caddy had way more power compared to this Lincoln, because of that huge 472 engine and less government regulation on emissions, but it didn't ride as nice. For me it's all about comfort and silence, I don't want to feel or hear the road below me while driving.
The majority of people today look at these old land yachts and just cringe. Sure, they're gigantic and a little too "big" in certain cases, but they have a presence, unlike today's plastic econo boxes zipping around town. These were the days when America built cars for "Americans". To see how the US automakers are heading towards a global platform to satisfy the needs of consumers from Japan to Germany, gives me no hope that GM or Ford will ever build a luxury car that is truly a standout, a large true full sizer with the intent of comfort, not stiff handling for the American market. The Chrysler 300 is the only modern luxury car that I feel still resembles classic American taste, with bold intimidating styling and a car that is manly for once. RWD with a big engine, a long wheelbase, which equals a soft riding cruiser. We don't have cruisers anymore, what we have are appliance cars to "Zoom" around in. I'm 28 years old, and love big cars, I didn't even grow up around classic 70's Cadillac's and Lincolns, I never saw these cars on the road when I was a kid, but I know when I see something attractive, and this car is.
My friends think I'm insane, but once they ride in one of them, their minds change real fast! To all you big car lovers out there, keep on cruisin', and continue to enjoy what American style and comfort was all about.
20th Oct 2012, 03:43
BTW, yes, the older 70's-90's Fords and GM RWD vehicles used a lot heavy duty parts, this is why they rarely if ever break down. The mechanics were solid, it's just the little things that wouldn't last as long, such as certain electrical components or the interior trimmings. Having a full frame, RWD setup, a big V8 with beefy suspension parts, you can drive these things forever.
You didn't have to be delicate either when driving these old cars, they just kept on taking the beatings with every new mile added to the odo. Oh yeah, and if your car has a metal bumper, a fender bender isn't that big of deal. Just feel sorry for the little poor Toyota in front of you ha ha.
20th Oct 2012, 11:07
If 70's-90's Fords were so tough, I wouldn't be seeing them at scrapyards with broken transmissions. Yes, they have tough frames, but all that weight will take its toll some day.
Modern plastic sedans can ride well, fit far more than these old ships, park easier, and get MPG with more than one digit.
Yes, in a fender-bender with a Toyota, these old things will more than likely come out the winner, so what?
Should we all drive huge beasts with no interior space, and make do with 7 MPG around town?
21st Oct 2012, 09:54
Yeah, maybe you're right, maybe we should all drive a rinky dink, dust buster looking, me too Prius, that I could fit in the trunk of my mid 90's Town Car.
21st Oct 2012, 19:58
"no interior space" huh?
Name me one modern sedan from today that seats 6 passengers comfortably.
Ain't gonna happen.
21st Oct 2012, 23:32
Only 7 MPG around town? The Ford 400 V8 will get 10-12 MPG city, if in good running order with a slow driver.
22nd Oct 2012, 18:03
"Name me one modern sedan from today that seats 6 passengers comfortably."
That question itself has a false basis, it assumes that 6 passengers will fit in comfort in a Continental without actual proof. But for the record, even the biggest American trucks cannot seat 6 full-sized people comfortably.
"Only 7 MPG around town? The Ford 400 V8 will get 10-12 MPG city, if in good running order with a slow driver."
And thus 7 MPG under normal city driving with a normal foot.
23rd Oct 2012, 04:44
First of all, no modern car today can fit the amount of passengers like you could in an old 70's Lincoln or Cadillac, now that is the truth. I could fit 8 people in my 78 if I wanted to, the rear seat leg/knee room is massive as well as shoulder, hip and head room. 6 can spread out comfortably with space to spare.
This car isn't my daily driver, please understand that, so MPGs don't matter to me, it's a weekend cruiser. And I am sure if Lincoln or Cadillac made cars like this still, there would definitely be a market for them, but the US automakers would need to make the car very stylish and attractive. Not the late model whale-ish Town Car design, something much more edgy and youthful.
What do you mean "So What", if my Lincoln wins in a crash or fender bender? It is important!! That's the whole point, this thing will batter through the majority of modern cars without any significant damage. Saves me money in the long run, as well as my life in case of a serious crash.
As for broken trannys being seen in junkyards, I didn't know a Ford C6 was such a bad tranny as well as the AOD... (sarcasm). Honestly though, the main reason why we don't see these cars on the road anymore is because of high gas prices or neglect; that, and many of the older people that purchased these cars new, have died off. Plus Americans being influenced by European and Japanese cars, they wanted a change. In some ways, change was forced upon us by the US auto industry following the styling cues of foreign brands, that has destroyed the uniqueness in American car styling.
23rd Oct 2012, 09:10
American car styling has gone down the gutter. It was one thing when everything looked like a Taurus, but now we have Darts that look like Hyundais. Though, you don't need a huge tank for genuine American styling.
My statement on transmissions is true though, but I will be fair and assume that the cars were owned by elders, thus they've sat a while.
And yeah, so what about the car being tough in fender benders? I've driven many old cars and never ended up in an accident, including one with no brakes!
Then again, those cars could take a corner or two.
18th Oct 2012, 19:54
Great review, thanks for sharing your ownership experience with us.
I have had similar cars (1981 Pontiac Parisienne, 1984 Buick LeSabre) and currently drive a 89 Crown Victoria. Nothing compares to the smooth enjoyable driving experience of these rear wheel drive land yachts. They are very reliable too. I have a short commute, and use mine as a daily driver, as well as for long trips on the highway, which is really where these cars excel.
I find these older gas guzzling cars actually save me a lot of money, as they rarely ever break down, parts are common, mechanics are heavy duty and overbuilt, and insurance is very cheap, not to mention the purchase price as well. I have had newer cars, and the parts like brake pads wear out very quickly, and are always expensive.
Smooth sailing, enjoy your classic!