1983 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition Sedan
Designer edition Lincolns were introduced in 1976 and survived all the way to 2003. But in the days when People Magazine was a must read and "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" was must watch TV, the designer series provided an extra air of wealth to normal Lincolns. Givenchy, Bill Blass, Gucci, and Cartier got into the act and cobranded with Ford to offer the luxury Designer Series.
For consignment, a 1988 Lincoln Town Car Cartier Edition. The renowned French maker of fine jewelry was the only designer to lend its name that was not related to clothes. The garage kept edition is equipped with some extra bling as the Designer Series were strictly cosmetic, adding elements to the exterior and interior to dress things up.
Exterior
The definitive paint scheme of Silver Frost over Dark Titanium was an outward statement of your discerning taste. A darker Landau roof and polished rocker trimmings completed the profile which assured that the valet at the country club would not mistake your Town Car for another. The Rolls Royce inspired grille and double square headlights have a commanding appearance while the reflector strip on the trunk lid connects with the taillights for a distinctive Lincoln look. Additional exterior highlights include side opera lights, rear quarter windows, (where "Cartier" first appears), tinted glass, 15-inch chrome wire wheels and a factory moonroof. Overall, the paint on our car is near showroom with only a few stone chips and mars, as is the metal work and vinyl Landau top. We note some clear coat delamination on the wheels as the only major imperfection.
Interior
All the doors have gray panels, faux wood applique on the control pad, a door actuator housed in chrome, gray cloth inserts and carpeted bottoms. The broad and plush front bucket seats are covered in special edition cloth in pillow top padding and are in great shape with the Cartier logo embroidered mid-back. The back bench gets the same treatment to complement the cloud-like ride. A leather wrapped steering wheel contains cruise control switches and shares the column with the shifter. Three symmetric squares make up the digital gauge cluster while a panel of red idiot lights is located left. An aftermarket AM/FM/CD radio is enhanced with a Ford compact disc player, state of the art for 1988. A Cartier badge is on the dash strategically placed in front of the passenger and especially effective on date nights. Thick pile gray carpeting covers the floor and is topped with Cartier embroidered carpeted floor mats. The soft headliner is like new and the trunk, finished in a carpeted cover, is clean.
Drivetrain
A fuel injected 5.0 liter V8 is under the hood and is rated at 160 horsepower. It is tied to an AOD 4-speed automatic transmission which sends power to Ford 8.8" rear end with 3.27 gears and TracLoc. Power disc brakes are supplied up front with power drums in the rear. Under the hood we find a relatively clean engine bay but we note the hood pad shows some wear.
Undercarriage
Surface rust on all the usual components is expected but otherwise relatively clean underneath. We note some residual oil on the oil pan, flywheel cover, and transmission pan. Coil spring suspension in front with a 4 link and coil springs in the rear. The car is also equipped with a self leveling system which automatically pumps air into the rear shocks when it senses weight in the back. The exhaust comes off the engine into a Y and remains a single exhaust into the stock style muffler and exiting without fanfare in the back.
Drive-Ability
It seems like everyone had a family member at one time or another who owned a Lincoln and the ride brings back all the good memories. A smooth and quiet ride, soft seats and suspension, floaty around turns and a bit like steering a boat. Regarded and remembered as some of the best riding cars in modern times, Lincolns are renowned for comfort and this one doesn't disappoint. That said, we do have to note imperfections and that includes a radio that is operable, rear windows that need assistance up and down, and high beams that flash but do not lock on.
The Design Editions were for discerning luxury car buyers who wanted just a little bit more. Today, they're a remnant symbol of 80's opulence and our fascination with high end brands and recognizable names. The top of the line in 1988 is now an affordable collectible that stands out among the cookie cutter world of modern cars. Styles change, but Lincoln and Cartier are still around, a testament to their greatness.
1LNBM83FXJY821861
1-USA
L-Lincoln
N-Passenger Car
B-Manual Belts
M83-Town Car Cartier 4 Door Sedan
F-5.0L V8
X-Check Digit
J-1988
Y-Wixom, MI Assy Plant
821861-Sequential Unit Number
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