Amidst the Thanksgiving rush at Whole Foods the other day, I spotted this stately-looking 1995-1997 Lincoln Town Car parked at the edge of the parking lot. Its superb condition first caught my attention, but noticing its color combination, I immediately thought of the Bill Blass Designer Series, which frequently used white and navy blue. Bill Blass was first offered on the Lincoln Mark IV, as one of the original “Designer Series” editions, beginning in 1976. It would continued to be offered on the Mark Series all the way up to the Mark VII’s final year in 1992, making it the longest-running, and ultimately the last Designer Series for the Mark.
There was never a Bill Blass Town Car, but this one sure could’ve been. This one is actually a Signature Series, with the “Presidential” dealer-installed (I believe) coach roof and emblems. The 1995-1997 model years are my favorite Town Cars. They’re one of the few post-Malaise Era cars that could really wear the the coach roof and extra chrome well. The BBS-style Lincoln wheels even look great with white walls. I think Bill Blass would have approved.
Yes, my Dad had a 94, just a plain roof, but it was super quite and very comfortable on long drives.
These Designer Editions puzzled me when they came out, as they made me feel like I lived under a rock, not having heard of these men. Having learned that they were fashion big-shots, I then wondered what sort of buyer, besides Vogue or GQ readers, should be impressed by such name-dropping. The Eddie Bauer Explorer is another example; I didn’t know who the heck he was or why SUV buyers should be impressed.
How about a John Muir edition Outback? Or a Ralph Nader edition Volvo?
There is an LL Bean edition Outback. I’m not sure he counts as a designer, but it does seem like an appropriate choice for their customers.
Anybody remember the AMC Levi’s Jeans editions?
While I’m not a fan of the carriage roof treatment, this Town Car’s body style (1990 – 1997) is to my eye, without question, one of the most handsome, traditional American luxury sedans ever built.
This series Town Car has presence and grace. It discreetly announces its understated elegance from two blocks away.
What a fine machine!
Very nice car! This is my favorite generation of Town Car, and a slick-top one in Cartier trim would be at the top of my list.
This one is definitely a 1997, as the “Signature Series” script moved from the opera window to the front fender that year.
I was always kind of disappointed with these designer editions. Only the AMC ones seemed to have any real character that related to the design house. Check out the Gremlin Levi edition and the Pierre Cardin Matador to see what I mean!
Exactly.
You forgot the mother of all Designer AMC’s! The Gucci Hornet Sportabout!
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/blog/qotd-whats-the-best-way-to-sell-a-cc-a-1972-hornet-gucci-sportabout-more-specifically/
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-american/curbside-classic-1972-amc-hornet-gucci-sportabout-the-first-fashion-designer-mobile/
I have seen a Bill Blass Mark VII but thought it was a dealer commissioned conversion.
I thought the Matador designer series was a bit better than the Lincoln designer series….too bad the folks at AMC didn’t have something along the lines of a “personal luxury coupe” to apply them to.
The Bill Blass started life as one of the designer editions, but by the late 80’s it was a trim level of the Mark VII. You either had a Blass or an LSC, those were the two choices. (SE being an LSC sub-series).
I, too, think this TC wears the colors well. My only quibbles are the pinstripe (needs to be more bold, and preferably two-tone blue and gold) and the chrome arch trim. Whenever I see it on a car after, say, 1990 or so, I always assume it’s to cover up rusted arches. Probably not the case here, but that’s where my mind automatically goes…
more like, under the chrome arches you will find rust…
I’ve always loved contrasting/complimentary color schemes on big cars like this.
A few Florida dealers did “tuxedo editions” of these cars with white exterior, black vinyl roof, and black leather interior with white trim. Very classy.
Some cars wear carriage roofs fairly well, and this is one.
This car is so perfectly Rhode Island. Reminds me of my Grandfather and all his cars. His last was a 97 Mercury Grand Marquis. Great find Brendan.
There’s a couple of disadvantages with the mid-90s Town Cars:
— some had the infamous plastic intake manifold, which would break without warning.
— rear suspension air bags frequently failed: often successfully replaced with coil springs.
— plastic headlights, which often became opaque, hindering light output. Glass is better.