(Today, Sept. 15th, marks the 12th anniversary of the last Panther platform car ever produced. Enjoy this COAL submitted in its honor.)
“Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!”.
Anyone who is an inveterate car guy (or gal) might identify with this sentiment. For some of us, the inexorable pull into the car hobby leaves us defenseless to the charms of acres of hood, plush seating, shiny chrome, and the invitation to a long drive in supreme comfort.
For me, this was undoubtedly the case as I was drawn back into the orbit of classic car ownership with the purchase of yet another Lincoln, this one ten years newer than Mr. President, the 1979 in its stately wedgewood blue. As an aside, I am pleased to report Mr. President went on to ‘four more years’ and is still turning heads wherever he goes, like any good head of state with the requisite presence.
While I hesitated for a time while my brain hemispheres duked it out in their eternal struggle, eventually the desire to be back behind the wheel of a big American car could no longer be denied. And so, I started another partnership, this time with “Lloyd”. Lloyd has seen better days, but he can still dance better than most men his age. A dual exhaust and a 3.27 axle ratio helps some of the motivation, when the AOD can be bothered to respond to pedal inputs. As with many Panther bodies, it handles better than a car its size has any right to; it certainly is easier to deal with when pressed into ‘city car’ duties than did my Roadmaster.
As with many old men, you either live with their flaws, their grumpiness and idiosyncrasies, or take your leave. At various times I have had a little buyer’s remorse, such as when the Idle Air Control Valve decided to fail (and two subsequent replacements died in quick succession). My right brain was appalled that I purchased a car with a bad sunburn, and cracks in the dash and door card. What was I thinking? Or rather, what thinking was discarded?
And like for many old men, a time may well come when major surgery is in order. Aficionados may know of the fatal flaw with certain years of these cars: the throttle valve cable lets go, dropping fluid pressure to the transmission precipitously, and precipitating black death. And so it was with this one: my baffling string of good luck with old cars finally reached its end, and it was a choice between a rebuild or selling (or the word that dare not speak its name: scrap) for pennies on the dollar, as it were.
But after its stay in the hospital, Lloyd is looking forward to heading down that vast open road again, still being useful after all these years. And in spite of his flaws (and mine), Lloyd and I will head down that open road together. After all, looking back can be enjoyable, as long as that’s not all you do.
Further reading:
COAL: Mr. President And Me, One Man’s Love For The Big American Automobile, Again
Yup – I rue the day I have to stop using my Panther. My kid’s Avalon doesn’t hold a candle to my car’s silent quiet soft ride. The older it gets, the less I want to part with it. We’re getting old together, but I know that at over a quarter million miles, a decision will need to be made sooner than later. The trick is to find another Panther with the same handling and ride – most are too soft and lethargic. Perhaps I will want something else, perhaps new? Geez – who am I kidding? I want to turn back the odometer and have my car new again!
The trick is to find another Panther with the same handling and ride – most are too soft and lethargic.
I think your only option would be the bolt-on suspension and steering parts. I’ve never looked into it, but they’re supposedly still being made.
This Lincoln checks off the “Like” box for me, more than the later models with the sharp edges filed off…like the Chrysler Fifth Avenue, similarly angular.
Looking at the pictures, I want one. Who aspires to a CUV, anyway?
G. Poon: I will agree 100% with that.
What year are these wheel covers from? 60s?
I’m not certain as I didn’t ask the seller, but I think you’re very close to the Mark, er, mark.
1970-72, I believe.
I wouldn’t want one. But knowing they are out there and seeing them in use always makes me happy. And that interior is fantastic. I remember driving these in my car dealer days and they were better to drive than you would expect.
Ryan: What a great story and I love the names. For me too, there is just something about these older Lincoln’s and (for me) Cadillac’s that I just love. I was in my “prime” car-forming years in the early 80’s, so I think that’s why I like the late 70’s and 80’s cars so much. And I don’t think we will ever get seats like these again that are so comfy. Everything today has the sports like seats with hard edges that stick up and cause my legs to start going numb. I hate them. Then I get into my 1986 Cadillac Seville and I could ride in that car all day long. Your Lincoln is even better for those massive stretches of road.
Those caps: I agree with Robert that they are from the 60’s. Looks like caps from a suicide door Conti.
Re: seats. These are the dee-luxe bolstered seats. I have had seat time in both the base seats and these, and the ones in my 89 are much more comfortable for long hauls.
I love the color. The burgundy leather with just the right amount of visible wear. The exterior paint looks great in the pictures, I would have the paint touched up in spots if needed. A transmission rebuild is expensive, and as you mentioned, it’s a turning point. A decision has to be made, fix or move on. Once the commitment is made, it’s apparent that you will be holding onto the car. Good luck with this beauty!
A beautiful car even in it’s dotage .
Well worth overhauling the transmission and re spraying the hood IMO .
I don’t personally enjoy driving big Land Yachts but I certainly do understand their appeal .
-Nate
Hi Nate,
Thanks for reading.
The transmission rebuild is done, and I have a quote on the hood. The trans. rebuild was a little pricey, so I’m gathering up my pennies for any other future work.
Your experience with that miserable AOD transmission is all I think about when I look at one of these. If you spend the money on a rebuild, you still have an AOD, althoughat least one that works. Give me one a generation older (pre-80) or a generation newer (4.6 and AOD-E). But I am glad you enjoy it.
Well, J.P., I read your reminiscences on here with such fondness I had to go out and experience it for myself. 😛
I am enjoying it; it sort of splits the difference for me between classical styling and more modern fuel system. My first vehicle had a quadrajet so it basically soured me on carburetors.
It is a different experience than my 92 Vic. The 92 had the AOD as well (early build bastard block) but it never grenaded on me in quick order like this one did. I think they must have addressed the lousy nylon fastener for the tv cable by that point.
You have excellent taste. This often grumpy old man has had a life long love affair with the GREAT AMERICAN Luxury car. Have had RWD FLEETWOODS, 80s RWD Fifth Avenues, GRAND MARQUIS, and others. Once had a 78 Town Coupe, purchased with issues. The body and interior were in great shape, After investing a fair amount, much more needed to be done. Then my health failed and dreams of keeping it as a second car came to a sad end. The major issue with the 460 was the carburetor making it hard to start. But what a MONUMENT to the GREAT AMERICAN LAND YACHT! 👍 to your Mr. PRESIDENT. At that time my daily driver was an 83 Fifth Avenue with formal roof and plush velvet tufted seats. Fortunately my health improved. Later I purchased an 89 Signature Series, loved that Lincoln. 24 mpg on open road, smooth, elegant and comfortable. Major problem with that car was clear coat peeling. Just saw an 89 Signature listed on Ebay for a very reasonable price. But at my advanced age, decided it best to pass on a second car and drive my current low mileage 2007 Signature Limited as long as I am able. The last generation of Town Cars will probably be around long after I’m gone. A recent article referred to these last Town Cars as the American ROLLS-ROYCE. I’ll definitely keep this beauty. As a side note, as a kid, parents friends had a 50 DeSoto which they named Ferdie . Then they had a Lincoln known as ABE.