Among the most loved luxury sedans of its generation, the Lincoln Town Car
made drivers a simple promise: best-in-class luxury meets top-of-line reliability. The 1980 edition delivered on this promise—albeit, in a much smaller package. The first Town Car was designed in 1922 and exploded in popularity. By the '50s and '60s, Cadillac and Lincoln were the top sellers for cushioned limousines like the Town Car.
Still, not all Lincoln Town Cars were built equally. 1980 is the last of the Continental lineup: the longest, plushiest driver of the bunch.
Looking to learn about these automotive gems (or buy your own)? Jerry’s
experts have you covered. We’ll explore what makes the 1980 Lincoln town car so iconic, from specs to where to find your own. Sit back and relax—Jerry, the car insurance
comparison super app
, will take it from here. Is the 1980 Lincoln Town Car a good car?
Engine type: 4.9-liter V8, 130 hp @ 3400 RPM
Seating capacity: Six passengers
Trim levels: Standard, Signature Series
The 1980 Lincoln Town Car
was the last American-manufactured vehicle to reduce its size from a full-size vehicle, making it the shortest Lincoln ever created. Sedans were much longer (and wider) before the 1980s. The previously limo-like Town Car had many skeptics leading up to its 1980 release. Big shoes aside, the 1980 model delivered—both in power and space. The 4.9-liter engine was a major upgrade compared to the previous model. The Town Car retained its six-passenger maximum occupancy despite a smaller body.
The chassis, built on Ford’s Panther platform, offered an exceptionally smooth driving experience. This led many drivers to endearingly refer to the 1980 Town Car as “The Boat,” for the ability to sail any road smoothly.
The 1980 Lincoln Town Car also came with boatloads of luxurious features like electronic engine control, keypad entry, and a remote-controlled right-side mirror. Those investing in the Signature series saw a wide selection of exclusive color palettes and lighted entry.
Here are some popular colors for the 1980 Lincoln Town Car:
Medium Fawn moondust (premium)
Chamois Moondust (premium)
Pine Opalescent (premium)
Diamond Blue Metallic (premium)
The 1980 Lincoln Town car also offered various convertible vinyl roof colors, from rich royal blues to chilling gunmetal grays. Because what's luxury without personalization?
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Start earning nowHow much should a 1980 Lincoln Town Car cost?
The cost of a 1980 Lincoln Town car depends on three aspects: mileage, location, and condition. Lucky shoppers could land a decently maintained Town Car for as low as $3,800, but that’s not a realistic expectation for every region.
Fair market value places the cost of a 1980 Lincoln Town car between $3,800 and $15,800. The latter might seem like a pretty penny for a sedan of 40+ years—and it is. But this value only applies to pristine, low-mileage, Signature-edition Town Cars, which are few and far between.
Key Takeaway A used 1980 Town Car will likely cost less than $6,000, but expect steeper price tags for well-maintained, low-mileage vehicles.
Where to buy a 1980 Lincoln Town Car
Depending on your location, it is not difficult to track down a 1980 Lincoln Town Car from a private dealer or individual seller. Still, we don’t recommend buying from an untrusted source.
Sites like Carfax
and Carvana
are helpful because they clearly report each vehicle’s entire accident history, mileage, features, and reviews. This ensures you’re never surprised by the cost or maintenance needs of a used car. Trusted sources also help you calculate your monthly payments. This makes it easy to budget your new (old) ride and get to the road.
The bottom line: Should I buy a 1980 Lincoln Town Car?
As the last American-manufactured vehicle to downsize, the 1980 Lincoln Town is a relic of history you can drive today. While later models shook up the Town Car mold, Lincoln’s 1980 edition is like a reunion tour—rehashing the Town Car’s elements in a smaller package.
For this reason alone, the 1980 Lincoln Town Car is a great collector's item. Most of these cars are still drivable thanks to their durable build and design. However, that doesn't mean they are for every auto enthusiast.
If this old boat excites you, explore affordable options. If you’re feeling lukewarm about the design, or want something even more classic (and larger), then you’re better off shopping for another era.
How to find car insurance for the 1980 Lincoln Town Car
When you go all-in on a luxury, vintage vehicle (like the Lincoln Town Car), you realize one thing: Insurance is expensive—even when buying used
. That’s where Jerry
, the top-rated car insurance
comparison super app
, comes in. With a 4.6/5 rating on the App Store, Jerry lets you take a comfortable back seat in the car insurance comparison shopping process. Just download the app, enter your basic information, and let Jerry work cost-saving magic—so you never overpay.
By gathering quotes from 50+ top insurance companies, Jerry ensures you’re getting the best rates available. Not only will Jerry help you switch to a new policy on shiny new Town Car, but you’ll also see new quotes before each renewal to stay on top of your savings.
“I used Jerry
to switch from my old insurer to Progressive. I’m now paying half of what I used to! It’s nice to know Jerry will continue to monitor my account and alert me to new rates.” —Keilah S.