The 1981 Lincoln Town Car
was a masterclass in luxurious design that rivaled even the Cadillacs of the day. It was the first model year for what would become a staple of the Lincoln collection as the company combined the Continental and Continental Town Car into this new model. The 1981 Town Car began what would become a 30-year production run that enticed buyers with its two-door or four-door offering. It also eliminated the big block engines that had been standard in its full-size cars and introduced smaller V8s for better fuel economy.
While there is a lot to love about the first-generation Lincoln Town Car, it’s important to consider the costs and benefits of buying a used version before you bring one home.
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Is the 1981 Lincoln Town Car a good car?
Engine type: 4.9L, 5.0L V8 3200 - 3600rpm
Seating capacity: Six passengers
Trim levels: Executive Series, Signature Series, Cartier Series
Beyond the luxurious look and feel, the 1981 Lincoln Town Car
had an economic engine and a lot of space. It was a great choice if you wanted to use your car as a daily commuter or travel in style with friends or family members. It’s still a fairly solid choice for a used vehicle, but you have to weigh the pros and cons. The 1981 Lincoln Town Car would be a worthy choice if you want the feeling of driving something substantial. The car was built to compete with the Cadillacs of the day, and the interior choices the designers made helped it stand up as a luxurious counterpart.
You might find a 1981 Lincoln Town Car in the following exterior shades:
You also had a few choices for the interior, including Deep Charcoal, Oxford White, and Light Parchment. But even if you have your heart set on a specific color combination, you might not be able to find that exact match on the used lots.
How much should a 1981 Lincoln Town Car cost?
The cost of a 1981 Lincoln Town Car can vary pretty widely based on factors like the mileage, how many previous owners, and its condition, among other factors. According to J.D. Power, a used 1981 Lincoln Town Car has a fair market value range of $1,875 to $10,100, depending upon the trim level.
Obviously, the higher the trim level, the more you’ll pay for the car.
Key Takeaway If you’re buying a 1981 Lincoln Town Car used, you can anticipate a price range between $1,875 to $10,100 depending on the trim level.
Where to buy a 1981 Lincoln Town Car
While there is an outside chance you can buy a 1981 Lincoln Town Car at a dealership, your best bet will probably be sites that sell classic cars, like the aptly named ClassicCars.com
. Most used car sites are not going to carry a vehicle that is forty years old. No matter where you find one, the site should tell you accident history, mileage, features, and reviews from previous owners.
The bottom line: should I buy a 1981 Lincoln Town Car?
The first-generation Lincoln Town Car was popular at the time, but it seems like the market for them has cooled off. While it did pave the way for luxury vehicles to follow, there are far more luxurious options available today with more bells and whistles that won’t break the bank. But if you want to buy something that set a historical precedent, the 1981 Lincoln Town Car
might be one to consider. After gaining inspiration from the Ford Panther’s rear-wheel-drive platform, the Lincoln Motor Company rolled out these luxury vehicles for the sole intent of mimicking a limousine, albeit one with better fuel economy. The concept worked and the Lincoln Town Car would eventually become the longest mass-produced sedan in North America. The cars became so popular that the term “town car” was forever linked with Lincoln.
Production was discontinued in 2011, ending a thirty-year run of excellence that established the vehicle in the public’s sedan imagination. If you are big on tradition, reliability, and decent handling for such a beast, the 1981 Lincoln Town Car might be one to consider.
How to find car insurance for the 1981 Lincoln Town Car
If you decide to find and buy a 1981 Lincoln Town Car, you’ll want to protect it with a good car insurance policy. The process for insuring a used car
differs from that for new cars. That’s why it’s a good idea to have the car insurance experts at Jerry
by your side. Jerry handles all of your car insurance needs, so you can relax in style. Just download the app, enter your information, and Jerry will take it from there.
By comparing quotes from our pool of 50+ top insurance companies, Jerry ensures you get the best rates available. Not only will Jerry help you switch to a new policy for your classic Town Car, but they will send new quotes every time your insurance comes up for renewal.
“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price. Jerry
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