With boosted efficiency, the 1986 Lincoln Town Car didn’t reinvent the wheel—but it did give the wheel a bird-eye maple wood trim (and some luxurious floor mats).

For just $7,000, the most iconic luxury sedan of the '80s can be yours. The Town Car began as a competitor against

Cadillac

. Over time, the model gained popularity for its best-in-class reliability, undeniable style, and timeless curb appeal.

Today, potential Town Car owners still comb the web for that perfect vintage beauty. However, every generation of Lincoln Town Car is different, making it essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing one.

Unsure where to start? Jerry, the

car insurance

comparison

super app

, has you covered. We’ve gathered all you need to know about the 1986 Lincoln Town Car—from key features to where to find one.

Is the 1986 Lincoln Town Car a good car?

Fair Market Value: $3,750 to $8,600

Engine type: 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated, Ford Windsor V8

Fuel economy: 18 mpg

Seating capacity: Six passengers

Trim levels: Base, Signature, Cartier-Designer

With two exclusive trim options, the

1986 Lincoln Town Car

was (and still is) a top luxury contender. But this stylish sedan was more than its look. The 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated engine offered plenty of power—especially for a long family vehicle.

1986 also introduced Lincoln’s new sequential multiport electronic fuel injection, low-friction roller tappets, and fast-burn combustion chambers. This made the 1986 Lincoln Town Car faster and more efficient than ever before, outperforming many similarly priced competitors.

Lincoln knew that drivers didn’t come their way for power alone. Consumers wanted true luxury, and the Cartier trim delivered with a jeweler's touch. Here are some of the elegant features included in the Cartier package:

Dove gray vinyl coach roof

Crystal clearcoat metallic paint

Black bird-eye maple interior accents

Dark red Cartier insignia and script

Auto dim headlights

Keyless entry (in 1986!)

Heated rearview mirror

Power-pulldown trunk

The Signature trim wasn't too shabby, either. This edition came with six-way power seats, Cambria cloth, sound insulation, and sand beige upholstery. It’s clear that the 1986 Lincoln Town Car settled for nothing less than luxury.

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How much should a 1986 Lincoln Town Car cost?

The price of a used 1986 Lincoln Town Car varies based on mileage, condition, and trim. On the low end, you can expect costs from $1,500 to $4,000. This price suits high-mileage Town Cars that need lots of maintenance and interior repairs.

Still, Lincolns sold roughly the same vehicle for over 100 years. Expect solid reliability on any model year of the Town Car.

On the other end of the spectrum, pristine 1986 models go for $8,000 to $11,000. The Cartier edition is a particularly coveted collector car. Prices will range based on your location and seller.

Key Takeaway Depending on the year, trim, and required maintenance, expect to pay somewhere in the $2,000 to $8,000 range for a 1986 Town Car.

Where to buy a 1986 Lincoln Town Car

While it’s possible to track down a used 1986 Lincoln Town Car from local dealers or individual sellers, we recommend sites like

Carfax

and

Carvana

These sources work hard to give a full overview of each vehicle that's up for sale. You’ll read about each Town Car’s accident history, mileage, features, and reviews.

Comprehensive information helps you make the most informed car-buying decision. It also cuts back on those nasty surprises that sometimes come with used car shopping.

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The bottom line: Should I buy a 1986 Lincoln Town Car?

If you’re looking for a timeless, show-stopping Sunday driver, the 1986 Lincoln Town Car won’t disappoint. However, this is not a reliable daily ride.

Driving a 1986 Lincoln Town car of any trim is like driving a piece of history—for better or for worse. Lincoln’s dependable V8 engines ensure that most Town Cars drive well for their age. However, you risk frequent repairs by pushing this vintage automobile to its limit.

If you’re after that classic town car look, a more modern iteration, like the '95 or '03 models, won’t disappoint. However, 1986 is the only year with a design crossover.

The 1986 Lincoln Town Car is a vehicle for true auto enthusiasts chasing that nostalgic rush..

How to find car insurance for the 1986 Lincoln Town Car

If you’re buying this beloved vintage sedan, you’ll need one thing: great insurance. The problem is insurers often rope consumers into overpriced, under covered policies.

That’s where

Jerry

, the

car insurance

comparison super app, can help. Just download the app, enter your basic information, and let Jerry handle everything from there.

By compiling quotes drawn from a pool of 50+ top insurance companies, Jerry ensures you’re getting the best rates available. In fact, Jerry users save an average of $800+ a year on car insurance.

“Because I have a luxury car, I was more interested in finding better coverage than the exact price.
Jerry
helped me upgrade my policy, and when my record is cleared next year, I will be using Jerry again to choose an even cheaper plan!” —Paige W.

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