5k: Landau? Try Depends: 1989 Ford LTD Crown Victoria, Minty Clean
In 1982 Ford split the LTD sedan into two models, the mid-sized LTD on the Fox platform, and the full-sized LTD Crown Victoria. The Crown Vic remained a body-on-frame Panther platform behemoth powered by Ford Windsor V8s. To add further confusion, the top of the line LTD Crown Victoria was originally called the LTD Landau and Crown Victoria was just a decor package typified by the big chrome band that ran from B-pillar to B-pillar over the roof like a ‘crown.’ Find this 1989 Ford Crown Victoria LTD for sale in Shawsville, VA currently bidding on ebay for $3,603 reserve-not-met with a 4 days to go.
This is a minty clean Ford LTD Crown Victoria LX with only 43k miles on the odometer and it looks like it just rolled off the showroom floor. The seller in this auction is an expert at car presentation and aside from the ALL-CAPS, FANCY COLORS, HUGE FONT, and lack of any appreciable details on the vehicle history (original owner(s), rebuilds, receipts proving odo reading, repaint?)…it is a great ad with Ansel Adams quality photos and will probably fetch top dollar if the reserve isn’t astronomical.
This LTD is equipped with Ford’s legendary Windsor 5.0 liter fuel-injected V8. The realities of smog regulations meant that it only put out 150 horsepower when new…but additional ponies are at your fingertips with all manner of camshaft, throttle body, fuel injector, etc modifications ready to turn this Panther into a man-eater. But would you really want to pimp out this cream puff?
In its typical junkyard setting, the 80s interior looks dated and lame, but in this showroom clean example it looks sorta rad and we could image enjoying sitting in it. We also like the fact that it uses a front bench seat with column shifter…sure its not ‘sporty,’ but there is nothing sporty about a 99% of the new cars on the market and the bench seat gives you seating for 6. Bring back the bench seat!!
The vinyl top on this one is described as a Landau top by many, but it is technically more of a “half-full” top since it extends past the C-pillars, halfway up the roof like a bad receding hairline. The traditional Landau top covers only the rear 1/3 of the roof and stops just forward of the C-pillar. This faux convertible vibe was an attempt to evoke a classic Landaulet type car wherein the high-class politician/dictator passengers could enjoy the sun and fresh air and wave to the proletariat masses, but the chauffeur was confined to the enclosed front of the cabin, hidden from view. Today the only Landau style vinyl tops you’ll see on new cars are aftermarket add-ons bought by blue haired grannies who don’t remember the Landaulet classics, but are stuck in the classy days when fake luxury was available straight from the factory.
See a better classic ’80s cruiser sedan? email us here: tips@dailyturismo.com
Bravo gentlemen, you have redeemed yourselves.
I am the same anonymous commentator you honored with the COW award for my disparaging remarks about the Cadillac Allanté featured previously. Thank you!
And THIS is a far better value, imho, if one is searching for vintage a American "luxury?" car.
The "?" was added to emphasize that, compared to European rivals, American luxury cars of the era took a questionable approach to luxury. Pillow-top velour, fake wood and a landau top do not a luxury car make.
HOWEVER, the LTD Crown Vic presented here, at the current bid, is a huge value compared to the Cadillac. I know the reserve isn't met yet, and I hope it's not ridiculous, but if one could snag this example for under $5-6K I'd say "well bought."
I also have some personal experience with this model, nearly this identical car Рmy best friend's father in high school got one as a company car. Unlike the Allant̩, the Ford benefits from a traditional front engine, rwd configuration. Which also made it a favorite of police cruisers. And, for a big heavy car with leaf springs in the back, it was kinda fun to drive. I can distinctly recall hurling it down S. Rowell Ave in Joliet Illinois, when it was a remote gravel road, sliding the tail from side-to-side, trying to kiss the rear wheels from one ditch to the other, having a grand ball of a time, praying that we did not wreck the thing. Fittingly, that very stretch of road is now the site of the Chicagoland Speedway NASCAR track.
And it was comfortable to ride in, in the classic American pillow-top manner. I agree with you on the bench seat as well — bring it back! There is more room for shenanigans in that thing than an Irish pub.
This example looks ridiculously clean. The Windsor 5.0, as you've noted, offers a myriad of choices for performance upgrades, but I personally would leave it more-or-less stock. I think honestly the 150 hp might have been slightly underrated, but it's also worthwhile to note that this engine produced a generous amount of tire squealing torque, and really, that's all that's necessary when you want to drive a Freemason's car like you stole it. You can easily drift this thing with 6 kids . . . er . . . polite young role models . . . in it. Trust me. You can.
But of course you shouldn't, because that would be naughty.
Bravo, bravo.
I don't think these panther cars ever had leaf springs, as mentoned??? I always thought they all were rear coils.
~ i've experienced a Mercury Grand Marguis with similar appeal, given to me by my dad when he quit driving. it was his favorite ride of his lifetime of interesting stuff. and i also had the misfortune to have procured an Allante from auction. i cringe when i am forced to consider all of it's problems and the endless flow of dollars to make and keep it driveable until i could finally wholesale it. but i still like the simple lines. somewhat less ostentatious than the 450SL, et al, it had been targeted towards.
Thats IT!
Gimme a break! Goddamn velour interior grandpa cars………………Jesu Chrti. Tied a chain to it and dump it in the nearest harbor
Now lets get backs to the good shight!
Well, us grandpas have to drive something! After owning several panther platform cars, I loved them for what they are. You – sure don't have to buy one. What do you drive?
Brilliant Choice….for anyone seeking to park ticket-free in a handicapped parking spot. Need to haulazz from LA to NY? No problem. Bystanders will naturally assume that car, at speed, MUST be heading to the nearest hospital to join a dying family member.
That is a awesome car….. Wish I had it!!
it is for sale ?