Photo: Woldwide Vintage Autos
Back in 1971, the Chevrolet Caprice came with a 6.6-liter V8 as standard. Not only was this engine pretty underwhelming at 255 horsepower, but it was thirsty as well at 11.2 MPG (21 liters per 100 kilometers). And as you’re well aware, the American automotive industry had to change.
The first oil crisis ushered in the Malaise Era, which ran until 1983, when the U.S. economy started to bounce back. Some say this woeful period actually ended when the Ford Mustang climbed to more than 200 horsepower for the first time since the early 1970s, while others argue in favor of the national speed limit being raised to 65 miles per hour (105 kph) in 1987.
Whatever side you’re on, we can all agree that sports cars from this era are grossly awful. The same can be said about the 7.5-liter V8 in this Lincoln Continental Town Car, which develops a less-than-ideal 208 horsepower. It is a dramatic difference over the 365-horsepower rating from 1971, but on the upside, torque was more than appropriate at 356 pound-feet (483 Nm).
Finished in green for the bodywork and a lighter shade of green for the vinyl roof, the Continental Town Car in the photo gallery is the epitome of ‘70s opulence. It doesn’t get more opulent than the Majestic Velour Luxury Group, doesn’t it? The interior has me split between a gentlemen’s club and grandma’s sofa, but still, it’s a pretty luxurious cabin that oozes American pride at a time when there was little pride within the industry.
Equipped from the factory with power brakes, locks, seats, and air conditioning that doesn’t blow cold, this blast from the past wouldn’t have spurred my attention if it weren’t for the mileage. Since it rolled off the assembly line in Wixom to the present day, Worldwide Vintage Autos lists the four-door luxobarge with only 52,134 miles (83,902 kilometers).
The selling dealership is asking $14,900 or $204 per month for this reason, as well as the rust-free underbody, which is a fair price according to insurance company Hagerty. At the present moment, an “excellent” Continental Town Car from the 1977 model year is valued at approximately $17,500.
Whatever side you’re on, we can all agree that sports cars from this era are grossly awful. The same can be said about the 7.5-liter V8 in this Lincoln Continental Town Car, which develops a less-than-ideal 208 horsepower. It is a dramatic difference over the 365-horsepower rating from 1971, but on the upside, torque was more than appropriate at 356 pound-feet (483 Nm).
Finished in green for the bodywork and a lighter shade of green for the vinyl roof, the Continental Town Car in the photo gallery is the epitome of ‘70s opulence. It doesn’t get more opulent than the Majestic Velour Luxury Group, doesn’t it? The interior has me split between a gentlemen’s club and grandma’s sofa, but still, it’s a pretty luxurious cabin that oozes American pride at a time when there was little pride within the industry.
Equipped from the factory with power brakes, locks, seats, and air conditioning that doesn’t blow cold, this blast from the past wouldn’t have spurred my attention if it weren’t for the mileage. Since it rolled off the assembly line in Wixom to the present day, Worldwide Vintage Autos lists the four-door luxobarge with only 52,134 miles (83,902 kilometers).
The selling dealership is asking $14,900 or $204 per month for this reason, as well as the rust-free underbody, which is a fair price according to insurance company Hagerty. At the present moment, an “excellent” Continental Town Car from the 1977 model year is valued at approximately $17,500.
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