Lincoln TownCar 1998 – 2010

In 1998 the third and last generation was introduced. It was also the last Lincoln on the Panther platform. This third generation broke with the square design language and adopted the more rounded design language of the Continental and Mark VIII. This was the end of the signature window in the C-pillar and the center piece under the trunk lid. The new TownCar had updated brakes, suspension and steering gear. In the interior a new 40/20/40 front seat design was used, still with 3 seatbelts, the instrument panel featured analog instruments and a improved information centre. The engine was still the same 4.6 V8, now producing 200 bhp.

A 1998 Lincoln TownCar Signature Series in New York.

The TownCar was available as Executive Series, Signature Series and Cartier Series. The Executive Series was the entry level model, which came with speed sensitive power steering, rear air suspension, dual airbags, ABS, remote entry system, heated outside mirrors, 6-way power leather seats, cruise control and cup holders. Heated seats, power moonroof and various JBL sound systems were optional. The Signature Series came with 8 way power leather seats with lumbar support, memory for outside mirrors and driver’s seat, audio and temperature controls on the steering wheel and a front storage armrest. In addition to this the Cartier came with exclusive premium leather upholstery, heated front seats, a analog clock and premium audio.

It was introduced in the same year as the all new Lincoln Navigator. The Navigator was aiming for older Continental owners as well as the younger TownCar owners. Over the years this meant, that the Navigator was attracting TownCar buyers. And so the TownCar would become a car that was interesting for professional drivers, fleet owners and coach builders, the latter because of the Panther platform.

A 1998 Lincoln TownCar somewhere between New York and Chicago.

For 1999 side airbags are introduced as a standard option on all TownCars. The premium sound system was no longer supplied by JBL, but now supplied by Alpine. The electrochromic inside mirror becomes part of the mirror / compass group and is no longer standard equipment on the Executive Series. In 2000 the long wheelbase model is introduced with a 15 centimeter extended wheelbase. The 4.6l V8 on this model produces 235 bhp. This power improvement will apply for all 2001 an 2002 models.

A euro-spec 2000 Lincoln Continental Signature Series in Rotterdam NL.

In 2003 the TownCar received a major redesign. The suspension was modified and the steering system changed from recirculating ball system to a rack and pigion system. The 4.6 V8 would stay until 2011. The body underwent several changes to bring it in line with the other Lincoln models. The hood ornament returned.

A 2003 Lincoln TownCar Signature Series in Rotterdam NY.

With the redesign came also a completely new interior. The radio, clock and climate control were put in one cluster which was vertically positioned in the middle of the dashboard. The doorpanels were redesigned, giving them a more premium look. A better quality of leather was used for the upholstery and cupholders were added.

The interior of a 2003 Lincoln TownCar Signature Series. Sorry for the mess.

In 2003 the TownCar was still available in three trim levels, Executive, Signature Serie and the Cartier Series. For 2004 the Executive was solely available for the fleet marked. The Cartier was discontinued and for 2004 the top level was the Ultimate. The Ultimate came with a dual media THX sound system, heated mirrors and front seats and power memory seats. This was in addition to the standard equipment on the Signature Series, which included traction control, climate control, electrochrometic mirrors, leather seats, four airbags, remote entry and cruise control. For 2005 the Ultimate was replaced by the Signature Limited, which was an option in 2000. 2005 was the first year for the full power trunk lid on the Signature Limited. Other specifications stayed the same.

A 2003 Lincoln TownCar Signature Series somewhere between New York and Chicago.

In 2006 the instrument cluster was revised. It was following the cluster styling of the other Lincoln models and was available with a rev counter. Also the steering wheel was redesigned. In 2006 the Signature Limited was accompanied by the Designer Series. The designer offered a two tone interior with Provence leather, chrome wheels and extra chrome trim. Also in 2006 a 25th Anniversary Edition was available as package on the Signature Limited. This included chrome door handles, fog lamps, nine spoke chrome wheels, Eucalyptus wood in the interior, Provence leather upholstery with contrast piping and badging. For 2007 no major changes were made.

A 2003 Lincoln TownCar with a few aftermarket options.

In 2008 the production of the TownCar was moved to the St. Thomas Assembly plant in Canada, because of the closure of the Wixom Assemble Plant in Michigan. The Signature Limited was the only trim level available next to the fleet only Executive. Until 2011 not many changes were made. Sales kept on declining from 39,295 cars in 2006 to 9,460 cars in 2011. After 30years on August 29, 2011 the last TownCar rolled off the assembly line. The nameplate did return in 2012 as a version of the MKT, which was designed for limousine services.