Re: Did the public think of Imperial as Packard's replacement?
Posted by Chuckltd On 2009/8/7 1:57:51
Quote:
Loyd Smith wrote:
Chuckltd, Funny you should say so. After two years of semi-retirement, during which time I drove the '55 Pat and rented one of nearly everything that comes close to being a "full-sized" car - turned out that I wasn't as retired as I'd thought I was going to be. Recently purchased a well-maintained, well-cared for 89 Cartier TC for general road use in lieu of a newer version and to give the Pat a rest. Economy is about the same as the 2009 Signature TC that I had for five days a few weeks ago but the "Panther" platform is so far above anything built, since, in comfort, silence, roominess and overall handling as to be astonishing. Took great pains to obtain one with as few computer-contolled electronic gee-gaws as I could find (non-digital dash, no rear air suspension) and have found that nearly anyone can work on them and that they're just the right age for parts to be readily available and comparatively cheap. AND - the ride is ALMOST equal to the '55 Pat. Personally, I find the 302 a trifle anaemic power-wise but, hey, you can't have everything.
While others may have had great service from the lincoln versions, most I've known had to resort to destroying the cars to escape the money pits. Here's the story of mine. I had a 1983 Mark VI Bill Blass 2dr that, when it ran, rode great and was a good solid car. The thing ate fuel pumps, sensors, plug wires, unlisted firing order and demon-possessed electronics. Took 3 days to change a heater core, burnt out ACT and crank sensors every year and fuel pumps every 9 months or so. Even with a rebuilt engine it could barely average 51MPH driving from PA to Atlanta. It got worse gas mileage than anything from the 70's with less than a big-block. Averaged 10-11 MPG with 14 highway. Fuel guage only worked at nearly full or nearly empty. Could not get the seats into any comfortable position. The firing order was unlisted in any manuals or on the manifold. Had to spend hours at champion ford looking through old invoices to see if someone had written it down. Even Ford mechanics couldn't get it to run right. I tried to give this car away and no one took it so I junked it. I'll possibly buy a crown vic again but no more Lincolns after 79 EVER again.
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