You're right, these kind of cars used to be everywhere. Now it seems like there aren't very many at all, and even fewer that aren't junk.

Especially the pre 1988 LTD CVs and Grand Marqs. From what I've heard, the '88+ cars got weaker bumpers. The pre '88 model year cars got the big massive 5 mph bumpers. Town Cars kept 5 mph bumpers front and rear until 1991 if I recall correctly. Demo derbying one of these is a huge fucking waste of a panther body car- especially a box body. To think I used to enjoy watching old american iron like this smash into other old american iron. I started to change my stance after I learned that nothing is unfixable for the right amount of money. It's just that most people aren't willing to bother. So they just smash the shit out of cool cars like these. Good luck rebuilding a fucking demo derby car. If it wasn't a frame-off resto before, it definitely is now! What was once a reasonable project is now a five figure money pit. Cash 4 Clunkers wasn't any help either. Look at the lists of cars that met their end to that shit. It's unbelievable the power of stupid people in large groups (Congress, and the electorate, respectively). As other people hinted at before, good luck finding a $500 creampuff. $500 won't get you much more than a toilet nowadays. Compounding the problem is that most don't think these cars are worth saving, let alone taking really fucking good care of. Unlike something outwardly sporty like a Mustang, Camaro, Challenger, 'Cuda, Chevelle, Corvette, etc. Full size sedans, such as box panthers don't really get most people fired up. Even if they're cool, reliable, fun cars. It's just not the same. Most think they're slow, boring, geritatric haulers. And in stock configuration, that's understandable. '86 and up model years were much better, but not super quick either. But stock is for suckers anyway. The 5.0 aftermarket exists for a reason! Make slow cars fast, and make fast cars faster. Most box panther hot rodders just buy Mustang go-fast engine parts, and make em' work. From cylinder heads to spark plugs, it's all there. And most stuff bolts on- save for headers and exhaust (makes sense, the vehicles are of completely different dimension and lengths body-wise). /end nerd rage

***** I didn't much care for the '88-'90 design changes. They were alright but I prefer the pre-'88 squared off boxes, they're big, strong and vintage looking.

WHY?

Also demo derbies

My first was was an 84 crown Vic. Still miss it.

Kyle Partlow, they're even tougher when bullet proof. When I was a police officer I bought a 1985 Ford Crown Victoria LTD from the county prison that had armor plates inside the doors between the trunk and back seat and along the firewall and while driving home from my shift I was shot at and the bullet hit the driver's door and although it sounded like someone broad sided me it only left a nickle sized dent in the door center so that car saved my life. But with the weight of the armor plates the 351 Cleveland and 4 barrel Holley carburetor couldn't get up the speed quickly in spite of the plaque which said Pursuit Package on the trunk lid.

This was my first car and that statement is true. I was t-boned by an old lady driving a early 90s Cadillac and her car was destroyed. I had a dented fender and broken tie-rod.

I just got a 2 door 82 Ltd today same as this one but 2 door . Going to restore it maybe customize it

filthy sanchez Yeah, there's just a certain feel to a big old heavy v8 car that cannot be duplicated. After driving this car, everything else feels like plastic.

Agreed these cars interiors were second to none.. top of the line

Definitely. It is a living room on wheels. Even the '92 onward Crown Vics don't match the '80s counterparts.

Indeed they were classy

@@jenniesgarage I grew up with the 80s box cars. Loved the look and feel. Glad the 80s haven't gone the way of the dinosaur.

The one in the video was my grandparents'. Great car.

@@jenniesgarage They're special enough but being an heirloom even more so!

I agree with that. I think this body type had class, and wasn't just a big econo-box like the later years (I'm biased though!)

From what I've heard these cars can go for a long time, so hopefully we won't have to worry about replacements any time soon!

***** They do indeed. My '88 Grand Marquis LS has 205k miles and uses no oil. I always outsmart myself trying to be frugal. Like, when I ordered one tire. 215-75-15. The car had 70 series tires.Then, I had to buy three more to make them all the same size because the first one had already been mounted. Oh well, it needed tires, anyway.

I prefer the more square taillights from 1980-1987.

John O'Flaherty I liked these more. Loved that classic boxy styling.

I agree with the modern wheels, more expensive to replace tires.

Those bigger wheels make bumps in the road more apparent. Funny thing. They talk about bigger tires on trucks causing MPG, due to greater rotational weight. A 18inch wheel weight more, and had more weight out farther from the center, compared to 15inch wheels. So those must have an impact on MPG, yet manufactures keep putting them on cars because they look cool (to some vocal people)

+BootiDaddy It's like riding a 2 ton magic carpet!

I have an 86 crown vic LTD if tour interested. Needs some transmission work. I'll take 1200

How do you plug it back in?

+William Reed Thanks!

Vanadeo yeah, it is a smooth riding car!

They are classics, now.

Nice!

damonster5000 but is it fast?

of course no x)

Same And the horn is pushing in the turn signal stock instead of on the wheel Also has manual windows and never had A/C

Neil Lang Those 351s have a bit of potential to be fast though if you get rid of the 80s emissions stuff and know how to tune up carbureted engines All the 351s in the crown vics were carbureted it seems right until the end

Haha maybe I should nickname it Sherman :)

I wish stereo my Honda Element had a tape deck. Since I have lot of tapes I plug my Walkman into the auxiliary jack.

Thanks for the ideas about the tires. It's been a great car so far!

Me too.

thanks so much for the offer, I appreciate it but I'm a couple thousand miles from you.

I've been considering that, but I also like the idea of staying incognito. Decisions, decisions...

***** It seems that you want to keep your Crown Vic forever. Cool. Follow the manufacturers recommendations for maintenance. Don't be cheap. Take it to your local Ford dealership, and follow the maintenance schedule. I'm just a poor ol' factory worker and don't have a lot of money, but I rely on my dealership to take care of my car. They do a fantastic job. An oil change is $19.95. Poo on the "30 minute" places. Replace the fluids, lubricate all of the lube points, like the door hinges, hood hinges, trunk hinges, ball joints, U-joints, ect. You may think that you are saving money by having your own tire changing tool, but you're just fooling yourself. Let tire assemblage to the pro's. It's cheap, comparing the importance of professionals taking care of your tires. With the purchase of new tires, they will provide FREE rotation & balance of your tires for the lifetime of the tires. Get an alignment of the front end. It usually comes with a warranty and is inexpensive. I just got one for my '03 Crown Vic and cost $22. Going with a 205 size tire just degrades the ride & handling from a great Crown Vic. A 225 will make you a happier owner.

I have an '86

Me too!

Good to know, thanks

+Jennies Garage oh sorry i meant 1979 - 1991 , thank you for the video.