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Lincoln Limo

what are the advantages and disadvantages of the 1980's Lincoln Limo?

Limos, like any professional car, are built by a coach builder. The mechanicals and body panels are of course Lincoln. But there are some interior trim pieces as well as body and structural elements that are all custom fabricated by that coach builder.

So what I am trying to tell you is that if the car you are considering requires any interior pieces, you may have to get your wallet out for quite a bit.

From about 1984 onward, Lincoln used the venerable 302 as the power plant (5.0 liter). It is a good motor, and it is very easy to work on and get parts for since it is the same one shared with Mustangs and such. However, because of the weight of these cars, the motor is just enough to keep it rolling. Don't expect any mind numbing performance. Not that it matters since it is a formal car anyway.

One recommendation is to install an auxiliary electric fan for the cooling system. With the air conditioning on and the car idling for a long time, it will begin to overheat with just the engine fan doing the work. An auxiliary fan will help that. Some coach builders thoughtfully incorporated it, and others didn't.

Finally, make sure you buy the best possible condition you can afford to buy. Any luxury car that is marginal in upkeep will be exponentially expensive to repair and restore.

Good luck and happy hunting.