Lot 408: 1998 Lincoln Town Car 'Signature Series'

The 1920s marked the era in which Lincoln would distinguish itself as the premier American luxury automobile. One of the most famous custom-built cars that came out of Edsel Ford's leadership was the 1922 Lincoln Town Car, which was built for Henry Ford himself. Town Car derived its name from its body styling, which featured an open chauffeur's compartment and enclosed passenger compartment. This configuration elevated the vehicle from mere transportation to a bona fide status symbol. In 1924, Lincoln was on its way to becoming the car of choice for the rich and famous, such as Thomas Edison, W.C. Fields and Herbert Hoover. With the onset of World War II, all Lincoln vehicle production stopped to focus on the war effort. True to its heritage, Lincoln facilities helped Ford in the production of tank engines, bodies for amphibious vehicles and over 140,000 jeep bodies. Like most American cars in the years following the war, vehicle designs were just restyled versions of pre-war cars. In the 1990s, Japanese and European brands entered the picture and started competing with the American manufacturers. Again, Lincoln responded with a winner. The 1990 Town Car was named Motor Trend "Car of the Year." Lincoln launched another star performer in 1993 with the Mark VIII, offering a dramatic exterior design coupled with a driver-oriented interior. There were additional specification upgrades too. The much acclaimed Signature Series was launched and ushered in a new era for luxury saloons. Full leather interior with walnut fascias became standard as did full electronic climate control, cruise control, intelligent steering wheels and much more.Built originally in 1998, this outstanding example is finished in metallic light blue with full blue leather interior. It comes with a detailed and full US history as well as a number of other books detailing new spare parts etc. Also included are a number of expired UK MoT certificates as well as a fresh one expiring in June 2008. This really is a truly outstanding a modern day luxury saloon with enormous specification and a genuine 56,000 miles. It drives, as you would expect, without fault.