1979 Continental Town Car: A Classic Luxury Sedan
The 1977-1979 Continental models from Ford are considered as some of the most extreme and impressive Continentals ever built. One can find a 1979 Continental Town Car with Cream paint and luxurious Light Gold Jubilee velour upholstery in a self-service boneyard in Sparks, Nevada. These iconic cars were known for their sheer size and opulence.
The 1977-1979 Continental sedans were remarkably long, with an overall length of 233 inches due to the big 5 mph crash bumpers. To put that into perspective, these cars were over a foot longer than the 2024 Lincoln Navigator, a hefty SUV. However, despite their substantial length, the ’79 Continental sedans were surprisingly lighter than their contemporary SUV counterparts.
In 1980, the Continental underwent changes, moving to the Panther platform. This transition brought about a decrease in wheelbase, length, and curb weight. These modifications were well-timed, considering the geopolitical events of 1979, which led to higher fuel prices. The downsized ’80 Continental, though more fuel-efficient, lost some of its imposing presence and disco-era flash.
Under the hood of the 1979 Continental Town Car was a 400-cubic-inch (6.6-liter) pushrod V8 engine. Rated at 159 horsepower and 315 pound-feet of torque, this engine was a rarity among the cars sold in the United States at the time. With a weight of around 4,649 pounds, each of the car’s horses had to drag 29.2 pounds, resulting in a less favorable power-to-weight ratio than that of the 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, which is often criticized for being slow. However, the significant torque offered by the V8 engine made driving this car tolerable in most situations.
The interior of the Continental Town Car was all about luxurious comfort and space. The plush seats allowed passengers to stretch out and relax during long journeys. The silver-faced gauges added a touch of class to the dashboard, while opera lights provided a unique and elegant feature.
This 1979 Continental Town Car would have been an excellent choice for long-distance highway cruising, despite its fuel consumption. Its spacious interior, comfortable seating, and serene ride would have made it an ideal choice for those seeking luxury and relaxation on the open road.
Interestingly, the car contained coupons from 1999, suggesting that it had been parked for a quarter-century before reaching its final resting place in the boneyard. It’s worth noting that the high-elevation desert sun had taken its toll on the vinyl roof, a common issue in such harsh environments.
As we delve into the car’s history, we discover that on January 10, 1981, people who were associated with this luxury automobile played golf at Willow Glen in San Diego. Coincidentally, it was also the day Richard Boone passed away and Jared Kushner was born. These connections bring a unique sense of nostalgia and personal touch to this classic car.
The 1979 Continental Town Car remains a standard by which luxury cars are judged. Its immense size, opulent interior, and unique design elements make it an icon of automotive luxury. While it may no longer roam the streets, its legacy lives on in the hearts and minds of classic car enthusiasts.
