26th May 2013, 15:23
Don't forget that the 1980s Lincolns were oddly proportioned too. Probably the biggest killer for these models in my opinion. Having seen many 1980s Cadillac Broughams, I can say that GM did a good job on making their downsized Cadillacs handsome and properly proportioned.
Lincoln, on the other hand, completely botched the sizing for the 1980 Continental. The trunk is too short and the whole car looks lopsided and top heavy in comparison to the Brougham. It doesn't help that the Continental/Town Car rides on a shorter wheelbase and is slightly smaller as well. The proportioning wasn't an issue on the 1970s Lincolns, and they looked good as a result, but Ford had no styling experience on anything but massive cars.
Just look at pictures of each car from the left or right side, and you'll see what I mean by "oddly proportioned" with the 1980s Lincoln Town Cars.
25th May 2013, 23:51
"The 80's Linc's had all kinds of problems with their transmissions."
When the plastic grommet (brass replacement is best) on the throttle valve breaks off, the transmission will shift hard and eventually fail.