The beginning of the end

"Matthew Phillips" (flatsidewaysfl)
12/28/2015 at 16:05 • Filed to: None

The first generation Crown Victoria, post-LTD had an enormous burden on it’s shoulders.The early ninety’s saw the boom of the SUV and Minivan thus the full-size wagon had no place here in the states, therefore, at least 1993 saw The Crown Victoria hand the family hauling duties to the Aerostar minivan and the new Explorer.

Where did that leave the CV ? the Taurus was doing fine and was quite roomy for a car it’s size, but other then GM with the Impala and the Caprice the era of the Large BOF Family sedan was coming to an end and the generation of people who remembered those days are the only ones who probably bought them outside of police or taxi companys. Until now.

This past January I passed up a plethora of affordable cars to experience a taste of old American motoring and to be honest, I don’t regret it. The opportunity was too great to pass up. Being a 22-year-old African-American male I did have to think long and hard before purchasing this because of potential profiling (yes this is something we grow up having to deal with) and well within the first month, it went to the back of my mind.

For $600, I purchased a piece of car that desperately needed a tank of Gas and new tires. within the month, I had invested more than I had anticipated. Four tires, an intake manifold hose and gasket, windshield, Wiper motor... The list went on and tops out at close to $1500 on top of the $600. Yes Buying a cheap beater from a shady family on Craigslist is expensive, but enough about that lets get greasy.

The drive

The Post LTD Crown Vics were “blessed” with the all too familiar 281 CID, or the 4.6 to you noobs. This engine has been in everything Ford from the Trucks to the Mustang, and even the Taurus... once... For a young wrench turner, the wonderful thing about the 4.6 is that the block is the same used in the Mustang GT’s so if you really wanted to kill the spirit of this car go ahead and add more power.

If I heard one more person say that stupid phrase “There is no replacement for displacement”, I would do nothing, but shake my head because I admit I am quite odd for an enthusiast. I love power, but I love the drive more. This car delivers to my taste more than my buddies Fox body does simply because I can relax with a good playlist and the open road.

Could it use more power... That’s on you, personally, I could just use a manual or a six-speed auto that is sharp to shift. Power wise though I wouldn’t. from the top of my head the non-Sport/P71 Cv’s from this era had 190 Hp pushing almost four thousand pounds. The car shines on the highway when it comes to power, after 50 mph if you really feel the need for speed pop the Transmission out of O/D and double tap the gas so it downshifts then watch the magic happen.

MPG

Google says I’m supposed to be getting 18/26... In the real world fairy tales remain as such. In city driving or in my case Northern Virginia I average no more than 12 miles per gallon. On the highway when I’m travelling to Lynchburg I assume I’m in the 20’s because I can travel there in under half a tank.

Style

You bet it does have style, if your taste leans towards large battle cruisers this is for you. The “Aerovics” themselves had this very lean classic look that if you look hard enough you can see the very classic lines of large sedans of past mixed with the very 90’s Ford design language.

The end result is really nice big car that if you’re thinking form my perspective which is modern big car then it’s a wonderful car that I am glad that I got to experience. The question now is what’s next ? Well for now I’m not concerned about it. I think shes going to be in the family for awhile especially now that I’m on my own out and about. I love this car and as rusty it is in places and as Bipolar my cruise control is I’m dedicating myself as the final owner for this car.

It’s a shame that the last of the BOF two row benches died with this nameplate, but it’s a car from a bygone era and it feels like it, but it’s perfect for me

Next up are probably accessories such as a Roof rack since I’m not going to tow anything I might as well carry.

DISCUSSION (6)

OPPOsaurus WRX > Matthew Phillips
12/28/2015 at 16:24

first time a black man road in the front seat of a crown vic. (thats sarcasm just so people dont get confused). honestly its really pathetic that thats where we still are. I can;t wait til we find alien life and realize that the color of our skin is such a small difference when slim monsters are trying to suck our brains.

i still think you should see how far you can jump it.

I know a lot of people say manual all the things, but it really does add a lot to the enjoyment of driving, especially if your driving for enjoyment.

Matthew Phillips > OPPOsaurus WRX
12/28/2015 at 16:44

Yea people are stupid, but whatever that’s a conversation for another kinja blog.. let’s talk panthers !

I’m not against a manual swap down the road when I can afford another daily and can put this to the side as a fun project toy. I’m still learning to drive stick so I’m not in a rush to where I have to learn on my own car while I have the chance.

My buddy and I joke around with what we’re going to do it when it’s time for the crusher.. I say we rally/derby, but jumps are on the list at some point.

OPPOsaurus WRX > Matthew Phillips
12/28/2015 at 16:49

i had driven a stick once before geting my WRX. The first month or so I had it I almost regretted it. I was horrified of the stick and that I would either crash or damage the drive train. I figured it out and now I love it. With all the other vehicles that engines been it i bet you can find some easy swaps for a transmission that will bolt right on.

Matthew Phillips > OPPOsaurus WRX
12/28/2015 at 16:58

Yea, that’s the beauty of that 4.6 Block. I can find any Mustang with the 4.6 and swap that transmission in there. The only mods would be clutch and some other things. But not yet.

Justin Hughes > Matthew Phillips
12/28/2015 at 17:01

Rallycross it! I did it with my P71 and had a blast.

Matthew Phillips > Justin Hughes
12/30/2015 at 15:22

One day I want to do a rally across the state or country. This car would be fun to do that in.