Lincoln Town Car 3rd Gen (1998-2011)

Third and final Panther Town Car generation, launched at the 1997 New York Auto Show. Significant chassis revisions: rear axle gained Watt's link for better lateral location, rack-and-pinion steering replaced the recirculating-ball system, larger brakes, revised suspension geometry. Body styling moved to rounded edges and an oval-shaped grille — first Town Car to abandon the flat-sided traditional shape. 4.6L Modular SOHC V8 throughout: 210 hp 1998-2002, then 220 hp (single exhaust) / 235 hp (dual exhaust on Touring/Cartier) 2003-2010, with later cars running 239 hp via revised cylinder heads. Engine got coil-on-plug ignition (replacing coil packs). 4R70W four-speed automatic continued. 2003 mid-cycle update was substantial — fully boxed hydroformed frame, redesigned dashboard, THX-certified audio with 6.5-inch touchscreen navigation (industry-first at this price), revised front and rear fascias to align visually with the Lincoln LS sports sedan. 'L Edition' long-wheelbase variant added 6 inches of rear legroom. Trim levels evolved: Executive, Signature, Cartier (1998-2003), then Signature Limited / Signature L / Designer Series / Ultimate (2004+). Production at Wixom until 2007 plant closure, then St. Thomas, Ontario for 2008-2011 final years. 25th Anniversary edition for 2006 marked the nameplate milestone. Discontinued after 2011 model year along with the entire Panther platform line. Now firmly an established cult collector — Designer Series and limited-edition late-run cars are the desirable specs.