| When it comes to classic American cars, the Ford | | | | 1979. At this point, Ford introduced the LTD Crown |
| name ranks right at the top. From the earliest days | | | | Victoria. This four-door design was shorter and less |
| of the Model T to the on again, off again love affair | | | | bulky than the original version. The changes resulted |
| with the Crown Victoria, this company has often set | | | | in improved handling, ride and fuel economy. The LTD |
| the bar others seek to attain. | | | | version came with two engine types, a 255 CID V8 |
| | | | | and a 302 V8. Most models made between 1979 and |
| The Crown Vic as it is often called was originally | | | | 1980 were three speeds with an automatic transition. |
| produced in 1955 and 1956. Original Crown Vics are | | | | An AOD four-speed was an option that was made |
| quite a boon to come across since production ceased | | | | available. |
| so quickly on the models. Collectors, in fact, will find it | | | | |
| is not uncommon for good condition 1955 Crown | | | | The reintroduction of the Crown Victoria paid off for |
| Victoria models to fetch $30,000 to $100,000 or | | | | Ford with sales and production continued. In the |
| more. | | | | 1980s, the LTD Crown Victoria was a hit with both |
| | | | | law enforcement and civilians. Ford, in fact, began |
| Initially a coupe with two doors and six seats, the | | | | producing two versions by 1983. Models for the |
| classic was distinguished from the regular Victoria in | | | | general public offered a fuel-injected V8. The police |
| the Ford line by a decorative stainless steel band that | | | | version boasted a 5.8 liter V8 with a Variable Venturi |
| ran along the roofline. This feature essentially gave | | | | carburetor. |
| the roof a crowned appearance. The full-sized car | | | | During the 1980s, a number of alterations were also |
| also featured a sweeping design with rounded lights | | | | made to the Crown Vic design. In 1983, for example, |
| and the perfect body embellishments to make a | | | | central fuel injection was introduced. By 1986, this |
| two-toned paint job look fantastic. This V8 beauty | | | | had been replaced by a sequential fuel injection |
| was a follow up to the Ford LTD in production. Just | | | | system that was electronic. |
| like the LTD, the Crown Victoria was and continues | | | | The success of the reintroduced Crown Victoria line |
| to be favored as a police car and fleet vehicle. | | | | has led to production of this design since the late |
| | | | | 1970s. Although many changes have occurred |
| Although the original rear-wheel drive Crown Victoria | | | | through the years, the model continues to be one of |
| models were appreciated by some, especially those | | | | top in the Ford line for luxury combined with speed |
| building fleets, the model did not initially sell well. | | | | and handling. The 1990s did see a break off of the |
| Sluggish sales, in fact, led Ford to shelve the model | | | | police version of the car. The Crown Victoria Police |
| for a time. It did not reappear on the market until | | | | Interceptor was officially introduced in 1999. |