The Lincoln Town Car (1990-1995) epitomizes American luxury from an era when comfort and presence trumped sporty handling. Now eligible for German import under the 30-year rule, these full-size sedans offer collectors a slice of quintessential US automotive culture at a fraction of European luxury classic prices. At West Coast Shipping, we’ve facilitated numerous shipments of these land yachts to Germany, where their plush interiors and highway-cruising capabilities stand in stark contrast to contemporary Mercedes or BMW sedans.
The second-generation Town Car (1990-1997) represented Lincoln’s commitment to classic luxury values during a period when European brands began dominating the global market. Key features defining its appeal:
Platform: Ford Panther rear-wheel-drive architecture
Engine: 4.6L Modular V8 (1991-1995)
Length: 5.56 meters (219 inches)
Production: ~100,000 units annually in peak years
Notably, these models avoided the front-wheel-drive transition that diluted competitors’ identities, preserving their status as the final evolution of traditional American luxury sedans.
Engine: 4.6L SOHC V8
Power: 210 hp @ 4,400 RPM
Torque: 275 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM
Fuel System: Sequential multi-port injection
Transmission: 4R70W 4-speed automatic
Suspension: Front short/long arm with rear air springs
Air Suspension Failure: Rear air springs and compressor commonly fail by 150,000 km. Convert to coil springs for €800-€1,200 if daily driving.
Intake Manifold Leaks: Plastic coolant crossover pipes crack—inspect for coolant loss near thermostat.
Window Regulators: Power window mechanisms wear out; test all switches during inspection.
Fuel Tank Straps: Check for rust—a known recall issue affecting structural integrity.
Pro Tip: Verify operational history of the Automatic Ride Control system—faulty modules cause erratic suspension behavior.
Driver Quality (150k+ km): €12,000-€16,000
Low-Mileage (<80k km): €18,000-€24,000
Showroom Condition: €28,000+
The USD’s 7.2% depreciation against the euro (detailed in our currency advantage analysis) translates to €1,300-€1,800 savings on mid-range examples. Combined with Germany’s 7% classic car VAT rate, total import costs are 35% lower than 2024 levels.
Duty Exemption: 0% vs. standard 10% rate
Historic Registration: Eligible for H-Kennzeichen plates after TÜV inspection
Modifications Required:
ECE-compliant headlights (H4 conversion kit: €300)
Rear fog light installation (€150-€250)
Metric speedometer overlay (€80)
For a complete breakdown of logistics, refer to our definitive import guide.
Cultural Contrast: 73% wider than a 1995 Mercedes S-Class—commands attention on German roads.
Investment Potential: Values increased 8% annually since 2020 (Hagerty data).
Comfort Benchmark: Pillow-top seats and 41 dB cabin noise at 100 km/h outperform contemporary luxury sedans.
Parts Availability: Shared components with Ford Crown Victoria simplify maintenance.
As highlighted in our analysis of import duty impacts, these financial advantages make 2025 ideal for acquisition.
We streamline your acquisition with:
National Sourcing Network: Access to low-mileage examples in rust-free states
Customs-Ready Shipping: Enclosed containers with vibration-dampening systems
With only 3-5 clean examples annually reaching Germany, the Town Car’s combination of affordability and presence makes it a savvy acquisition. Contact our team to leverage current exchange rates and secure your slice of Americana.