Like many auto enthusiasts, I believe that the interior of a car is just as important as its performance. When I first got my hands on my car, a classic Panther platform, the interior was far from my ideal. The original seats were worn out, typical of vehicles of a certain age, and frankly, even in their prime, the base trim seats of these models weren’t the most luxurious.
My quest for an upgrade began with a search for Lincoln Town Car seats. Known for their comfort and premium feel, Lincoln Town Car interiors, especially from the 2000s era, are a significant step up in terms of luxury. I was particularly interested in finding parts that would echo the sophistication of a 2004 Lincoln Town Car interior. After some dedicated searching, I managed to locate a set of portofino blue signature series seats. Considering the condition of other options I had seen, these were a fantastic find, in great shape and offering that plush Lincoln feel.
The swap was a definite improvement in comfort and style, however, the blue seats did create a bit of a color clash with the existing grey interior. To address this, and aiming for a more cohesive and upscale cabin reminiscent of a 2004 Lincoln Town Car, I decided to go further. Serendipitously, I came across a 1999 denim blue Grand Marquis in excellent condition. This presented the perfect opportunity to source more interior components and create a unified, stylish space. This decision was also driven by the fact that my original grey headliner was deteriorating, a common issue in older cars, and was in need of replacement.
Sourcing denim blue door panels proved to be the most challenging part of this interior transformation. It’s surprising how often junkyard visitors mishandle door panels during removal, often damaging them in the process. The 95-02 Grand Marquis models, like many of that era, have a somewhat delicate upper pull strap that is prone to breaking when used improperly. It took sourcing panels from three different vehicles to finally assemble a complete, undamaged set for all four doors. To enhance the seating comfort even further, I also incorporated Mark VIII collector edition headrests. These are a noticeable upgrade over the standard Panther platform headrests, offering superior comfort and a touch of added luxury, similar to the attention to detail found in a 2004 Lincoln Town Car interior.
Beyond interior aesthetics and comfort, performance and safety are paramount. The braking system on pre-1998 Panther platform cars is adequate but not exceptional. Having experienced the improved braking in later models, particularly the 1998+ Town Cars, I decided to upgrade the front rotors and brake setup on my car. Sourcing parts from a 2002 Town Car, I retrofitted the newer brake components. The result was a significant improvement in stopping power, and as a bonus, it resolved some pre-existing ABS issues. For any owner of a 1995-1997 Town Car, or similar Panther platform vehicle, this brake upgrade is highly recommended. While earlier models might require control arm adjustments, the enhanced braking performance with the dual-piston calipers is well worth considering.
Looking ahead, my next planned modification is to install a redundant control steering wheel from a Town Car. While I appreciate the classic look of the 4-spoke steering wheel currently in place, the convenience of integrated stereo controls is highly desirable, especially with the planned installation of an aftermarket Android stereo system. This addition will further enhance the driving experience and bring a touch of modern convenience to this classic platform, much like the thoughtful features found in a 2004 Lincoln Town Car.
