The last Ford Crown Victoria ever built



After 32 years in production, the last Ford Crown Victoria will roll off the assembly line today. It's a record that surpasses all other North American vehicles, including the Model T. Its final destination, however, isn't a museum in Detroit or a American collector. It's being sent to Saudi Arabia.

Possibly the most profitable Ford car ever — thanks to bean-counting that denied it capital for major updates — Ford decided in 2009 that the cost of bringing the Panther platform to 21st-century standards and replacing its worn-out tooling was not worth the trouble.

More:

http://jalopnik.com/5840637/the-last-ford-crown-victoria-ever-built

THEY'RE NOT MAKING CROWN VICS ANYMORE? WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME?


I do feel genuinely bummed. A contemplative beverage in the garage this evening is in order.

I was going to post this but you beat me... Hive Mind? It is kinda sad though. The artical states people were being sent home early on several days because they were lacking parts to finish the last five cars on the line. If I had emotions I would put this in the Sad Box.

It is what it is. No stopping progress.

I don't think I'd want the last batch of cars to roll off that line... Do you think those employees gave it their best effort knowing they wont have jobs next week? Hardly...

80 years of full size fords and the last one goes to Saudi Arabia....

One has to wonder when the platform was initially designed and developed during the 1970s; did anyone even think that the platform would run for as long as it did?

32 years is not bad for a platform that was originally destined to be eliminated/gone after 1985 or so.

Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet Vic,
And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!

the rest of jalop's ode to the panther: http://jalopnik.com/5840709/the-death-of-the-ford-crown-victoria-is-a-sad-day-for-america

I am surprised they did not sell the tooling to Saudi. There are a ton of CV's over there!

Maybe we should be glad that the Panther platform is retiring while it was still on top. Kind of like a boxer retiring while retaining the World Championship title. I mean if they would have kept making it, it might have undergone some horrificly ugly FWD redesign.

You make a very strong point, it is sad to see it retire but after 32 years of keeping our roads safe and transporting travelers to and from the airport to the hotel, it needs to step down for a little while, I don't know what is going to replace it but maybe the vacuum will lead way to a reincarnation later on down the road. (wishful thinking)

Canning the Taurus didn't pan out so well... maybe the vic will be the same.

It is more than just the Crown Vic.....

Stop and consider....the LTD started things out. I learned how to drive in a 1971 Ford Galaxie 500, which was a glorified LTD.

It's a long line of memories that Ford is retiring. After owning two Tauruses, an '87 MT5, and '98 DOHC SE.......I can't say I relish the thought of all FWD Ford cars.

It's about like in 1990, when Chrysler only offered K Cars and variants thereof.

Tim

I learned to drive in my Grand Marquis, and hopefully it doesn't let me down for years to come. I don't need any other ride (besides my motorcycle)

Sad day indeed. My friends will continue on in their Asian cookie cutters ever so oblivious to what has ended.