For 1997, some of the standard luxury content that has crept into theTown Car over the past few years has been thrifted out of the car, small items that most of us won't miss because we didn't notice them when we had them (illuminated rear ashtrays, robe cords on the seatbacks, the trunk key cover, an extra power point underneath the dashboard, cellular phone wiring, etc.). What's new and improved for this year is an entirely new recirculating-ball steering system that is more precise, smother and more durable than the previous system. There's also a more durable cloth used on interior trim. Other than the major system change, the Town Car is as it was last year, which is to say, loaded. The changes were minimal because a substantial redesign is due next fall. We tested the mid-grade Signature Series version, which starts at $40,310. It comes with power disc brakes with antilock, tilt steering, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, a new AM/FM/ cassette sound system with digital signal processing, a keyless entry/alarm system, six-way power seats with three-position memory and lumbar support, and auxiliary controls on the new steering wheel for audio and climate controls, as well as cruise control. In addition, our test car had traction assist, the auto-dim mirror, the power JBL sound system, heated seats, leather seating surfaces, and a six-disc CD changer. The bottom line on the window sticker totalled $42,790. The essence of what you get in a Lincoln Town Car is effortless cruising, easy fingertip operation of every system, hushed mechanical operations, high-end materials, and plenty of that traditional American road-hugging size and weight.
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