Table of Contents
The Ford Crown Victoria is an iconic American sedan that has been in production for over five decades. It has undergone eight generations of changes, each with its own unique features and specifications. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at each generation of the Crown Victoria, from its inception in 1955 to its discontinuation in 2011. Whether you're a car enthusiast, a law enforcement officer, or simply someone who appreciates classic American automobiles, this article has something for you. So sit back, relax, and enjoy our journey through the history of the Ford Crown Victoria.
Ford Crown Victoria Generations: A Comprehensive Overview
First Generation (1955-1957)
Origins and Design
The first-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1955 as a premium full-size sedan. It was based on the Ford Fairlane platform and featured a sleek and stylish design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria quickly became a popular choice for families and business professionals alike.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1955 | 272 cu in V8, 292 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic |
1956 | 272 cu in V8, 292 cu in V8, 312 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic |
1957 | 292 cu in V8, 312 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic |
Features and Innovations
The first-generation Crown Victoria was equipped with a variety of features that were considered advanced for its time. These features included power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning. The Crown Victoria was also one of the first cars to offer a factory-installed radio. In 1957, Ford introduced the Crown Victoria Skyliner, which was a hardtop convertible model. The Skyliner was a popular choice for celebrities and other high-profile individuals.
- Power steering
- Power brakes
- Air conditioning
- Factory-installed radio
- Hardtop convertible model (Skyliner)
Legacy
The first-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first car to bear the Crown Victoria name, and it helped to establish Ford as a leader in the full-size sedan market. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the first-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
First Generation (1955-1957)
Second Generation (1958-1960)
Design and Features
The second-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1958 with a redesigned body and chassis. The new Crown Victoria was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aggressive design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned body and chassis
- Longer, wider, and heavier
- More modern and aggressive design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Performance and Handling
The second-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 292 cu in V8 that produced 225 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 332 cu in V8 and a 352 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1958 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1959 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1960 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Legacy
The second-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 352 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the second-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Second Generation (1958-1960)
Third Generation (1961-1964)
Sleek Design and Advanced Features
The third-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1961 with a sleek and stylish new design. The new Crown Victoria was longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aerodynamic shape. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of advanced features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Sleek and stylish new design
- Longer, lower, and wider
- More modern and aerodynamic shape
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Performance and Handling
The third-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 292 cu in V8 that produced 225 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 332 cu in V8 and a 352 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1961 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1962 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1963 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1964 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Legacy
The third-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 352 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the third-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Third Generation (1961-1964)
Fourth Generation (1965-1968)
Exterior and Interior Design
The fourth-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1965 with a redesigned exterior and interior. The new Crown Victoria was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aggressive design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Longer, wider, and heavier
- More modern and aggressive design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Performance and Handling
The fourth-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 292 cu in V8 that produced 225 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 332 cu in V8 and a 352 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1965 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1966 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1967 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1968 | 292 cu in V8, 332 cu in V8, 352 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Legacy
The fourth-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 352 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the fourth-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Fourth Generation (1965-1968)
Fifth Generation (1969-1978)
Exterior and Interior Design
The fifth-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1969 with a redesigned exterior and interior. The new Crown Victoria was longer, wider, and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and streamlined design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Longer, wider, and heavier
- More modern and streamlined design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Performance and Handling
The fifth-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 302 cu in V8 that produced 220 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 351 cu in V8 and a 429 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1969 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1970 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1971 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1972 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1973 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1974 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1975 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1976 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1977 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1978 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria: A Legacy of Luxury and Performance
Legacy
The fifth-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 429 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the fifth-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Fifth Generation (1969-1978)
Sixth Generation (1979-1991)
Exterior and Interior Design
The sixth-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1979 with a redesigned exterior and interior. The new Crown Victoria was larger and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aerodynamic design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Larger and heavier
- More modern and aerodynamic design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Performance and Handling
The sixth-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 302 cu in V8 that produced 220 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 351 cu in V8 and a 429 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1979 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1980 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1981 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1982 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1983 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1984 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1985 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1986 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1987 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1988 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1989 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1990 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1991 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Legacy
The sixth-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 429 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the sixth-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Sixth Generation (1979-1991)
Seventh Generation (1992-1997)
Exterior and Interior Design
The seventh-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1992 with a redesigned exterior and interior. The new Crown Victoria was larger and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aerodynamic design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Larger and heavier
- More modern and aerodynamic design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Performance and Handling
The seventh-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 302 cu in V8 that produced 220 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 351 cu in V8 and a 429 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1992 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1993 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1994 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1995 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1996 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1997 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Legacy
The seventh-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 429 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the seventh-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Seventh Generation (1992-1997)
Eighth Generation (1998-2011)
Exterior and Interior Design
The eighth-generation Ford Crown Victoria debuted in 1998 with a redesigned exterior and interior. The new Crown Victoria was larger and heavier than its predecessor, and it featured a more modern and aerodynamic design. The Crown Victoria was available in two- and four-door sedan body styles, and it was powered by a variety of V8 engines. The Crown Victoria was also equipped with a number of new features, including a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power brakes.
- Redesigned exterior and interior
- Larger and heavier
- More modern and aerodynamic design
- Four-speed automatic transmission
- Power steering
- Power brakes
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Performance and Handling
The eighth-generation Crown Victoria was a powerful and capable car. The base engine was a 302 cu in V8 that produced 220 horsepower. The Crown Victoria was also available with a variety of optional engines, including a 351 cu in V8 and a 429 cu in V8. The Crown Victoria's performance was further enhanced by its four-speed automatic transmission and its heavy-duty suspension. The Crown Victoria was a popular choice for police and taxi fleets, and it was also a popular choice for families and business professionals.
Model Year | Engine Options | Transmission Options |
|---|---|---|
1998 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
1999 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2000 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2001 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2002 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2003 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2004 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2005 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2006 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2007 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2008 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2009 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2010 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
2011 | 302 cu in V8, 351 cu in V8, 429 cu in V8 | 3-speed manual, 4-speed manual, 2-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic |
Read more about the Ford Crown Victoria vs. Mercury Grand Marquis: Battle of the Panthers
Legacy
The eighth-generation Ford Crown Victoria was a significant car in the history of the Ford Motor Company. It was the first Crown Victoria to be offered with a four-speed automatic transmission, and it was also the first Crown Victoria to be available with a 429 cu in V8 engine. The Crown Victoria remained in production for three generations, and it was one of the most popular cars in America during that time. Today, the eighth-generation Crown Victoria is a sought-after classic car, and it is often seen at car shows and other automotive events.
Read more about the Crown Victoria's Role in Vintage Car Collecting
Eighth Generation (1998-2011)
Final Thought
The Ford Crown Victoria is a true American classic. It has served as a reliable and comfortable vehicle for families, law enforcement officers, and taxi drivers alike. While it may no longer be in production, the Crown Victoria's legacy will continue to live on for many years to come. If you're ever lucky enough to get behind the wheel of one of these iconic sedans, be sure to cherish the experience.