What is the real name of the Crown Victoria?
The Ford Crown Victoria, often affectionately referred to as the "Crown Vic," is a vehicle that has earned its place in automotive history. Known for its durability, spacious interior, and iconic use in law enforcement and taxi fleets, the Crown Victoria has a formal name that many enthusiasts and owners might not be aware of. In this article, we’ll explore the real name of this legendary car and its significance.
The Official Name of the Crown Victoria
The real name of the Crown Victoria is the Ford Crown Victoria. It was manufactured by the Ford Motor Company and is part of the full-size car segment. The Crown Victoria nameplate was first introduced in 1955 as a trim level of the Ford Fairlane, but it became a standalone model in 1992. The car is officially categorized as a full-size sedan and was produced until 2011.
Why Is It Called the Crown Victoria?
The name "Crown Victoria" has historical roots. It was inspired by the "Crown Victoria" trim level of the 1950s Ford Fairlane, which featured a distinctive chrome "crown" band across the roof. The name evokes a sense of prestige and authority, which aligns with its later use as a police interceptor and luxury fleet vehicle.
Key Features That Made the Crown Victoria Famous
- Durability: The Crown Victoria was built on the Panther platform, known for its rugged construction and ability to withstand heavy use.
- Spacious Interior: With ample room for passengers and cargo, it became a favorite for taxi services and families alike.
- Law Enforcement Use: The Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI) was a staple in police departments across North America due to its reliability and performance.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: Its rear-wheel-drive layout provided better handling and durability, especially for high-stress applications.
- V8 Engine: Equipped with a powerful V8 engine, it delivered the performance needed for both civilian and professional use.
These features contributed to the Crown Victoria's reputation as a dependable and versatile vehicle, cementing its legacy in automotive history.
The End of an Era
Production of the Ford Crown Victoria ended in 2011, marking the conclusion of an era for this iconic vehicle. Despite its discontinuation, the Crown Victoria remains a beloved car among enthusiasts, collectors, and those who appreciate its unique blend of practicality and history.
Whether you know it as the "Crown Vic" or by its full name, the Ford Crown Victoria continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many. Its legacy lives on in the memories of its drivers and the streets it once dominated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a 2011 Crown Victoria worth?
The value of a used 2011 Ford Crown Victoria ranges from $1,480 to $5,588, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
What V-8 was in the Crown Vic?
4.6L V8
Chassis and specification. Under the 1998 redesign, multiple changes were made to the Crown Victoria's mechanical systems. An updated 4.6L V8 engine now received an increase in horsepower to 200 hp and 215 hp for dual exhaust models.
Why did Queen Victoria wear a small crown?
In 1870, Queen Victoria commissioned a diamond crown small enough to be worn above her widow's cap, as she continued to mourn her late husband, Prince Albert. The resulting piece was an openwork silver frame set with 1,187 diamonds.
Is a Crown Vic the same as a Lincoln Town Car?
The Ford Crown Vic, Mercury Grand Marq and Lincoln Town Car are all built by ford on the same platform. They share the frame, engine, transmissions and several other unseen parts. The Crown Vic and Grand Marq share even more parts. The Town Car came with the most equipment because it was pushed as the luxury brand.
Why did Ford stop making Crown Vics?
These large body-on-frame sedans simply weren't popular enough for the automakers to keep investing in the platform. The Crown Vic in particular had some engineering safety issues and lawsuits that most likely also encouraged Ford to scrap it. Probably safety, changing customer trends, and emissions.
What's the difference between a police interceptor and a Crown Victoria?
CVPIs have higher-rate coil springs, around 0.8 inches (20.3 mm) of additional ground clearance, and thinner rear anti-roll bars (shared with the LX Sport) than the Handling and Performance Package Crown Victorias; the base Crown Victoria, beginning in 2003.5, does not have a rear anti-roll bar.
How many police Crown Vics are left?
New York City's taxi fleet finally said farewell to the Ford Crown Victoria earlier in 2023, but the big, body-on-frame sedan lives on as a police car in Los Angeles. The city's sheriff department bought 600 examples of the Crown Vic before production ended, and 429 are still in service.
Are Crown Vic and Grand Marquis the same?
For the interior, the two vehicles also were given different seats, door trim, and dashboards; the Crown Victoria featured an instrument panel with round dials that included voltage and oil-pressure gauges, while the Grand Marquis featured a horizontal speedometer without the full instrumentation.
Why did Ford stop making Lincoln Town Car?
Although remaining Lincoln's top-selling model, calendar-year sales declined each year for the Town Car between 1986 and 1989. This decline was mostly blamed on its aging design and the increased popularity of the Continental which had been fully redesigned for 1988.
Where did the Crown Victoria get its name?
Name etymology
The model directly derives its name from the Ford Fairlane Crown Victoria of 1955–1956, the 1980 LTD Crown Victoria revived a distinctive styling feature from its Fairlane namesake: a targa-style band atop the B-pillars.
