Piston Slap: Deep Dish Panther Love?

by Sajeev Mehta

Published: July 7th, 2017

TTAC commentator lilpoindexter writes:

Sanjeev (ha-ha),

I am in quite a pickle. I just got my fat tax return and I want to get SOMETHING. I suggested an OG Toyota Sienna to the wife so we could take our bikes out and go bike riding. However, like most women, she wasn’t too excited about a 14-year-old minivan sharing the driveway. So, I was thinking to hell with it — let me get something I want!

One of the cars on my radar is the Mercury Grand Marquis. I understand the (circa) 2004 and newer models are the ones to get because of the upgraded front suspension. The thing is, I think their flat positive offset wheel are ugly AF. I am most interested in the 1998-2003 Marquis with the deep mesh wheels that look like 80’s BBS wheels. It seems like the BBS wheel Marquis almost always came with dual exhaust, digital dash, and automatic HVAC controls.

Is the newer panther really THAT much better than the older one with the beautiful mesh wheels? I can’t get too excited about the little 4.6-liter engine but, with some flowmasters on it, I think it would at least provide a nice soundtrack.

Talk me off the ledge, or kick me harder off it…

Sajeev answers:

Oh yes! Nothing gets the blood flowing like an American sedan with proper overhangs atop factory-installed, deep-dish lace wheels.

The 2003-2011 models (not 2004) perform better, if that’s what you really want. The hydroformed front, aluminum suspension bits and modest geometry enhancements were a step up, but it’s still a solid axle beast that makes its presence known at every bumpy turn, especially when equipped with those low(er) profile 17-inch tires. And yes, the 2001 (or 2002?) models got the Mustang’s PI heads, which really wake up with basic modifications (computer tune, remove intake tube restrictions, crush-bend free exhaust, etc.) with little sacrifices in low-end torque — ask me how I know — but to what end?

The last Panther rolled off the line six years ago; they are all performance relics in a world of 260-plus horsepower family sedans with turbocharged engines and six-speed gearboxes. Making a Panther go impressively fast isn’t difficult, but I don’t see you spending tens of thousands to make that happen.

So get that MGM with those wheels (part of a desirable handling package) in an example with the cleanest interior and be happy! My ideal Panther is a 1995 Town Car Cartier with a moonroof and those ivory leather Cartier thrones in mint condition. I totally get it!

[Image: Ford Motor Company]

#BbsWheels #DeepDish #DeepDishWheels #GrandMarquis #LaceWheels #MercuryGrandMarquis #PantherLove #TaxReturn

Sajeev Mehta

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2 of 33 comments

Wstarvingteacher on Jul 08, 2017

I share some of the writers obsession with panthers although I have managed to abstain. My last were two brick LTCs. I found the cars to be comfortable and versatile. I even did moonlight jobs with a small trailer (rolling toolbox) hooked on behind but that was another life. It wasn't as good a work car as my 77 Impala wagon but it did ok. Almost 4 years ago I needed to change cars and the panther was on the list. The faults like the plastic manifold that leaked coolant and the cures were all well known. I knew they had the power to pull a small camper trailer or a work trailer for my small farm, but living in the country made me wish for 4wd as well. That was an itch the panther couldn't scratch. This situation screams for making a selection based on appearance, getting rid of any known problem spots, and driving a long time. They are still common but not too long before they will be the rare. That's when it become enjoyable.

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Panther Platform on Jul 09, 2017

I still have my 2003 Grand Marquis LSE. The August 2017 issue of the magazine Collectible Automobile featured it in the "Cheap Wheels" section. They stated "No MGM was an excitement machine, but it was unapologetically big and comfortable While the LSE equipment doesn't sound terribly compelling on the surface, everything it adds improves this basically capable car." I agree. They also note that it just a "used car" and has little value. So true but I like mine!

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