johnjyi Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 I know how most people feel about the Panthers, but I figured I'd post this anyway. As a final showing for 2011, if they were to bring back the CV Sport or the GMQ LSE, I would most likely get one...preferably the GMQ LSE. Not because I'm nuts or like gas guzzlers or like old cars or anything derogatory. I just happen to have always like the car. They are comfortable and "safe" in comparison to a lot of other cars. Also, they were pretty basic. I just don't like the column shifter. :shades: No, it would not be my daily commuter. I use the Mustang and/or Focus mostly for that purpose. Well, at least until my kid takes the Focus and my wife takes back her Mustang. So, I'll just wait to see if they do offer the LSE or Sport. :beerchug: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Well, with the CV now fleet-only, I wouldn't hold out any hope for the Sport returning. Still a smidgen of hope I guess for something on the GM side of things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Yeah; I won't hold my breath...just keep my eyes open. Good thing I have plenty of other cars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bored of Pisteon Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Make your own Panther! That's how it should have been. What's up with the Mustang having so many color combinations inside and out, available for choices and options, leather seats, etc.? For god sakes. Let's see the old school colors again. At least some of these new Ford vehicles like the Focus and the F-150 have the color Gold again and that is sharp. I'm just sick and tired of seeing the same old shit colors like White, Black, Silver, Red. Ugly puke colored tan, etc. Flimsy interior materials also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Make your own Panther! That's how it should have been. What's up with the Mustang having so many color combinations inside and out, available for choices and options, leather seats, etc.? For god sakes. Let's see the old school colors again. At least some of these new Ford vehicles like the Focus and the F-150 have the color Gold again and that is sharp. I'm just sick and tired of seeing the same old shit colors like White, Black, Silver, Red. Ugly puke colored tan, etc. Flimsy interior materials also. You can get Panthers in all sorts of colors. You can even get them with the hoods and doors different colors from the rest. Just talk to your fleet manager. Oh, that's not what you meant? :D Realistically, it simply comes down to demand. Ford isn't likely to bother offering a color for a particular vehicle if only a handful of them are going to end up being ordered that way. The two most common Panther colors are probably white... ...and yellow. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Naw! Let's see...I have a Sonic Blue, Moss Green, Brillian Silver, Candy Apple Red, Vista Blue, and Black. :stats: I'd like a 2011 Mercury Grand Marquis LSE in either Silver or Gray with Gray interior with limited slip, dual exhaust, heated seats, moonroof, and full size spare. :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Let's see...I have a Sonic Blue, Moss Green, Brillian Silver, Candy Apple Red, Vista Blue, and Black. :stats: Always liked Sonic Blue. :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cocheese Posted June 30, 2009 Share Posted June 30, 2009 Realistically, it simply comes down to demand. Ford isn't likely to bother offering a color for a particular vehicle if only a handful of them are going to end up being ordered that way. Actually, I believe STAP has one of the most diverse paint selections in the industry. Many Police Departments and Cab companies have their own colours (be it blues, greens, yellows, etc). I think some have to pay extra for the paint depending on how many units they order, but if you knew the right guy, you could probably get your Panther painted any colour you wanted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnjyi Posted June 30, 2009 Author Share Posted June 30, 2009 Always liked Sonic Blue. :shades: Yep! That would be my baby, 2003 Mustang GT Convertible. :happy feet: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Actually, I believe STAP has one of the most diverse paint selections in the industry. Many Police Departments and Cab companies have their own colours (be it blues, greens, yellows, etc). I think some have to pay extra for the paint depending on how many units they order, but if you knew the right guy, you could probably get your Panther painted any colour you wanted Yeah, but they are usually ordered in bulk in such cases. I very much doubt you could order one Crown Victoria with a blue roof, white hood and trunk, and orange doors. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rscalzo Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 Yeah, but they are usually ordered in bulk in such cases. I very much doubt you could order one Crown Victoria with a blue roof, white hood and trunk, and orange doors. Ford fleet would allow the CV to be ordered in any color the standard (at the time) CV are producing. The only variation were the white with black fenders/front end. No other color combinations were available. Of course the department could send off the units to a body shop and have them done up. Most of the variations were in the internal modifications such was the wiring, radio prep, fire suppression, strobe power supplies, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpd80 Posted July 5, 2009 Share Posted July 5, 2009 (edited) I just hope Ford North America can find a way to work in a new RWD some how for those that want them.... Edited July 5, 2009 by jpd80 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 6, 2009 Share Posted July 6, 2009 Ford fleet would allow the CV to be ordered in any color the standard (at the time) CV are producing. The only variation were the white with black fenders/front end. No other color combinations were available. I beg to differ on that one. At least that's not how it was in 1997-98 when I was working in a dealer. The fleet office had an entire booklet dedicated to all of the various color schemes available on the Crown Victoria at the time. Things like yellow doors with white roof/hood/trunk...blue fenders with white doors, etc. There were at least a couple dozen odd combinations available that were common for fleet buyers like taxi companies, government agencies, and area police departments. It's certainly possible that they simplified this process in later years when volumes shrank though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GhostTiger Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 I beg to differ on that one. At least that's not how it was in 1997-98 when I was working in a dealer. The fleet office had an entire booklet dedicated to all of the various color schemes available on the Crown Victoria at the time. Things like yellow doors with white roof/hood/trunk...blue fenders with white doors, etc. There were at least a couple dozen odd combinations available that were common for fleet buyers like taxi companies, government agencies, and area police departments. It's certainly possible that they simplified this process in later years when volumes shrank though. Nick would be correct. We *still* build police units that are a variety of non-standard colours. Green and black, white and green, white and blue, black and white, white and black (yes, reverse of the standard scheme), etc. Just an fyi, what's really killing the car in 2011 is emissions, something the new 5.0 would solve. But only if Ford puts the money into the car for a retro-fit. And don't kid yourselves about how much money it makes, it's Ford's most profitable car at the moment. When you see sales reports, none of that includes sales to Saudi Arabia (this week, nearly every other car is a Saudi car). We build far more cars than Chicago does. I still think Ford wants to kill the car because it doesn't portray a high-tech image that they seem to want. I'm not really rooting for the car, just pointing out facts. (I would like to retire from STAP in 10 years, but if that happens, I'm sure it won't be with the CV) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bored of Pisteon Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Nick would be correct. We *still* build police units that are a variety of non-standard colours. Green and black, white and green, white and blue, black and white, white and black (yes, reverse of the standard scheme), etc. Just an fyi, what's really killing the car in 2011 is emissions, something the new 5.0 would solve. But only if Ford puts the money into the car for a retro-fit. And don't kid yourselves about how much money it makes, it's Ford's most profitable car at the moment. When you see sales reports, none of that includes sales to Saudi Arabia (this week, nearly every other car is a Saudi car). We build far more cars than Chicago does. I still think Ford wants to kill the car because it doesn't portray a high-tech image that they seem to want. I'm not really rooting for the car, just pointing out facts. (I would like to retire from STAP in 10 years, but if that happens, I'm sure it won't be with the CV) Another reason you pointed out on why Ford wants to kill the car is "high-tech" I don't need all that costly useless shit in a vehicle anyway. All I need is a 12V power point and I'm good to go. Unfortunately the Panther lines doesn't fit into their little board room intelligencia. Why car companies continue to throw in all these yuppified high-tech gizmos in these cars is beyond me. Next thing they'll come up with is portable tents and mattresses since we'll be living out of our cars soon anyway the way this country's going. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelsonlu Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 Why car companies continue to throw in all these yuppified high-tech gizmos in these cars is beyond me. Next thing they'll come up with is portable tents and mattresses since we'll be living out of our cars soon anyway the way this country's going. They put them out because people want them. Just because you don't want them doesn't mean that the public doesn't want them. Indeed, I think the lack of the updates on those features is what ultimately did in the Fourth Generation Taurus/Sable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rscalzo Posted July 7, 2009 Share Posted July 7, 2009 (edited) They put them out because people want them. Just because you don't want them doesn't mean that the public doesn't want them. Indeed, I think the lack of the updates on those features is what ultimately did in the Fourth Generation Taurus/Sable. Because that is what the buying public wants in their cars today. They don't want ten year old technology. The meat and potato's of the CV had been fleet sales to LE. that market is drying up rapidly. Either agencies are moving to the Charger or they have scaled back their purchases. That leaves the non-existence civilian market. Out of six dealers in my area, one has one Mercury on the lot. Ford may make a large profit on the sales to the general public, but at the 19K we paid two years ago and the 20k they are paying today the profit margin can not be that great. I'm sure they made more on the sale of my Escape and Explorer then the CV. Edited July 7, 2009 by rscalzo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted July 8, 2009 Share Posted July 8, 2009 When you see sales reports, none of that includes sales to Saudi Arabia (this week, nearly every other car is a Saudi car). Had actually almost forgotten about that market. Guess I do see a heck of a lot of them in video from the region. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T'Cal Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 The CV/GM/TC haven't changed much at all since 1998. I loved the GM-based Marauder I had for a few years but always hoped Ford would update it and the CV LX Sport and Town Car with the Mustang GT's engine. The cheaper-to-build SOHC 24V V8 makes 315hp/320lbft while the Marauder's costly DOHC 32V V8 made only 302/318. Back the former plant with a 5- or 6-speed automatic available in all of Ford's other RWD products and this car would've been quicker and more economical than even the current drive trains (239-250hp SOHC 16V V8/4-speed autos). This 30-year-old platform needed these updates some time ago if Ford was going to keep it in production this long. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taxman100 Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 Ford is solely interested in selling homogonized vehicles that they can build on the cheap from worldwide platforms. In short, pretty much the same thing that every other maker will be selling. You take off the badges, and you won't be able to tell any of them apart from any manufacturer. Ford dropped the ball years ago on the full sized sedan market - they were content to ride that horse until it died. Finally it appears to be dying. The bright side is the Panther is their best vehicle, so I can buy used versions of them in good condition for many, many years to come. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
armadamaster Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 I know how most people feel about the Panthers, but I figured I'd post this anyway. As a final showing for 2011, if they were to bring back the CV Sport or the GMQ LSE, I would most likely get one...preferably the GMQ LSE. Not because I'm nuts or like gas guzzlers or like old cars or anything derogatory. I just happen to have always like the car. They are comfortable and "safe" in comparison to a lot of other cars. Also, they were pretty basic. I just don't like the column shifter. :shades: No, it would not be my daily commuter. I use the Mustang and/or Focus mostly for that purpose. Well, at least until my kid takes the Focus and my wife takes back her Mustang. So, I'll just wait to see if they do offer the LSE or Sport. :beerchug: Should have offered a 30th anniversary edition Marquis or SOMETHING for 2009, they can manage to crank out a prostate cancer Mustang or some nonsense like that every other month. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iluvnascar Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 Should have offered a 30th anniversary edition Marquis or SOMETHING for 2009, they can manage to crank out a prostate cancer Mustang or some nonsense like that every other month. But that would run counter to the master plan............which is to continue to kill demand for the Panther carline and allow it to die a slow death. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nelsonlu Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 But that would run counter to the master plan............which is to continue to kill demand for the Panther carline and allow it to die a slow death. You can't kill what isn't there any more. Not only is the Panther not selling any more (in comparison to even several years ago) but none of its RWD competitors - foreign or domestic - is selling. How do you think it would have been possible for Ford to continue selling the car in the current market even if the car had been updated? (As a semi-aside, the Hyundai Genesis is hardly a great sales success at all - but the Geneses that have been selling effectively cannibalized the Azera sales such that Hyundai sold only 313 Azeras last month after selling 1745 in June 2008. Perhaps that strategy still works for Hyundai; it wouldn't for Ford.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIAMI-DADE Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 The Panther is their best vehicle, so I can buy used versions of them in good condition for many, many years to come. +1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bored of Pisteon Posted July 11, 2009 Share Posted July 11, 2009 +1 I'll second that! Even for years to come down the road... I'll still drive my Panthers! I don't care. I'll even find low mileage limosuines! Who cares... I'll drive em! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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