RARE FIND

We did a resto-refresh totaling over $8000 on this eye-popping Grand Marquis LSE, a sportier version of the Grand Marquis with only 4988 LSE units built in 2002 out of 606,000 third generation GM's produced. The LSE was not a separate model but a trim level on the LS, basically a factory hot-rod somewhere between a stock Grand Marquis and a Marauder.

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It came with bucket seats, center console with floor-mounted gearshift, more horsepower, high stall torque converter, aggressive gearing, heavier duty suspension, sport-tuned variable assist steering, stainless H-pipe exhaust with resonators and mufflers, and Traction-Lok limited-slip differential. ​​I found the car in Reno, Nevada, but it spent most its life in San Diego. It has a clean, no-accident Carfax showing good mechanical maintenance history.

 

MECHANICAL

Car has been computer-code checked from stem to stern by pro mechanic shop LSX Motorsports, Phoenix, AZ. Fresh synthetic oil, filter, and other fluids topped off or replaced. List of new parts and work totaling $8046, accomplished by my team and prior owner:

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All new window regulators

Full AC service

Radiator evacuation and refill

Differential full service and fresh fluid

Brakes full service and fluid

New Interstate battery

New windshield

Full repaint in Matador Red

Fully reconditioned undercarriage (stunning!)

Mustang GT 18-inch wheels with Cobra center caps

New 235-60-R18 Performax radials

New headlights and tail lights​

New carbon fiber pillar pieces

New wipers/blades

Sunroof repair and service

Professional cut/buff/polish detail

Full engine bay detail

Full interior detail

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​PANTHER PERFORMANCE

_ 4.6 liter V8 two-valve, 9.4:1 compression

_ 4R70W four-speed overdrive transmission

_ 280 cubic inch engine producing 235 hp, 275 torque

_ 3.27 final gear ratio

_ Top speed 139 mph

_ 17/25 mpg

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These "Panther" drivetrains (Ford/Lincoln/Mercury) are proven workhorses, used for decades as police / taxi / corporate fleet / livery service / limo. They can easily run 500,000 miles. OEM and aftermarket parts are and will continue to be available for years, simply because so many Panthers were built and are still on the road. The slightly wider wheel/tire package we added (no rub or bottom out) provides a nimble, agile stability that make this luxury muscle car FUN TO DRIVE!

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LSE FACTORY HANDLING PERFORMANCE PACKAGE

_ Same center console gearshift as the Marauder and Crown Vic LX Sport

_ Sport-tuned front shocks and springs

_ Sport-tuned variable assist steering

_ Auxiliary oil-to-air coolers for the power steering and transmission

_ Larger front and rear anti-sway bars

_ Heavy-duty rear suspension with air spring shocks

_ Rear gearing designed for better off-the-line acceleration

_ Higher stall torque converter at 11.25 inches

_ Stainless dual exhaust with H-pipe

_ Traction Lock LSD (limited slip differential) rear axle

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EXTERIOR

9.5 of 10. No accidents on the clean Car Fax. Full repaint in glossy metallic Matador Red with subtle silver pinstripe. Why did we re-paint a 29k mile car? There were just enough scuffs, scratches and minor dimples here and there to warrant the paint job. Now it looks new like it did in '02. Body panels and gaps are smooth and straight. Full cut-buff-polish makes the pristine paint pop. New headlamps and tail lights are crystal clear. Windshield is brand new and all other window glass and weather stripping are very good. Spacious 20 cubic-foot trunk with mini spare and jack.​​

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Engine bay is fully dressed and detailed. Undercarriage has been fully reconditioned to an astonishing "Pebble Beach Concourse" level as photos illustrate. Floor pans show their original glossy paint. Factory chalk marks, tags, and code plates are visible on component parts. We added new chrome exhaust tips and hand-painted the frame, brake calipers, and other components in black and silver. Stunning!

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WHEELS / TIRES

As an OPTION to the 18-inch Mustang wheel/tire package shown in photos, you may instead take the car with its original Lacey Spoke 16-inch Mercury wheels (nearly flawless, see photo at end). They come with low mileage tires still under warranty with Discount Tire. So take your pick on which wheel/tire package.

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INTERIOR

9.5 of 10. Seats, door panels, carpets, headliner, and all other interior finishes are very good. Interior has been professionally detailed including shampooing all carpets and mats, and reconditioning all leather. All dash features, gauges, switches, lights, signals, climate control, cruise control, and window / seat / rearview mirror motors are functional​. Car comes with owner’s manual, two keys, two fobs, touch-up paint, and original dealer literature. (More interior photos coming soon).

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INVESTMENT
The LSE is a sleeper. Investors and collectors have gotten wise to them. They have left the bottom of their depreciation curve and are rising in value. Now's the time.​​​​​​