Inside Story Of Lincoln’s Most Legendary Car
The Lincoln Continental earned prestige through elegance and cultural gravitas. Over time, changing expectations and market tides transformed how it was seen and who it was for. For a closer look at its lasting influence and quiet retreat, here are 10 things to know about this car.
Born As A Personal Project
In 1938, Edsel Ford asked for a classy car, and the Lincoln Continental was born. Architect Frank Lloyd Wright praised it as “the most beautiful car in the world” and bought two. Because of its clean lines and long hood, it quickly became a reference point for modern American elegance.
A Wartime Survivor
Although WWII halted auto production, the Continental returned in 1946 with fresh confidence. For example, it led the Indy 500 as that year’s pace car. Remarkably, it kept its V12 engine. That decision helped it stand apart in a changing industry.
Hollywood’s Favorite Ride
By 1956, the Continental Mark II stood as a luxury icon priced at $10,000. Stars like Elvis Presley and Elizabeth Taylor drove one, with Taylor’s car matching her eyes. Interestingly, Ford lost money on each. Even so, it became a status symbol throughout pop culture.
A Design Revolution
The 1961 model shook up American design norms. Its slab-sided body and rear-opening doors looked clean, bold, and modern. Rather than following trends, Lincoln set its own. As a result, its looks became so iconic that it influenced presidential limousines for decades.
Presidential Legacy
The 1961 Lincoln Continental became iconic after it carried President Kennedy during the Dallas motorcade. Its rear-hinged “suicide doors,” once praised for style, took on a more somber meaning. Even after the assassination, the X-100 limo stayed in use.
The 1980s Struggles
Later, the 1980s challenged Lincoln as imports grabbed market share. Hoping to adapt, designers introduced front-wheel drive, but longtime fans weren’t impressed. The Continental slowly lost its edge, signaling a broader shift in what luxury car buyers truly wanted.
The 2002 Discontinuation
Eventually, in 2002, Lincoln retired the Continental after nine storied generations. Sales had dropped as SUVs gained dominance. By then, full-size sedans felt out of place. Though once a flagship, the name quietly slipped away from showroom floors across America.
A Short-Lived Revival
Years later, excitement returned when Lincoln launched a new Continental in 2017. Inspired by a 2015 concept, the 10th-gen model looked sharp and tech-savvy. However, interest never took off. In the end, its reboot felt more like a graceful farewell.
The Last American Sedan With A Factory V12
The Lincoln Continental, built between 1939 and 1948, was the last mass-produced American car to feature a factory V12 engine. Its smooth, refined performance defined luxury at the time. Now recognized as a “full classic,” it remains a standout favorite among collectors.
China’s Unexpected Love For The Continental
The Continental found fresh life in China even after ending in the U.S. In 2017, Lincoln sold more cars there than at home. Some believed an EV version might follow. Clearly, the name still held strong appeal abroad.
