Lincoln Continental: The Devil's In The Details And These Details Will Blow Your Mind
By Lori Melton
The Lincoln Continental has long been considered Ford Motor Company's flagship luxury car. The first Continental was reportedly introduced in 1939 and it maintained its affluent world-renowned status for more than six decades until it was discontinued in 2002. In 2015, the Continental was revamped and re-entered the automotive landscape with jaw-dropping beauty and innovative design and functionality enhancements. Learn some more about Ford's most glamorous vehicle below.
Ford's Luxurious Flagship Model Courted Many Famous People
Earmarked to be its flagship luxury vehicle, Ford's early Lincoln Continentals were majestic and quickly earned the reputation of being one of the most beautiful cars on the American automotive landscape. As such, plenty of famous people owned them. World-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright owned two of them. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and Elizabeth Taylor all owned the Continental Mark II, with the "Cleopatra" actress being gifted a custom-colored car from MGM to match her stunning eyes.
Furthermore, President John F. Kennedy was tragically assassinated while riding in a modified '61 Lincoln Continental. It housed a telephone and a rear seat that could be raised. James Brown, Bonnie Raitt, Babe Ruth and Matthew McConaughey all own Lincolns.
Changing Times Yielded Dynamic Designs
Some classic Lincoln owners may argue nothing can rival the early, elegant Continental design. Per Forbes, the car did evolve nicely with the times. The long, beautiful hood was a trademark of early models. The car housed an impressive V12 engine under that hood and was the Indy 500 pace car in 1946. Lincoln's "Mark" series naming scheme helped define the upscale brand all the way through 1999.
The Mark IV series, for example, ran from 1972-1976 and featured several special Luxury Group packages which featured paint colors like metallic silver "Moondust" exterior with matching silver vinyl roof and silver leather interior. There were even designer editions named after jewelry designer Cartier and clothing designers Bill Blass and Givenchy.
Through the years the size of the vehicle was reduced. The modern age brought new performance options like power accessories, keyless entry, and a messaging center.
Today's Lincoln Continental Boasts Beauty and Luxury
The Lincoln Continental made its triumphant return to the market after being taken out of its 2002 retirement. The 2017 models boast 400 horsepower with 400 lb-ft of torque. Interior "Perfect Position Seats" reportedly move 30 different ways. The seat back adjusts to cradle your body and relieve shoulder stress. Power thigh adjusters retract and extend to meet individual leg comfort needs. Maybe the best seat features: Heating, cooling, and massage!
Premium interiors include Venetian leather, Alcantara fabric, rich wood and aluminized fiberglass. The Black Label Rhapsody theme introduces Rhapsody blue leather and Alcantara suede cloth for a sumptuous feel. Other luxury themes include Chalet and Thoroughbred. Plus, the new Lincoln Way app puts you in contact with a personal concierge at the touch of a button on your mobile device.
Overall, Lincoln Continental remains a driving force in Ford Motor Company's luxury brand lineup in the past century, the current, and heading into the future. Visit the Lincoln website for more information.
