In reference to its European-inspired design, the Lincoln-based prototype received its name: Continental.
Interest from well-off friends was high Edsel sent a telegram back to Michigan that he could sell a thousand of them. The prototype designed by Gregorie was produced on time, making the deadline to be delivered to Edsel Ford in Florida.
As with the Lincoln-Zephyr, the prototype utilized a 267 cubic-inch V12 engine, transverse leaf springs front and rear as well as hydraulic drum brakes. To focus on the styling of the car, the chrome trim on the car was largely restricted to the grille the prototype differed from the eventual production version in that it utilized a somewhat less angular roof line. In contrast to the Zephyr (and in a massive change from the K-Series Lincoln), the hood sat nearly level with the fenders taking advantage of the fact that the engine type and configuration did not need the clearance afforded by the height of the standard Lincoln hood line. Along with the massive decrease in height, the running boards were deleted entirely. īy design, the Edsel Ford prototype was essentially a channeled and sectioned Lincoln-Zephyr convertible although the vehicle wore a conventional windshield profile, the prototype sat nearly 7 inches lower than a standard Lincoln. Using the blueprints of the streamlined Lincoln-Zephyr as a starting point, Gregorie sketched a design for a convertible with a redesigned body allegedly, the initial sketch for the design was completed in an hour.įord wanted to revive the popularity of the 1929–1932 Lincoln Victoria coupe and convertible but with a more modern approach, reflecting European styling influences for the Continental. In 1938, Ford commissioned a one-off design he wanted ready for his March 1939 vacation from company Chief Stylist Eugene T. The Lincoln Continental began life as a personal vehicle for Ford Motor Company President Edsel Ford. After it was discontinued in Lincoln's home market, Ford indicated that it planned to move Continental production to China.Įdsel Ford prototype (1939) Development The Continental is the final American vehicle line with a factory-produced V12 engine (1948), the final four-door convertible (1967), and the final model line to undergo downsizing (for the 1980 model year).Īmerican production of the Continental and MKZ, its only two sedans, ended in 2020 thereby making Lincoln a crossover/SUV-only brand in the USA.
#1962 lincoln continental freeway express series#
From 1956 to 1957, the Continental nameplate was the namesake of the short-lived Continental Division, marketing the 1956–1957 Continental Mark II as the worldwide flagship of Ford Motor Company as a second successor, Ford introduced the Continental Mark series in 1969, produced over six generations to 1998.Īlong with the creation of the personal luxury car segment, the Lincoln Continental marked the zenith of several designs in American automotive history. Following World War II, the segment evolved into coupes and convertibles larger than sports cars and grand touring cars with an emphasis on features, styling, and comfort over performance and handling. After 2002, the Continental was retired, largely replaced by the Lincoln MKS in 2009 in 2017, the tenth-generation Continental replaced the MKS.Īs part of its entry into full-scale production, the first-generation Continental was the progenitor of an entirely new automotive segment, the personal luxury car. In 1981, the Continental was renamed the Lincoln Town Car to accommodate the 1982 seventh-generation Continental. From 1949 to 1955, the nameplate was briefly retired. The model line has also gone on hiatus three times. From 1961 to 1976, Lincoln sold the Continental as its exclusive model line. Within the Lincoln model line, the Continental has served several roles ranging from its flagship to its base-trim sedan. In production for over 55 years across nine different decades, Lincoln has produced ten generations of the Continental. In what would give the model line its name, the exterior was given European "continental" styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, who commissioned a coachbuilt 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln buyers. The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Transverse Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout (2016–2020) Transverse Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout (1987–2020)
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