A Brief Look at the Lincoln Continental
The Beginning: The First Generation Lincoln Continental
In 1938, the Lincoln Motor Company was a brand recognized by people around the world as one of the best makers of luxury vehicles. Lincoln wanted a new vehicle, one that would be more affordable but would still embody the luxury its brand was known for. In 1939, that vehicle became a reality in the form of the first generation Lincoln Continental.
This new vehicle was designed to be sleek, elegant, and modern. Its long, low profile was striking and immediately recognizable. It was also quite advanced from a technical standpoint, with power windows, an adjustable steering wheel, and a powerful V12 engine.
Production of the first generation Continental was halted during World War II. However, the car was so popular that it was eventually reintroduced in 1946. This time, it featured a more modern look and a more powerful engine. For the first few years of production, the Continental was only available as a coupe; however, starting in 1949, a convertible model was also offered.
Second Generation: Trying Something Different
The second generation of the Lincoln Continental was introduced in the late 1950s and offered a more modern, futuristic design than its predecessor. It was longer and lower than the first generation, and sported distinctive “suicide doors” that opened into the middle of the car.
The second generation Continental was also the first to be powered by a V8 engine, allowing it to compete on an even playing field with other high-end cars of the time. Production of the second generation Continental ran from 1958 until 1960.
Third Generation: A Classic Look
The third generation Lincoln Continental, introduced in 1961, was a throwback to the classic look of the first generation car. It featured a sleek, low profile and a spacious, luxurious interior. It also had an impressive selection of features, including power windows, locks, and seats.
The 1961 Lincoln Continental was available in both sedan and convertible models, with the addition of the hardtop version in 1962. All three body styles featured an iconic design element: the rear “suicide doors” that opened into the middle of the car.
Fourth Generation: The Beginning of the End
The fourth generation Lincoln Continental was introduced in 1965, but it was clear that the car’s popularity was fading. In an attempt to modernize the Continental, Lincoln completely redesigned the car, giving it a boxier, more angular look.
The fourth generation Continental was also the first to be offered with a four-door sedan model, which quickly became the most popular variant. Sadly, this would be the last generation of the Continental to feature the iconic “suicide doors” design element.
Fifth Generation: A Return to Form
After the disappointment of the fourth generation car, Lincoln went back to the drawing board for the fifth generation. The new design was a throwback to the classic look of the third generation model, with sleek lines and a low profile.
The fifth generation Lincoln Continental also featured an impressive selection of features, including power everything, a fully adjustable front seat, and a sleek dashboard with easy-to-read gauges.
Sixth Generation: A New Millennium
The Lincoln Continental went on hiatus for several years after the end of the fifth generation, but a new, sixth generation model was introduced in the early 2000s. This new model featured a substantially updated design, with a more modern, sporty look as well as a new V6 engine.
The sixth generation Continental was also the first to feature a range of high-tech features, including satellite radio, a navigation system, and voice-activated controls.
Seventh Generation: Bringing Back the Classic
The seventh and final generation of the Lincoln Continental was introduced in 2017. This model was a nod to the classic look of the third and fifth generations, with a sleek, low profile and a luxurious interior.
The newest Continental also features an advanced suite of high-tech features, including a fully digital dashboard, adaptive cruise control, and a lane-keeping system.
Despite its impressive features and modern design, the Lincoln Continental has struggled to compete in a luxury car market that’s dominated by European vehicles. However, the car is still beloved by many people that appreciate its classic looks and luxurious amenities.