The Lincoln Continental is an enduring icon of American luxury, originally conceived in 1939 as a one-off custom vehicle for Ford Motor Company President Edsel Ford. Known for its elegant design and technological firsts, it served as the flagship for the Lincoln brand across ten generations.
First Generation (1940–1948): Inspired by Edsel Ford’s travels in Europe, the Continental featured a…
The Lincoln Continental is an enduring icon of American luxury, originally conceived in 1939 as a one-off custom vehicle for Ford Motor Company President Edsel Ford. Known for its elegant design and technological firsts, it served as the flagship for the Lincoln brand across ten generations.
First Generation (1940–1948): Inspired by Edsel Ford’s travels in Europe, the Continental featured a “long-hood, short-deck” profile and a rear-mounted spare tire that became its namesake “Continental” look. It was powered by a V12 engine, the last of its kind in an American production car.
Continental Mark II (1956–1957): Briefly produced as its own ultra-luxury marque, the Mark II was hand-built and priced at roughly $10,000, rivaling Rolls-Royce.
The fourth generation redefined American automotive design with its “slab-sided” styling and minimal chrome.
Coach Doors: This generation famously featured rear-hinged “suicide doors” for easier entry and exit.
Presidential Legacy: A stretched 1961 Continental served as the limousine for President John F. Kennedy.
Power: Late-1960s models featured a massive 462 cubic-inch V8, the largest displacement engine ever used in a Ford passenger car at the time.
The “Gas Guzzler” Era: During the 1970s, the Continental grew to become the largest car on the market, often weighing over 5,000 pounds before downsizing began in 1980.
Modern Era (2017–2020): After a hiatus, the nameplate returned with a tenth generation featuring a 400-hp twin-turbo V6 and 30-way adjustable seats.
Coach Door Edition: To mark the model’s 80th anniversary, Lincoln released a limited-edition version featuring the return of the signature center-opening coach doors.
Production of the Continental officially ended again after the 2020 model year as Ford shifted focus toward SUVs and crossovers.