Lincoln
American Luxury: Elegance, Innovation, and Presidential Prestige
Introduction
Lincoln’s story is one of timeless American luxury and innovation. Founded by Henry M. Leland—creator of the Cadillac—and later acquired by Henry Ford, Lincoln became the flagship luxury brand of the Ford Motor Company. Synonymous with elegance, cutting-edge technology, and presidential state cars, Lincoln has crafted some of the most iconic and beautifully designed automobiles in American history, setting the standard for comfort and style for over a century.
| Detail | Information |
| Founded | 1917 (by Henry M. Leland) |
| Parent Company | Ford Motor Company (since 1922) |
| HeadQuarters | Dearborn, Michigan, USA |
| First Car | Lincoln L-Series (1920) |
| Key Innovation | Center-opening “Suicide Doors” (1961) |
| Presidential Legecy | Official U.S. Presidential State Car since 1939 |
Iconic Lincoln Engines
- Ford Flathead V8 (1932-1953): The V8 that made Lincoln smooth and powerful. Adapted from Ford, this engine provided reliable and refined power for early Lincolns.
- Lincoln Y-Block V8 (1952-1962): An overhead-valve V8 developed specifically for Lincoln and Mercury, offering more power and modernity than the flathead.
- MEL 430/462 V8 (1958-1968): Lincoln’s “Mercury-Edsel-Lincoln” big-block engine. A massive, smooth, and powerful motor designed for Lincoln’s largest luxury cars.
- Modular 4.6L V8 (1990s-2000s): A modern overhead-cam V8 used in Town Cars and later models, known for its smoothness and reliability.
- Turbocharged 3.5L V6 (2010-Present): Lincoln’s modern EcoBoost engine, providing V8-like power with better efficiency in current models like the Navigator.
Legendary Lincoln Models
- Lincoln Continental (1939-2020): The crown jewel. Especially the 1961-1969 generation with center-opening “suicide doors,” it is one of the most iconic American car designs of all time.
- Lincoln-Zephyr (1936-1942): The car that saved Lincoln. A streamlined, art deco masterpiece with a V12 engine that modernized the brand and became the precursor to the Continental.
- Lincoln Town Car (1981-2011): The quintessential American luxury sedan. The long-wheelbase, body-on-frame sedan became the symbol of luxury for limousines, livery services, and retirees.
- Lincoln Mark Series (1956-1998): The personal luxury cars. From the Continental Mark II to the Mark VIII, these were stylish, tech-forward coupes that defined elegance for decades.
- Lincoln Navigator (1997-Present): The game-changer. The first full-size American luxury SUV, it revived the Lincoln brand and created an entirely new market segment.
- Lincoln LS (2000-2006): Lincoln’s attempt at a rear-wheel-drive sport sedan. A capable and underrated performer aimed at competing with European sports sedans.
Presidential Prestige
Since 1939, Lincoln has been the preferred choice for U.S. Presidential state cars. The most famous of these is the 1961 Lincoln Continental SS-100-X that carried President John F. Kennedy. This tradition of crafting specially armored, technologically advanced, and supremely comfortable vehicles for the most powerful leader in the world has cemented Lincoln’s image as America’s most prestigious automotive brand for decades.