Generation 1:
Today in the world of Automotive history the Lincoln Continental was officially released to the United States public. Originally it was designed to be the Personal car of Edsel Ford, but supposedly it was always planned to be released to the public. It was to be a channeled and sectioned version of the Zephyr that was already in production. The only problem with this original model was the American entrance into World War II. Only 424 '39 and '40 models were created.
Generation 2: 1956 - 60
Not until 1955 was the name resurrected for use on the Second Generation Lincoln Continental. This was the epitome of Luxury at the time and rivaled Rolls-Royce with a price tag of $10,000. Even at this price though the company still lost money, but it exclusivity made it almost mythical. The owners list consisted of people such as Elvis Presley, Harry Kissinger, and the Shah or Iran. Very few were sold and those that were were only sold to people deemed worthy to be a Continental owner, or at least that is what the rumors were!
Generation 3: 1961 - 69
For its next embodiment Lincoln would hire Elwood Engel to complete design the entire car. This design was said to be the pinnacle of Lincoln design and over the course of this model year tons of first in automotive history would make their debut. The most well known feature of this model was the "suicide" style doors that instead of hinging from the front hinged from the back. This feature was designed to make ingress and egress easier. This was also the first time that turn signals and parking lights were integrated into the front bumper instead of simply the rear. The engine was also increased from 430 to 462 cubic inches (7.0L - 7.6L) and became the most common engine choice for the entire life of this model. It also saw three model types including four-door sedan, a convertible and a two-door coupe.
Generation 4: 1970 - 79
The next generation saw updates to external features such as lights covered by front flaps and a Government mandated front bumper. The car measured 19.4 feet in total and weighed from 4500 - 5000 lbs. This as well as the Cadillac El-Dorado were some of the largest cars on the road during this era even with General Motors beginning to downsize their vehicles. The most popular package was the Collector's Series which included a moon-roof engine block heater and velor or leather seats. Total cost was $22,000 US.
Generation 5-6 : 1980 - 89
The Generation 5 only ran for one year and was quickly replaced by the Generation six which was designed to compete with the new Cadillac Seville. This generation saw industry firsts with gas-charged shocks as well as self sealing tires. The engine choices included a carburetor V-8 and later a direct injected V-8. In 1984 - 85 there was even a 2.4 L Steyr BMW Turbodiesel offered. This was very rare and very unpopular in the 1980's. This car was featured in Tim Burton's movie Beetlejuice .
Generation 7: 1988- 94
This generation introduced the world of smaller displacement V-6 engines to new Continental owners. It was based on an extended version of the Taurus/Sable chassis and was also a Front-Wheel drive model. This was meant to try to appeal to a new market of drivers who want better fuel economy and a Euro-Feel and styling. Though sadly they were unable to get a foot hold in the youth market and it was sold to owners looking for a front-wheel drive alternative to the rear-wheel drive Town Car.
Generation 8: 1995 - 97
This generation saw a huge upgrade in the cars appearance to separate the Continental from the lesser Taurus. This included more rounded line and a new DOHC Modular V-8 to give it more power and a more upscale feeling than the Ford Taurus. This design was also released to fix many of the design flaws that had plagued the previous generation. This was simply to try to fix the problems and bring back buyers to the Continental's segment.
Generation 9: 1998- 2002
This was the final evolution of the Continental. It was designed to have a strong resemblance to the Lincoln Town Car. One of the key features was a new Global Positioning and crash response unit that was very similar to the OnStar equipment used on General Motor vehicles. Though after a few slow selling years it was decided to cancel the Continental line. It was seen that the increase in traction control technology that front-wheel drive was no longer necessary for inclement weather. At the end of the 2002 the Continental production plant in Wixom Michigan was shut down and recommissioned to make other models.
The Lincoln Continental played a huge role in the history of the car for American's and has been linked to a multitude of famous individuals. In the end though changing tastes and vehicle evolution got the best of it and it joined the ranks of those cars who went quietly into retirement.
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