The Best Lincoln Continental Classic Cars

The Lincoln Continental is one of our favorite classic cars and one that almost wasn't. The Continental was originally conceived as a two-door Thunderbird-like vehicle, but that option was scrapped when future Ford president Robert S. McNamara caught sight of it the design studio. Instead, the Lincoln Continental was extended into a four-door vehicle, pumped into production as both a sedan and convertible, and shipped out to American dealerships where it quickly became an instant success that has lived on for nearly a century.

The Best Classic Cars: Our Favorite Generations of the Lincoln Continental

• The First Generation. The first generation of Lincoln Continentals was manufactured between 1939 and 1948 and really set the standard for what this classic car would become. Edsel Ford, Henry Ford's only son, was the first to use the model as a personal vehicle and both reviewers and car buyers were quick to take notice. The Lincoln set an entirely new standard for luxury with spacious and comfortable seating and a stylish, elongated hood. Its unibody construction also led to it being considered one of the best-built American vehicles of the day.
• The Second Generation. Produced for just two years (1956 and 1957), Ford released just over 3,000 Lincoln Continentals of which there are only an estimated 1,500 around today. That number includes just three convertibles, making them one of the rarest of classic cars we've profiled. What was so great about these two production years was how high the quality was. For example, the upholstery on this model featured the finest hides from Scotland's Bridge of Weir leather company. Ford specifically chose that company because it was renowned for only using farms that enacted special regulations to significantly reduce the risk of damaged hides, such as not using barbed wire as a containment material. These quality hides were bought from Scotland but dyed in the U.S. as stateside tanneries were better able to match specific shades.
• The Fourth Generation. Produced from 1961 to 1969, the Ford Generation of the Lincoln Continental is considered by many enthusiasts of classic cars to be the epitome of American automobiles due to its boasting a body style perfectly blending form that follows function. This means no frills and yet design elements that both appeal to the eye and enhance the vehicle's overall performance. It should come as no surprise then that it was these very qualities that lent to the fourth generation models being featured in such film classics as the 1964 spy thriller Goldfinger, the 1999 action-packed Matrix, and the 1978 comedy Animal House.

Have a Lincoln Continental That Needs Work? Bring it Into CHRA

Here at Customs & Hot Rods of Andice, we're always excited to get to work on restoring or customizing a Lincoln Continental of any generation. Currently, we have a '62 model in that our whole team is getting dirty on. This model is getting the full slam treatment with a stellar paint job. Bring your car in for the same!