![1963 ford thunderbird door panels 1963 ford thunderbird door panels](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/CswAAOSw2XFUZ2QG/s-l640.jpg)
In contrast to the Zephyr (and in a massive change from the K-Series Lincoln), the hood sat nearly level with the fenders taking advantage of the fact that the engine type and configuration did not need the clearance afforded by the height of the standard Lincoln hood line. Along with the massive decrease in height, the running boards were deleted entirely. īy design, the Edsel Ford prototype was essentially a channeled and sectioned Lincoln-Zephyr convertible although the vehicle wore a conventional windshield profile, the prototype sat nearly 7 inches lower than a standard Lincoln. Using the blueprints of the streamlined Lincoln-Zephyr as a starting point, Gregorie sketched a design for a convertible with a redesigned body allegedly, the initial sketch for the design was completed in an hour.įord wanted to revive the popularity of the 1929–1932 Lincoln Victoria coupe and convertible but with a more modern approach, reflecting European styling influences for the Continental. In 1938, Ford commissioned a one-off design he wanted ready for his March 1939 vacation from company Chief Stylist Eugene T. The Lincoln Continental began life as a personal vehicle for Ford Motor Company President Edsel Ford. After it was discontinued in Lincoln's home market, Ford indicated that it planned to move Continental production to China.Įdsel Ford prototype (1939) Development The Continental is the final American vehicle line with a factory-produced V12 engine (1948), the final four-door convertible (1967), and the final model line to undergo downsizing (for the 1980 model year).Īmerican production of the Continental and MKZ, its only two sedans, ended in 2020 thereby making Lincoln a crossover/ SUV-only brand in the USA. From 1956 to 1957, the Continental nameplate was the namesake of the short-lived Continental Division, marketing the 1956–1957 Continental Mark II as the worldwide flagship of Ford Motor Company as a second successor, Ford introduced the Continental Mark series in 1969, produced over six generations to 1998.Īlong with the creation of the personal luxury car segment, the Lincoln Continental marked the zenith of several designs in American automotive history.
![1963 ford thunderbird door panels 1963 ford thunderbird door panels](http://vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/image-archive/i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa326/sseebart/1964%20Thunderbird/Door%20Restoration/HPIM4304.jpg)
Following World War II, the segment evolved into coupes and convertibles larger than sports cars and grand touring cars with an emphasis on features, styling, and comfort over performance and handling. After 2002, the Continental was retired, largely replaced by the Lincoln MKS in 2009 in 2017, the tenth-generation Continental replaced the MKS.Īs part of its entry into full-scale production, the first-generation Continental was the progenitor of an entirely new automotive segment, the personal luxury car. In 1981, the Continental was renamed the Lincoln Town Car to accommodate the 1982 seventh-generation Continental. From 1949 to 1955, the nameplate was briefly retired. The model line has also gone on hiatus three times. From 1961 to 1976, Lincoln sold the Continental as its exclusive model line. Within the Lincoln model line, the Continental has served several roles ranging from its flagship to its base-trim sedan. In production for over 55 years across nine different decades, Lincoln has produced ten generations of the Continental.
![1963 ford thunderbird door panels 1963 ford thunderbird door panels](https://www.vintagethunderbirdclub.net/phpBB3/image-archive/i738.photobucket.com/albums/xx24/jbird66/IMG_5638_zpsmvqvrres.jpg)
In what would give the model line its name, the exterior was given European "continental" styling elements, including a rear-mounted spare tire. The model line was introduced following the construction of a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, who commissioned a coachbuilt 1939 Lincoln-Zephyr convertible, developed as a vacation vehicle to attract potential Lincoln buyers. The Lincoln Continental is a series of mid-sized and full-sized luxury cars produced between 19 by Lincoln, a division of the American automaker Ford Motor Company. Transverse Front-engine, four-wheel-drive layout (2016–2020) Transverse Front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout (1987–2020) Trending Questions What is location of relays on 1996 s10 pickup? Cost of steering column Mercury Sable? How do you replace a heater core in a 85 dodge ram van? What does the code dte mean on a dodge ram overhead console? How many quarts of oil does a 2003 Chevy Malibu hold? Why does the temperature drop cold while you drive your 1998 Chevy Cavalier? What do you do if the low brake fluid light comes on in your 2001 Chevy impala? What is the value of a 1987 Chevy C-30 Scottsdale 1 ton? How do you replace upper control arm on Isuzu Trooper 2000? How do you set the clock on a 2002 ford ranger? What is the oil capacity of a 2004 Chrysler Sebring 2.Full-size luxury car (1939–1980, 2017–2020)