The Lincoln Motor Company has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century. Founded in 1917 by Henry Leland, the luxury automotive brand has produced iconic automobiles that have graced the streets and adorned collectors’ garages worldwide. In celebration of its centennial, let’s take a journey down memory lane exploring the Continentals, Presidential limos, and other notable models from Lincoln’s illustrious past.

The Lincoln Continental: The Epitome of Luxury

In 1940, Edsel Ford commissioned the first Lincoln Continental as a one-off personal vehicle. Its modern design and elegant features quickly caught the attention of friends and colleagues, leading to its eventual mass production. The car truly represented luxury with features like leather interiors, power steering, and power windows.

Over the model’s storied history, the Continental evolved through ten generations. Perhaps its most famous variation was the 1961 Lincoln Continental which introduced rear “suicide doors,” adding an extra layer of elegance to an already striking design.

Presidential Limos: Trusted by America’s Leaders

Lincoln has had a longstanding relationship with American presidents ever since Franklin D. Roosevelt chose a 1939 V12 Convertible sedan to be his presidential limo. In fact, President John F. Kennedy was riding in a modified 1961 Lincoln Continental when he fell victim to an assassin in Dallas in 1963.

Since then, Lincoln limousines have frequently been used by America’s leaders for important occasions. For instance, President Richard Nixon used a custom built “Quick Fix” convertible for his inauguration parade during which it rained heavily but Nixon confidently remained unflustered inside his trusted companion.

The Birth of Navigators: A Luxury SUV classic

In 1998, building upon their expertise in crafting luxurious vehicles, Lincoln unveiled the Navigator – their first luxury SUV. The Navigator quickly became a hit and helped to establish an all-new market segment for premium automobiles. For over two decades now, the company has continued to perfect its craft, with the latest Navigator featuring a twin-turbocharged V6 engine and an opulent interior to match its exterior prowess.

Collections of Various Notable Models

Lincoln’s history is not just limited to the Continental, presidential limos, or the Navigator. Other noteworthy models include the Lincoln Zephyr launched in 1936, which was a sleek and affordably-priced mid-sized sedan that met with immense success. The premiere of the Lincoln Mark VI in 1980 marked the debut of Ford’s advanced electronic climate control system. Moreover, stepping into more environmentally friendly territory, Lincoln introduced the MKZ Hybrid in 2011 as its first-ever hybrid vehicle.

Lincoln’s journey over the past century is filled with diverse vehicles that have left lasting impressions on both collectors and casual enthusiasts alike. As we celebrate its 100-year mark, we’re excited to see what groundbreaking innovations and designs Lincoln has in store for us in the next century.