In honor of the 80th anniversary of the Lincoln Continental model, which famously carried John F. Kennedy on his final journey, 80 special editions of the iconic car have been meticulously crafted.
The Lincoln Continental, a 4-door convertible, was one of the two most luxurious American cars of its time when it became tragically linked to history in 1963 during the untimely death of the United States President, John F. Kennedy, in Dallas, Texas. However, over the years, the Continental lost some of its prestige, perhaps influenced by its association with such a tragic event. Ford’s luxury division, Lincoln, also struggled to gain traction in markets outside North America. Despite the challenges, Ford managed to navigate through the global economic crisis of 2008 by divesting several brands, including Aston Martin, Mazda, Volvo, Jaguar, and Land Rover, and refocusing on its core brand and the premium marque, Lincoln. As a result of this restructuring, Lincoln has not only survived but also reached its remarkable 80th anniversary.
In 2019, celebrating its 80th milestone, Lincoln unveiled a special edition of the Continental at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Aptly named the “Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition,” this unique model, priced at $100,000 in the North American market, will be limited to just 80 units worldwide. Considering the standard Continental model starts at $47,000, the significant price difference for this exclusive edition may raise eyebrows, but upon closer examination, it appears justified.
The “Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition” sets itself apart with rear-hinged, suicide doors, reminiscent of those found on Rolls-Royce models. With this special touch, Lincoln pays homage to ultra-luxury alternatives like Bentley’s Continental range. This exclusive edition boasts a longer wheelbase, adding 15 centimeters to the standard model, resulting in more legroom for rear-seat passengers. The rear section features two individual seats, accompanied by a plaque indicating the limited production number of each vehicle. The attention to detail extends to the opulent wood and leather finishes that adorn the interior.
Inside, the “Black Label” interior package elevates the luxury even further with supremely comfortable seats that are unlike any other in the automotive industry. These highly customizable seats offer 30-way adjustments, ensuring passengers find their perfect seating position from shoulder to calf. The same premium seats are available in Black Label-equipped standard Continental models.
Under the hood, the Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition is powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine, delivering 400 horsepower and 542 Nm of torque. Passengers are greeted by LED lighting, with the Lincoln emblem lighting up the door sills, while the front and rear lighting create a mesmerizing strip of illumination. The elegantly slender chrome door handles add a final touch of refinement to this remarkable automobile.
With only 80 units available, this special edition of the Lincoln Continental holds a unique appeal for automotive enthusiasts and history enthusiasts alike. It stands as a tribute to the past, marrying it with the heights of modern luxury and performance. The limited production and extraordinary craftsmanship make it a collector’s dream and a symbol of Lincoln’s enduring legacy in the world of luxury automobiles. As the Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition emerges on the automotive stage, it reinforces the brand’s commitment to capturing the essence of luxury and style, ensuring that its legacy continues to shine brightly for many years to come.
