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Lincoln Division History and Milestone Vehicles
1917
August
After departing a management position at the Cadillac Division of General Motors, Henry Leland and his son Wilfred Leland form the Lincoln Motor Company, which produces aircraft engines to fill World War I government contracts. Leland is a staunch patriot and feels industry should support the war effort. He names the company after Abraham Lincoln, his hero and for whom he cast his first vote in 1864.
1920
January 26
The Lincoln Motor Company (and the brand name) is founded in Detroit. This company is a successor of the 1917 company. September 14 Leland completes the first Lincoln car - called the “L” series. These first Lincolns were large and luxurious. They also cost 10 times the price of a Model T. Styling of the Model L was conservative to the point of stodgy. Over the model’s long life, a variety of custom bodies were offered from builders like Brunn, Judkins, Dietrich and LeBaron.
1922
February 4
At Edsel Ford’s urging, the Ford Motor Company buys the Lincoln Motor Car Company in bankruptcy court for $8 million. Lincoln Motor Company headquarters erects a statue of Abraham Lincoln to stand by the main entrance. The statue is later removed to the Detroit Public Library.
1924
By 1924 the Lincoln Model “L” becomes a combination of Henry Leland’s precision production of his company’s best chassis, Henry Ford’s assembly line manufacturing and Edsel Ford’s dedication to stylish coachwork. Lincoln Model ‘L’ is the first car to be used by a United States president; it is President Calvin Coolidge’s favorite car.
1926
The greyhound mascot and hood ornament for the “L” and the “K” series Lincolns is produced by the famed silversmith Gorham from 1926 to 1939; the greyhound is chosen by Edsel Ford to symbolize grace, elegance and speed.
1931
The Lincoln Models K, KA, and KB are introduced to replace the Model “L”. The first redesigned Lincoln, the Model K, was lower and sleeker. Mechanical improvements included a new carburetor, new brakes, a fuel pump and shock absorbers. For 1932, the models were split into a medium priced KA and luxury KB.
1935
The Lincoln “K” series is introduced to the public; this series runs until 1939 and then is discontinued.
1936
The Lincoln Zephyr is the first mid-priced vehicle offered by Ford Motor Company. The streamlined Zephyr was radically modern in appearance both inside and out. It was powered by a V12 engine developed from the Ford V8. The Zephyr is discontinued in 1942 due to World War II, but is reproduced after the war only identified as a Lincoln until the newly redesigned Fords are introduced for the 1949 model year.
1938
September
Edsel Ford returns from Europe inspired to have a new car that is “strictly Continental” in its design. He and Bob Gregorie, who is in charge of the styling and design department, talk over design ideas.
March 1
The original Lincoln Continental (Mark I) is delivered for Edsel Ford’s personal use while he is vacationing in Florida. According to legend, the car is so popular that Edsel received 200 blank checks from friends to order the same car for themselves.
1940
September 20
The 1941 Lincoln Continental (also known as the Lincoln Continental Mark I) becomes its own car line. Bob Gregorie, head of styling and design, placed an entirely new (to the vehicle but not new in 1941 model year) hood ornament on the Continental - he referred to it as a “speared golf ball.”
1945
October 22
Lincoln-Mercury Division is established. With the war over, Mercury is slowly resuming production with 1942 models. By year’s end, Mercury production total is 2,848 vehicles.
1949
Lincolns for the first time in the company’s history offer as an option an automatic transmission; the transmission is manufactured by Borg & Warner. The first new Lincolns introduced after World War II, the Lincoln and the Cosmopolitan, feature the same “slab-sided” design as the new Ford and Mercury. Lincoln was the base model, while the Cosmopolitan replaced the Continental as the top of the line.
1951
In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City chose the 1941 Lincoln Continental to be one of eight automobiles exhibited “for excellence as works of art.”
1953
Lincoln takes first four places in the heavy stock car division of the Carrera Panamericana.
1955
The Lincoln four-point star badge was originally designed in 1955 for the 1956 Continental Mark II. The design team had not determined that a new emblem would even be used when the board of directors asked to be shown sketches for it at the board meeting the following day. Robert Thomas designs the star overnight, and it is unanimously approved. Thomas is inspired to create a simple, elegant design for an elegant car. Lincoln-Mercury is split into separate divisions. A new Continental Division also is established.
1957
April 15
Lincoln’s manufacturing home, the Wixom Assembly Plant, is opened.
September
Lincoln-Mercury division is recombined.
1961
The Kennedy Presidential car, the X-100, is produced For 1961, there was only one Lincoln offered: the new Continental. It featured another striking, award-winning design and distinctive “suicide” front opening rear doors. Lincoln Continental offers industry’s first 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
1968
March 25
The one millionth Lincoln Continental is produced at the Wixom Assembly Plant.
1969
Sure-Track Brake System is offered on the Mark III. This anti-skid device is an American first.
1971
Industry firsts for the Ford Motor Company are the automatic seat back release and the powered sun roof.
September 17
The 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is introduced.
1974
Outstanding feature of the Continental for the model year is the Hydro-boost brake system. An industry first for the Continental Mark IV is the Quick Defrost system for the windshield and rear window.
1976
An AM/FM/MPX Search radio with Quadrasonic eight-track tape player is an industry first in the Town Car and Town Coupe Lincoln begins using designers to create special edition series automobiles.
These include:
• Bill Blass for Mark IV, V, VI and VII from 1976 - 1992
• Cartier for Mark IV, V, VI, and Town Car from 1976 to present
• Givenchy for Mark IV, V and VI and Continental from 1976 - 1987
• Pucci for Mark IV, V, and VI from 1976 - 1983
1978
Diamond Jubilee Edition Continental Mark V is built to commemorate Ford Motor Company’s 75th Anniversary.
1979
July 23
Job 1 date of the new Lincoln Continental Mark VI.
October 12
The 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI is introduced to the public.
1980
The new Automatic Overdrive Transmission, the first of its kind in the domestic industry, is standard on the new Lincoln. The first Electronic Instrument Panel in the industry, complete with a message center, is offered on the Mark VI.
1983
Valentino designs a special edition Continental from 1983 - 1985.
November 10
The 1984 Lincoln Mark VII is introduced; it is the first Mark to drop the word “Continental” from its title. The Mark VII featured aerodynamic styling including a dramatically raked windshield, wedge shaped and sloped rear window. Lincoln literature described it as “the most airflow-efficient luxury car built in America.” Continuing the downsizing trend, it was also almost six inches shorter and 400 pounds lighter than the Mark VI.
1984
Versace creates special designer series for Mark VII from 1984 - 1985. First LSC (Luxury Sports Coupe) series introduced for Mark VII.
1985
ABS brake system is introduced on the Mark VII LSC and Continental Sedan.
1987
December 26
Front-wheel drive Lincoln Continental introduced as a 1988 model. The redesigned Continental was the first to feature front wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine.
1989
Driver and passenger-side airbags are standard equipment on the Lincoln Continental. Aerodynamically styled Town Car introduced for the 1990 model year. The first redesign in a decade resulted in a rounder shape and dramatically-increased aerodynamics. The Town Car was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1990.
1990
October
Lincoln Continental celebrates 50th anniversary.
1992
Jack Nicklaus signs his name to specially designed Lincolns for the 1992-1993 Town Car Signature Series.
December 26
Introduction of the last of the Mark series - the 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII. The new Mark VIII was offered only as a coupe. It continued the 1990s trend of rounder styling.
1993
June 1
Industry first - dual airbags standard in most cars.
1995
January 26
Memory Profile System— which allows drivers to preset of a number of driving options - is introduced.
November 28
Ford 10,000th crash test (41 years after the first test).
1997
June 2
The 1998 Continental debuts, offering 400 improvements. New styling, a poised ride and a more spacious and luxurious interior define a new balance for the contemporary front-wheel drive luxury sedan.
July 1
Lincoln Navigator a full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle goes on sale. Lincoln’s first SUV combines the luxury and comfort of a premium sedan with the confident go anywhere mobility of an advanced utility vehicle. Navigator instantly becomes the top-selling luxury SUV.
October 13
For the first time, Lincoln offers the Town Car Signature Touring Sedan, featuring more horsepower, larger tires and a sportier ride.
October
The 5 millionth Lincoln sold.
1998
April 8
Lincoln goes global with the world reveal of the Lincoln LS & LS luxury sport sedans at the New York Auto Show
June
A special commemorative Mark VIII Collector’s Edition is offered. Limited in number, the car features special paint and colors, two tone leather seating surfaces, unique badging and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. Production of Mark VIII ceases, June 26. The Mark VIII ended its production. Lincoln became the United States luxury sales leader for the first time in its history.
2000
The Lincoln LS and LS luxury sport sedans are to be introduced for the model year 2000. It is the first Lincoln in 48 years to offer a manual transmission.
2007
The Lincoln MKX crossover helps make Lincoln the fastest-growing luxury brand in America.
2009
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 introduced on the MKS.
2010
MyLincoln Touch introduced on the MKX. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.
2011
Significantly refreshed MKS full-size premium sedan and MKT seven-passenger crossover revealed at Los Angeles International Auto Show.
2012
April 2
The all-new Lincoln MKZ debuts at the New York International Auto Show.
December 3
The Lincoln Motor Company is announced.
1917
August
After departing a management position at the Cadillac Division of General Motors, Henry Leland and his son Wilfred Leland form the Lincoln Motor Company, which produces aircraft engines to fill World War I government contracts. Leland is a staunch patriot and feels industry should support the war effort. He names the company after Abraham Lincoln, his hero and for whom he cast his first vote in 1864.
1920
January 26
The Lincoln Motor Company (and the brand name) is founded in Detroit. This company is a successor of the 1917 company. September 14 Leland completes the first Lincoln car - called the “L” series. These first Lincolns were large and luxurious. They also cost 10 times the price of a Model T. Styling of the Model L was conservative to the point of stodgy. Over the model’s long life, a variety of custom bodies were offered from builders like Brunn, Judkins, Dietrich and LeBaron.
1922
February 4
At Edsel Ford’s urging, the Ford Motor Company buys the Lincoln Motor Car Company in bankruptcy court for $8 million. Lincoln Motor Company headquarters erects a statue of Abraham Lincoln to stand by the main entrance. The statue is later removed to the Detroit Public Library.
1924
By 1924 the Lincoln Model “L” becomes a combination of Henry Leland’s precision production of his company’s best chassis, Henry Ford’s assembly line manufacturing and Edsel Ford’s dedication to stylish coachwork. Lincoln Model ‘L’ is the first car to be used by a United States president; it is President Calvin Coolidge’s favorite car.
1926
The greyhound mascot and hood ornament for the “L” and the “K” series Lincolns is produced by the famed silversmith Gorham from 1926 to 1939; the greyhound is chosen by Edsel Ford to symbolize grace, elegance and speed.
1931
The Lincoln Models K, KA, and KB are introduced to replace the Model “L”. The first redesigned Lincoln, the Model K, was lower and sleeker. Mechanical improvements included a new carburetor, new brakes, a fuel pump and shock absorbers. For 1932, the models were split into a medium priced KA and luxury KB.
1935
The Lincoln “K” series is introduced to the public; this series runs until 1939 and then is discontinued.
1936
The Lincoln Zephyr is the first mid-priced vehicle offered by Ford Motor Company. The streamlined Zephyr was radically modern in appearance both inside and out. It was powered by a V12 engine developed from the Ford V8. The Zephyr is discontinued in 1942 due to World War II, but is reproduced after the war only identified as a Lincoln until the newly redesigned Fords are introduced for the 1949 model year.
1938
September
Edsel Ford returns from Europe inspired to have a new car that is “strictly Continental” in its design. He and Bob Gregorie, who is in charge of the styling and design department, talk over design ideas.
March 1
The original Lincoln Continental (Mark I) is delivered for Edsel Ford’s personal use while he is vacationing in Florida. According to legend, the car is so popular that Edsel received 200 blank checks from friends to order the same car for themselves.
1940
September 20
The 1941 Lincoln Continental (also known as the Lincoln Continental Mark I) becomes its own car line. Bob Gregorie, head of styling and design, placed an entirely new (to the vehicle but not new in 1941 model year) hood ornament on the Continental - he referred to it as a “speared golf ball.”
1945
October 22
Lincoln-Mercury Division is established. With the war over, Mercury is slowly resuming production with 1942 models. By year’s end, Mercury production total is 2,848 vehicles.
1949
Lincolns for the first time in the company’s history offer as an option an automatic transmission; the transmission is manufactured by Borg & Warner. The first new Lincolns introduced after World War II, the Lincoln and the Cosmopolitan, feature the same “slab-sided” design as the new Ford and Mercury. Lincoln was the base model, while the Cosmopolitan replaced the Continental as the top of the line.
1951
In 1951, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City chose the 1941 Lincoln Continental to be one of eight automobiles exhibited “for excellence as works of art.”
1953
Lincoln takes first four places in the heavy stock car division of the Carrera Panamericana.
1955
The Lincoln four-point star badge was originally designed in 1955 for the 1956 Continental Mark II. The design team had not determined that a new emblem would even be used when the board of directors asked to be shown sketches for it at the board meeting the following day. Robert Thomas designs the star overnight, and it is unanimously approved. Thomas is inspired to create a simple, elegant design for an elegant car. Lincoln-Mercury is split into separate divisions. A new Continental Division also is established.
1957
April 15
Lincoln’s manufacturing home, the Wixom Assembly Plant, is opened.
September
Lincoln-Mercury division is recombined.
1961
The Kennedy Presidential car, the X-100, is produced For 1961, there was only one Lincoln offered: the new Continental. It featured another striking, award-winning design and distinctive “suicide” front opening rear doors. Lincoln Continental offers industry’s first 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
1968
March 25
The one millionth Lincoln Continental is produced at the Wixom Assembly Plant.
1969
Sure-Track Brake System is offered on the Mark III. This anti-skid device is an American first.
1971
Industry firsts for the Ford Motor Company are the automatic seat back release and the powered sun roof.
September 17
The 1972 Lincoln Continental Mark IV is introduced.
1974
Outstanding feature of the Continental for the model year is the Hydro-boost brake system. An industry first for the Continental Mark IV is the Quick Defrost system for the windshield and rear window.
1976
An AM/FM/MPX Search radio with Quadrasonic eight-track tape player is an industry first in the Town Car and Town Coupe Lincoln begins using designers to create special edition series automobiles.
These include:
• Bill Blass for Mark IV, V, VI and VII from 1976 - 1992
• Cartier for Mark IV, V, VI, and Town Car from 1976 to present
• Givenchy for Mark IV, V and VI and Continental from 1976 - 1987
• Pucci for Mark IV, V, and VI from 1976 - 1983
1978
Diamond Jubilee Edition Continental Mark V is built to commemorate Ford Motor Company’s 75th Anniversary.
1979
July 23
Job 1 date of the new Lincoln Continental Mark VI.
October 12
The 1980 Lincoln Continental Mark VI is introduced to the public.
1980
The new Automatic Overdrive Transmission, the first of its kind in the domestic industry, is standard on the new Lincoln. The first Electronic Instrument Panel in the industry, complete with a message center, is offered on the Mark VI.
1983
Valentino designs a special edition Continental from 1983 - 1985.
November 10
The 1984 Lincoln Mark VII is introduced; it is the first Mark to drop the word “Continental” from its title. The Mark VII featured aerodynamic styling including a dramatically raked windshield, wedge shaped and sloped rear window. Lincoln literature described it as “the most airflow-efficient luxury car built in America.” Continuing the downsizing trend, it was also almost six inches shorter and 400 pounds lighter than the Mark VI.
1984
Versace creates special designer series for Mark VII from 1984 - 1985. First LSC (Luxury Sports Coupe) series introduced for Mark VII.
1985
ABS brake system is introduced on the Mark VII LSC and Continental Sedan.
1987
December 26
Front-wheel drive Lincoln Continental introduced as a 1988 model. The redesigned Continental was the first to feature front wheel drive and a six-cylinder engine.
1989
Driver and passenger-side airbags are standard equipment on the Lincoln Continental. Aerodynamically styled Town Car introduced for the 1990 model year. The first redesign in a decade resulted in a rounder shape and dramatically-increased aerodynamics. The Town Car was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year for 1990.
1990
October
Lincoln Continental celebrates 50th anniversary.
1992
Jack Nicklaus signs his name to specially designed Lincolns for the 1992-1993 Town Car Signature Series.
December 26
Introduction of the last of the Mark series - the 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII. The new Mark VIII was offered only as a coupe. It continued the 1990s trend of rounder styling.
1993
June 1
Industry first - dual airbags standard in most cars.
1995
January 26
Memory Profile System— which allows drivers to preset of a number of driving options - is introduced.
November 28
Ford 10,000th crash test (41 years after the first test).
1997
June 2
The 1998 Continental debuts, offering 400 improvements. New styling, a poised ride and a more spacious and luxurious interior define a new balance for the contemporary front-wheel drive luxury sedan.
July 1
Lincoln Navigator a full-size luxury sport-utility vehicle goes on sale. Lincoln’s first SUV combines the luxury and comfort of a premium sedan with the confident go anywhere mobility of an advanced utility vehicle. Navigator instantly becomes the top-selling luxury SUV.
October 13
For the first time, Lincoln offers the Town Car Signature Touring Sedan, featuring more horsepower, larger tires and a sportier ride.
October
The 5 millionth Lincoln sold.
1998
April 8
Lincoln goes global with the world reveal of the Lincoln LS & LS luxury sport sedans at the New York Auto Show
June
A special commemorative Mark VIII Collector’s Edition is offered. Limited in number, the car features special paint and colors, two tone leather seating surfaces, unique badging and a wood-trimmed steering wheel. Production of Mark VIII ceases, June 26. The Mark VIII ended its production. Lincoln became the United States luxury sales leader for the first time in its history.
2000
The Lincoln LS and LS luxury sport sedans are to be introduced for the model year 2000. It is the first Lincoln in 48 years to offer a manual transmission.
2007
The Lincoln MKX crossover helps make Lincoln the fastest-growing luxury brand in America.
2009
3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 introduced on the MKS.
2010
MyLincoln Touch introduced on the MKX. Lincoln MKZ Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient luxury sedan in America.
2011
Significantly refreshed MKS full-size premium sedan and MKT seven-passenger crossover revealed at Los Angeles International Auto Show.
2012
April 2
The all-new Lincoln MKZ debuts at the New York International Auto Show.
December 3
The Lincoln Motor Company is announced.