Friday, July 31, 2009
Why Lincoln. Why Now.
If you've been considering trading up to the luxury and technology available in a new Lincoln, now would be a great time to act. If you have already purchased from us, we appreciate your business. Please pass this offer to family and friends.
Why Lincoln.
Lincoln has the luxury you deserve and the technology you expect.
Why Now.
The government's CARS program, better known as "Cash for Clunkers," is offering a $3,500 or $4,500 incentive when you trade in a qualifying vehicle at our dealership. We are your Cash for Clunkers Specialist, and no one makes it easier to recycle your ride.
Please contact us immediately; you may also be eligible for THOUSANDS of dollars in private offers this month that are compatible with all rebates and incentives.
This is a government program, and rules are subject to change. Vouchers are available at participating dealers and are limited. Rebate varies based on vehicle age, ownership length and old/new vehicle fuel economy. Not all vehicles qualify. Offer good while voucher supplies last or until 11/1/09. See cars.gov or ford.com for complete details.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Lincoln MK9
In 2004, car maker Lincoln introduced two concept car models intended to fill the void left in the Lincoln line-up by the Mark Series which was discontinued in 1998. These models were the Mark X and MK9. Concerning the heritage of the Mark the Ford Motor Company press release states, "Throughout its history, Lincoln has used the Mark name to signal a truly special vehicle... the 1956 Continental Mark II... became a classic for its high quality... The 1969 Mark III was Lincoln's most successful new model at the time, selling more than 30,000 units."
Lincoln MK9
The Lincoln MK9 was a Lincoln concept car first showcased in 2004. The vehicle hinted at a future comeback of a Lincoln Personal luxury car. The MK9 was a follow-on vehicle from the 2003 Lincoln Navicross concept, with similar styling cues.
The MK9 kicked off Lincoln's new naming convention of using letter and number combinations while hinting at a continuation of the Lincoln Mark series. While the naming system is similar to that of Mercedes-Benz or BMW, it does not contain any references regrading the vehicle's engine size or generation.
The Concept car features Lincoln's hallmark waterfall grille with the Lincoln star at its center. Two chrome accents on top of the vehicle's left and right shoulder run the entire length of the car. Chrome accented air vents are located near the doors on the front fenders.
The interior is flushed with lacquered wood and leather. Dark Cherry wood is used for the floor, while white leather is used for the headliner. The seats are models after the "Eames Lounge Chair" from the 1950s and are trimmed in red leather.
Lincoln Mark X
The 2004 concept Lincoln Mark X (pronounced Mark 10) was based on a "Lincolnized" 2004 Ford Thunderbird body design and chassis, with a folding hard top replacing the Thunderbird's convertible top and optional one-piece removable hard roof. It introduced the new fine lace-like "egg crate" chrome grille configuration characteristic of future Lincoln vehicles, though it shared some of its other design elements with the MK9.
The Mark X concept model features a convertible panoramic glass roof. The interior was also based on a "Lincolnized" version of that in the standard Thunderbird (which in turn is derived from the Lincoln LS) - which differentiates it from the MK9 interior. The Mark X's interior is, according to Ford Motor Company's press release, "dressed in Lime Sorbet with white Corian accents, polished aluminum, dark chrome, natural grain leather seating surfaces, plush sheepskin flooring and tailored tone-on-tone stitching throughout. Its four-spoke, power-adjustable steering wheel also is leather wrapped."
The Mark X was 185" long, and featured 21" chrome alloy wheels, and 3.9 L V8 with 280hp.
External links:
Lincoln Mark MK9
IGN website summary of Mark X
Lincoln Concept Vehicles - Previous Auto Show Photographs (2003-2006)
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Crisp, Edgy Lincoln Navicross Concept
When two of your three brands are damaged, concern for your company’s long term viability is warranted. Though the Ford brand itself has taken its lumps, Ford’s truck line up and a new fleet of cars has made Ford desirable again. Were that true for the company’s Mercury and Lincoln brands.
Mercury, in particular, has little reason for continuance for one simple reason: not a single model is anything but a rebadged Ford. Unfortunately, the same can be said for Lincoln as the Navigator, MKZ, and MKS are copies of Ford models. But in the case of Lincoln, at least Ford took some care to lux out these “near luxury” models.
The tide for Ford appears to be turning thanks to the sell of of three premium brands: Aston Martin, Jaguar, and LandRover. Jaguar, in particular, represented a financial black hole as FoMoCo poured billions of dollars into the brand while neglecting Mercury and Lincoln.
Though Mercury is still without solid evidence that it should survive for the long term, Lincoln is finally making a case for its survival. Indeed, sales are up and with the all-new MKS making its debut in Summer 2008, Lincoln may finally have a model worthy enough to take on Cadillac.
The concept Navicross made its debut at the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and helped usher in the 2006 MKS concept which also was first unveiled in Detroit.
You may not like the looks of the Navicross or wonder how the vehicle will fit in with Ford’s plans for Lincoln, but rest assured that this vehicle or something like it will probably come to fruition. Now that Ford management has its sense back and has tossed its three money losing premium brands, attention can be given to back Lincoln.
Note the rear hinge for the rear doors — this vehicle evokes the “suicide door” theme of the mid-1960s era Continental. The truck compartment is interesting, somewhat like a hatch with a rear seat that folds flat.
The interior colors are a bit over the top for my tastes, but the center stack is clean looking — do you see the console area for the front passenger? This trend I believe will explode over the next few years as full-fledged entertainment and internet systems become standard on most vehicles.
Kudos for the Lincoln design team for creating the Navicross, a crossover sedan of sorts. Lincoln needs new and fresh material to attract buyers and the Navicross could be the right step in that direction.
Mercury, in particular, has little reason for continuance for one simple reason: not a single model is anything but a rebadged Ford. Unfortunately, the same can be said for Lincoln as the Navigator, MKZ, and MKS are copies of Ford models. But in the case of Lincoln, at least Ford took some care to lux out these “near luxury” models.
The tide for Ford appears to be turning thanks to the sell of of three premium brands: Aston Martin, Jaguar, and LandRover. Jaguar, in particular, represented a financial black hole as FoMoCo poured billions of dollars into the brand while neglecting Mercury and Lincoln.
Though Mercury is still without solid evidence that it should survive for the long term, Lincoln is finally making a case for its survival. Indeed, sales are up and with the all-new MKS making its debut in Summer 2008, Lincoln may finally have a model worthy enough to take on Cadillac.
The concept Navicross made its debut at the 2003 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) and helped usher in the 2006 MKS concept which also was first unveiled in Detroit.
You may not like the looks of the Navicross or wonder how the vehicle will fit in with Ford’s plans for Lincoln, but rest assured that this vehicle or something like it will probably come to fruition. Now that Ford management has its sense back and has tossed its three money losing premium brands, attention can be given to back Lincoln.
Note the rear hinge for the rear doors — this vehicle evokes the “suicide door” theme of the mid-1960s era Continental. The truck compartment is interesting, somewhat like a hatch with a rear seat that folds flat.
The interior colors are a bit over the top for my tastes, but the center stack is clean looking — do you see the console area for the front passenger? This trend I believe will explode over the next few years as full-fledged entertainment and internet systems become standard on most vehicles.
Kudos for the Lincoln design team for creating the Navicross, a crossover sedan of sorts. Lincoln needs new and fresh material to attract buyers and the Navicross could be the right step in that direction.
Lincoln Premiere
1956 Lincoln Premiere coupe
Lincoln Premiere 1956The Lincoln Premiere was a luxury car sold by Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury division. It was produced in both 2 and 4 door versions both seating 6 people. A limousine version was also offered, which had the same wheelbase as the sedan but its cabin extended further back, allowing for more space for rear passengers, plus a division window. The Premiere was sold in the 1956 to 1960 model years, inclusive, and was positioned below the company's Continental and above the Capri. The vehicle featured a 6.0 L V8 and was approximately 223" (5664 mm) long. The vehicle weighed 4357 lb (1976.3 kg) and had a price tag of approximately $4,600 in 1956, which equals roughly $31,730 in 2005 dollars.
The Premiere was known for its stylish exterior, high-grade interior and some unique features. For example, when equipped with optional "factory air conditioning," the vents were located overhead, much like those in an aircraft. The cool air was directed to the roof via a pair of clear plastic ducts visible through the rear window at each side, connecting upward from the rear package tray.
Lincoln Futura
1955 Lincoln Futura Concept
The Lincoln Futura was a concept car designed by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company. It was built by Ghia entirely by hand in Italy at a cost of $250,000 and displayed on the auto show circuit in 1955.
Futura's styling was extravagantly impractical even by the standards of the '50s, with a double, clear-plastic canopy top, exaggerated hooded headlight pods, and very large, outward-canted tailfins at both ends of the vehicle. Nevertheless, the Futura had a complete powertrain and was fully operable in contrast to many show cars then and now. Its original color was white, and was one of the first Pearlescent color treatments, using ground pearl to achieve the paint effect. The Futura was powered by a 368 cubic inch Lincoln engine and powertrain; the chassis was that of a Lincoln Mark II.
The Futura was a success as a show car, garnering a great deal of favorable publicity for Ford. It was released as a model kit and a toy, and in a much more subdued form its headlight and tailfin motifs would appear on production Lincolns for 1956 and 1957. It even played a prominent part in a movie, 1959's It Started with a Kiss, starring Debbie Reynolds and Glenn Ford. For the movie, it was painted red, as the pearlescent finish did not photograph well.
After that, though, the car would logically have been forgotten and perhaps destroyed, as most show cars of that time were. However, it was somehow sold into the hands of George Barris, one of the great auto customizers. As the car was never titled and was therefore uninsurable, it was parked behind Barris' shop where it sat idle for several years and was allowed to deteriorate.
In 1966 Barris was requested to design a theme car for the Batman television series, Barris then contracted stylist Dean Jeffries to build a car for the show. Jeffries worked on the design and initial fabrication for the Batmobile, using a 1959 Cadillac, but when the studio wanted the car faster than he could deliver, he turned it back to George Barris.[1] With the short notice, Barris thought the Futura might work well, and using Jeffries initial car, decided that its unusual winged shape would be an ideal starting point for the Batmobile. Barris hired Bill Cushenberry to do the metal modifications to the car.
Barris went on to build five duplicates for the show circuit, three of which are covered with a felt-like finish. For the filming of the Batman Series, Barris replaced the Lincoln frame and engine with 1966 Ford Galaxie parts.
External links:
LincolnFutura.com
A very comprehensive Futura page
George Barris interview
Original Batmobile at Barris' own website
Volo Auto Museum Hollywood collection page
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
