1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

Sold for $22,000 at 2009 RM Auctions. The Lincoln Cosmopolitan had recessed head and tail lights, and limited, yet effect amount of chrome trim. There was a one-piece windshield, sweeping lines, and rested on a longer, 125-inch wheelbase. The interior featured a newly re-modeled dash with the speedometer placed directly in front of the driver. Under the bonnet was a power 337 cubic-inch V8 engine with horsepower in the neighborhood of 152 bhp. The Cosmopolitan could achieve speeds greater than 100 miles per hour. In the first Mexican Road Race, commonly known as the Carrera Panamericana, the Cosmopolitan proved its capabilities as a high-quality, fast automobile by finishing ninth overall in the capable hands of long-distance driver Johnny Mantz. This Cosmopolitan has been driven a mere 19,000 miles since new. It is painted in black, has black painted steel wheels with full chrome-plated hubcaps, trim rings, and period correct whitewall tires. The interior is beige upholstery and carpeting and remains period correct throughout. There are power windows, a pushbutton-operated AM radio, heater, and Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. In 2009, this Sport Sedan was offered for sale at the Automobiles of Amelia Island auction presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $40,000 and offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $22,000, including buyer's premium. By Daniel Vaughan Source: Internet

1953 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

The Lincoln Cosmopolitan was introduced in the late 1940s and remained in production until the early 1950's. For 1949, the entire Lincoln model line was all new; no longer were there pontoon fenders. In their place were a flowing envelope styling that gracefully drifted down to the rear bumper. The Lincoln models were similar to the Mercury, mostly distinguished by their grille and larger engine. In 1950, Johnny Mantz finished in 9th place in the Mexican Road Race. They were popular with racers due to their small size and powerful engines. Even the White House ordered 19 examples for presidential, governmental, and VIP use. The 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan was easily identifiable by its front end, which featured sunken in head lights. In the back were slight fins and fender blades. By Daniel Vaughan Source: Internet

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1955 Lincoln Indianapolis

Sold for $1,375,000 at 2006 Gooding and Company. The coach building craft was in desperation after World War II. Many of the marques had brought the styling, designing and building of the vehicles in-house. The availability of suitable chassis also dwindled. At this time, many prominent coach builders worked hard to form alliances with marques, especially the American Companies who had deep pockets. Ghia created a relationship with Chrysler; Bertone with Packard; and Touring with Hudson. This companies looked to the coach builders for new designs that were bold and inspiring. Felice Mario Boano had acquaintances in the Ford Motor Company who were instrumental in aiding Boano in securing projects. Henry Ford II had just recently taken control of the company from his father, Edsel Ford. He was anxious to bring the Ford Company into a modern era and so, supplied Boano with a Lincoln chassis. Felice Mario gave the job to his son, Gian Paolo. Gian Paolo had gained knowledge of the family craft from Liceo Artistico and then apprenticed in his father's company. The wealth of knowledge and experience of the skilled artisans and the family business were nurtured from one generation to the next. One of his first series production vehicle designs was the Lancia Aurelia 2000 while working at Ghia. His designs had Italian style with influences of the contemporary American automobile. The project was intended for the 1955 Turin Motor Show. It was given the name 'Indianapolis', after the legendary race. The design was very futuristic, and probably inspired by airplanes and aviation. The result was a flamboyant and bold, but elegant concept. The design was graceful and full of detail. Little time had passed from when Ford commissioned the car to be built, to when it was on display at the Motor Show. The result was stunning, and led to Ford extending a contract to Boano. Felice Mario informed Fiat of the contract, which led Fiat to form the Centro Stile department. Boano was select at its leaders. Boano sold their coachworks to Ezio Ellena who was the husband of Gian Paolo's sister. After the Lincoln Indianapolis Concept was shown at Turin, it was sent to the United States where it was consigned to Henry Ford II. It is believed that it was later given to his friend, Errol Flynn. During the early 1960s the car was involved in a fire and it suffered much damage. The interior was completely ruined. The car passed through ownership throughout the years and remained in un-restored condition for many of those years. It was partially restored in the 1970s before being put into storage for approximately 20 years. A very thorough restoration was performed during the early 2000s. Much care was taken to preserve the cars original appearance and to follow Gian Paolo Boano's original designs. The restoration took two years to complete. It is finished in its original bright orange with a black-and-white checkered interior The vehicle has three chromed faux exhaust pipes on the sides of the vehicle. Sitting directly behind them are tall air intakes with five chromed air splitters. There is no visible cooling air intakes in the long, front nose of the vehicle. The headlights are stacked with two on each side. The wheels are nearly covered under the fenders. The windshield wraps around and gracefully flows into the side windows and continues to the rear where it is met by another, wrap around piece of glass. The interior is very clean with many of the instrumentation hidden away. A touch of a button reveals the drop down instrumentation. The car has made an appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, along with other prominent events and shows. The 1955 Lincoln Indianapolis Exclusive Study with coachwork by Boano was offered for sale at the 2006 Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, Ca. The car is powered by a V8 engine that produces over 200 horsepower. There is a four-speed automatic gearbox, independent front suspension, and a live rear axle. At auction, the car was one of the highlights of the event; a duty it has been performing rather well since it was created many years ago. It was flanked by many other impressive automobiles and was one of the top sellers of the day. At the conclusion of the auction, the car had been sold for $1,375,000. Source: Internet

1995 Lincoln Sentinel Concept

The luxury brand of Ford Motor Company, Lincoln was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland and was acquired by Ford in 1922. Since the 1920's, Lincoln had manufactured vehicles, Leland named the brand after his longtime hero, Abraham Lincoln. The Sentinel Concept was a ‘startling expression of Ford's edge design ethos'; a high waistline, ultra-clean, flat shapes and elegant proportions. Huge in design, the Sentinel Concept featured wonderful sculpted lighting, and was even made into a runner on a lengthened Jaguar platform. The concept was created in 1995, and by 1996 it was debuted at the Detroit Auto Show. Looking like a 1961 Continental, reinvented, the concept caused quite a large stir on the circuit during the mid 1990's. America's automotive industry saw a major awakening during the 1990's in the direction of vehicle styling and conceptual cars. This was all tied to fuel economy and environmental concerns. The Lincoln Sentinel was a full-size four door sedan that was created to be powered by a modern engine up front with and drive to the rear wheels. The inside was also opulent enough to give the ultimate comfort to both driver and passengers. The Sentinel also merged several elements of earlier Lincoln design styles, like a new interpretation of E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie's fine-bar textured grille from the old school Continentals of the early 1940's and landmark designs of the 1960 from Elwood Engle's revolutionary designs with slab-side sharpness and not much use of chrome. The wheels were massively set at 20 inches, and were designed to be mounted flush to the body that were used and fitted so to ensure a minimum of body overhang, both front and rear. The flush mounted glass also surrounded the greenhouse to the vertically-stacked projector head lamps and tail lamps that only added to the Sentinel's sparse, beautiful look and design. The Sentinel had an overall length of 218 inches from bumper to bumper, which happened to be merely one inch shorter than the current Lincoln Town Car of the time. Just a ‘static showpiece', the Sentinel is constructed on a rolling chassis without either an engine or a proper interior with a half-interior beneath the smoked glass and simulated doors. The engine-less sedan would up in Hardeeville, SC where a dealer is now looking to sell it for $80,000. A fairly significant showcar for its time, the Sentinel was priced quite steeply, but it also featured the bodywork laid on top of a Panther chassis transforming into the ‘best looking Town Car' in years. The front end style was reminiscent of Renault's Vel Satis luxury model introduced in 2001. When it was first set on the auction block in April, the hefty pricetag of $80k wasn't touched, so the concept almost better suited for RoboCop was drastically reduced to the ‘buy-it-now' price of $31,500. Even though the Sentinel didn't actually work, its rolling shell does closely resemble a piece of modern art. The Sentinel was due to be auctioned on January 22, 2010 with an estimated U.S. price of $50,000 to $70,000. By Jessica Donaldson The Lincoln Sentinel, a new full-size, four-door, rear-wheel-drive luxury concept car that blends classic Lincoln styling themes wîth the Ford-inspired 'New Edge' approach to automotive design made its world debut at the 1996 North American International Auto Show. Lincoln has a long heritage of design elegance. From the first Continental to the Mark series and today's Town Car, Lincoln has throughout its history been identified as a symbol of refined and graceful design. The new Lincoln Sentinel luxury concept car retains many of the most recognizable elements of traditional Lincoln exterior styling, such as classic proportions, a crisp silhouette, simple, unadorned bodysides and high, linear beltlines. But it also fuses these design qualities wîth the 'New Edge' design idea of creating a series of shapes which overall produce an exterior wîth sharper corners and lines. The result is a fresh interpretation of established Lincoln design traits. First seen on the Ford GT90 concept sports car, 'New Edge' is the name Ford gave to its latest experimental approach to design. Though its origins can be traced back over many years, 'New Edge' design is now gaining increasing interest among auto designers who perceive it as being a possible alternative to the more rounded and fluid design shapes which have come to prominence over the past decade. 'Ford has always been at the vanguard of new directions in automotive design,' said Tom Scott, director, Advanced Design. 'We set the trend in the more rounded exterior shapes of the past ten years when Ford first introduced the original Taurus, so it's only right that we should now be setting the pace in this new design philosophy which we have called 'New Edge' design.' However, 'New Edge' design is still in its early stages and at this time it is purely experimental. It does not necessarily follow that cars and trucks will inevitably follow this new approach to design in the years ahead. But what the Lincoln Sentinel does show is that 'New Edge' can be applicable to other kinds of concept vehicles and not just advanced sports cars, such as the GT90,' commented Scott. Lincoln traditionalists will recognize set in the Sentinel's metallic black exterior a new interpretation of a 1940s-style Continental grille wîth its fine bar texture. The clean side profile, blade fenders and high belt line wîth minimal chrome trim are typical Lincoln design themes which are reminiscent of early 1960s Lincolns and are still clearly visible in today's Town Car. Flush glass all round and compact, vertically-stacked projector headlamps add to the uncluttered look of the exterior. The flush to the body, massive, 20-inch wheels, placed to ensure a minimum of body overhang both front and rear, add to the Sentinel's clean lines. The car's overall length of 218 inches is just one inch shorter than a 1996 Lincoln Town Car. 'The Lincoln Sentinel is an exploratory look at keeping Lincoln's traditional styling themes fresh for future generations,' said Scott. 'But the Sentinel is also helping us to identify important issues in auto design, such as whether an 'New Edge' approach has any other benefits other than aesthetic. Improved road holding and interior space are just two areas which may benefit from this kind of design approach in the future.' Source - Lincoln

2001 Lincoln MK9 Concept

In 1998, the Lincoln Mark VIII went out of production. The long-standing series would remain out of the market until the introduction of the MK9 at the 2001 New York International Auto Show. The MK9 had a 121.9-inch wheelbase, four-wheel power anti-lock disc brakes, an automatic transmission, and a DOHC V8 engine. There are brushed aluminum door hinges, and side air exhaust from the engine compartment. The tail theme is reminiscent of the 1961-67 four-door Continentals. The interior is a combination of Dark Cherry Red and Marlboro Red leathers with accents of polished metal. Dark Cherry saddle leather is used on the floor and white leather in the headliner. Foot room is improved in the front seats which are cantilevered off the center console. In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $75,000 - $100,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $101,750 inclusive of buyer's premium. Source: Internet

2003 Lincoln Navicross Concept

The Lincoln Navicross concept vehicle is a breakthrough all-conditions sport sedan that shatters the accepted car, crossover, and sport utility vehicle paradigms. Designed to be visually striking, dynamically engaging, and uniquely practical, Navicross creates an all new, yet unnamed industry niche. The Lincoln Navicross represents the next step in applying the Lincoln design DNA - a process that began wîth the Lincoln MK9 concept in 2001 and, a year later, the Lincoln Continental show car. By developing the design DNA through concepts, Lincoln is transforming its products, first by applying their influence in new Lincoln interior designs. Beginning wîth new 2002 and 2003 products, Lincoln has tripled its investment in interior design. Elements of the show cars are found in today's world-class interiors of the Lincoln Aviator and Navigator. 'Navicross demonstrates that the Lincoln vision can be both restrained and dramatic, providing an emotional and compelling outlook on the future of Lincoln's product range,' says Gerry McGovern, design director, Lincoln Mercury. 'We've shown how our interior designs translate into production. Through our concepts, our design DNA will continue to redefine the Lincoln brand inside and out.' The Navicross design exercise is intended to further develop the Lincoln design DNA and to explore what a uniquely Lincoln crossover vehicle could look like, while testing consumer reaction to a potentially groundbreaking new luxury market sector. Navicross is a modern product that suits the demands and desires of today's consumers and their active lifestyles. Lincoln has completely revamped its lineup wîth the all-new 2003 Navigator, redesigned 2003 Town Car sedan and LS sports sedan, and the all-new 2003 Aviator. Navicross is a signal of a near future vision for the brand. Lincoln will expand its lineup and further explore its design DNA as it introduces more new products later in the decade. Defining Navicross wîth traditional vehicle §egmènt descriptions is difficult because it is designed neither as a sport coupe, sport sedan, nor a sport utility, yet serves many of the purposes of all three. The Navicross is based on a modified Lincoln LS platform and deploys a full-time all-wheel-drive system wîth an adaptive traction control system. The sedan has coupe looks wîth center opening B-pillarless rear doors. 'We started wîth an advanced vehicle architecture that delivers the 'sport' that we were lòòking for in dynamics,' says McGovern. 'Then we sectioned to achieve the right proportions and gave it the stance that defines it as indefinable. We're not only testing the industry's definitions, we're stretching the luxury envelope.' Navicross has a similar size and shape to that of a sport sedan combined wîth a sport wagon wîth the ground clearance and breakover angles of a sport utility vehicle. It defies classification as a typical crossover vehicle because of sportier proportions and a unique 'three-box' silhouette shaped like none of the people-hauler-purposed crossovers currently on the market. Exterior The Navicross has a strong, solid, elegant, enduring exterior design that is unmistakably Lincoln. Dramatic proportions and overall architecture convey the strong stance and poise of the Navicross. Elegantly defined wheel arches balance subtle body side surface features. Large 20-inch wheels clad wîth all-terrain tires fill the wheel wells, giving Navicross increased ride height and functionality. Form and function coexist and complement each other throughout the design. While remaining all-terrain ready, the Navicross design is meant to be sensual and emotional in its surface language. Elegant and graceful upper bodylines make the Navicross look lively yet sophisticated. The pillarless center-opening doors provide exceptional ingress and egress to the interior, allowing the car to have a dramatic and sporting profile and still provide superior access. The horizontal indentation wîth inlay that runs through the front and rear fenders further defines the body side's strength and muscularity. The full-length body side brightwork frames the car's proportions and enhances its dynamic stance, as well as concealing the vehicle door handles. 'The brightwork is a modern interpretation of the near decadent levels of chrome that adorned the designs of the great luxury marques of the past,' says McGovern. 'This design pays homage to the sumptuous automobile art of another era in a distinctly contemporary fashion.' The Navicross further evolves Lincoln's signature front-end identity wîth its horizontal accent and the one-piece grille, incorporating a complex headlamp array using fiber optic ribbon and a remote 'light engine.' This innovation allows the package efficiency of the front end to be maximized, reducing overhangs to a minimum and keeping down the overall vehicle length. Lincoln has a heritage going back 85 years, wîth a distinct product DNA. 'For Lincoln, overall exterior DNA is optimized proportion and stance, combined wîth elements of restraint and formality,' says McGovern. 'The interior DNA provides optimization of space, while being inviting and indulgent. Intuitive functionality is another key element. All of these attributes can be seen in the Navicross.' Interior Like the exterior, the interior is a characteristic evolution of the Lincoln design DNA. Opening the doors reveals a ring frame made of high-strength composite materials, encircling the door opening to provide a visual cue to the integral strength and rigidity of the body structure. The door hinges are fully integrated into the frame, and move 90 degrees to provide maximum ease of vehicle ingress and egress. The interlocking center-opening doors provide integral side impact protection, and an integral rollover cage is designed into the vehicle supported by the door ring frame. 'Fully opening both doors provides a huge opening into the car's interior,' says McGovern. 'What one sees when lòòking into that opening is an interior that is both intriguing and inviting.' The interior theme is one of cleanliness and simplicity. A symmetrical instrument panel and doors are an important part of Lincoln's heritage. The overall form emphasizes the strength and power of the vehicle and its all-terrain capability. Its attitude is both sporty and rugged. 'A luxury interior must be comfortable, precisely executed, and sophisticated, ' says McGovern. 'The Navicross achieves this balance through sumptuous aniline leather seating, exquisite hair-on-hide door panels, and an exploration of the latest technologies in materials, screens, voice-activated systems, solar roof panels, and fiber optic lighting.' Navicross will deliver a superior sensory experience. Switchgear is kept to an absolute minimum in the cockpit. Two large interactive, organic light-emitting diode (LED) reconfigurable viewing screens are featured on the instrument panel, an evolution of the Continental concept car's high-tech organic LED approach seen in 2002. Both screens have delicate graphics and utilize jewel-like details for bezels and needles. The screen in front of the driver displays vehicle instrumentation including speedometer, tachometer and fuel level. The passenger side panel is designed to provide telematics and Internet access for such things as weather and stock exchange updates and concierge functions such as making hotel and restaurant reservations. The passenger-side panel doubles as the display for the vehicle navigation system. Functions are accessible by mouse or by voice. Other vehicle information, including settings of the THX-certified audio system and the climate control system, is easily accessed and viewed by a third, smaller screen on the center console. Source - Lincoln Sold for $23,100 at 2010 RM Auctions. The Lincoln Navicross Concept had a 114-inch wheelbase and a supercharged 32-valve 4.2-liter aluminum V8 engine and full-time all-wheel drive with adaptive traction control. The gearbox was a five-speed automatic with manual sequential function. The Navicross was part coupe, part sedan, and part crossover sport utility. The design was elegant with a strong stance and perfect poise. It rides on 20-inch wheels shod with all-terrain tires. It is based on the Lincoln LS platform and has center-opening pillarless doors. A horizontal one-piece grille incorporates a complex headlamp array using fiber optic ribbon and a remote 'light engine.' This innovation maximizes the packaging efficiency of the front end, minimizing overhang and reducing the overall vehicle length. Door hinges are fully integrated into a ring frame made of high-strength composite materials and rotate 90 degrees to provide maximum ease of ingress and egress. The interlocking doors provide integral side impact protection, and an integral rollover cage is designed into the vehicle, supported by the door ring frame. In 2010, this vehicle was offered for sale at the 'Sports & Classics of Monterey' presented by RM Auctions. The car was estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $23,100 inclusive of buyer's premium. Source: Internet