1987 Lincoln by Vignale (Ghia)

A two seat show car also known as the Vignale Gilda. The interior used parts from the forthcoming Thunderbird.

 

In January 1987 Lincoln blasted its way back into the show car game with a tour de force sports roadster designed in America and built by the Italian coachbuilder, Vignale. Initially displayed at the Detroit Auto Show, the Lincoln by Vignale, as it is officially known, was prepared in response to the anticipated introduction of the Pininifarina-designed Cadillac Allante. The Lincoln by Vignale was created to demonstrate Lincoln‘s ideas about a possible world-class luxury touring coupe for the 1990s and is reportedly being considered for eventual production. Projected power will be by means of a traditional Lincoln V-8 engine with all-wheel drive and four-wheel independent suspension. The Lincoln by Vignale is in its own way a pure show car: It is tremendously exciting and a very tangible look at possible future real world transportation.

 

Lincoln by Vignale, 1987

Source: Internet

Lincoln MKZ Concept

 

The MKZ Concept presented at the 2012 Detroit Motor Show previews an upcoming production model and redefines Lincoln’s design direction.

Based on the same platform of the Ford Fusion, the MKZ Concept is a close-to-production sedan that will be launched in mid-2012.
 
The exterior design features a balanced body volume with a flowing silhouette that gently connects the roofline to the tail profile, giving a look that sits between the a three-box sedan and a pure hatchback.
 
The front end is characterized by a new interpretation of the trademark grille, which includes two wing-shaped elements that feature horizontal bars and integrate the headlights.

The car’s sides feature smooth surfaces and a sharp, arched character line that runs just below the high waist line, defining the car’s shoulders.

The interiorcontinues the “warm tones” theme with a taupe/cream scheme.

Among the main design elements are the modern dashboard, the partially floating center tunnel, the back-lit logo on the sill plate and the original storages integrated in the rear of the front seats. The leather seats feature a distinctive perforation pattern.

After the video we report selected information from the official press release.

Exterior Design

“The MKZ Concept’s shape is a vision of simplicity completed with just a few strokes,” said Max Wolff, Lincoln design director.

“Our movement as a brand is toward something we call elegant simplicity. It’s something warmer and more restrained, which is moving away from complex designs and traditional luxury.”

Warm hues are evident in every aspect of the new vehicle’s Cognac-colored exterior. The deep finish is achieved with a rich base coat covered in multiple layers of tinted clear-coat finishes.

By retaining key, recognizable brand design elements, the MKZ Concept remains clearly identifiable as a Lincoln. One example is the reinterpretation of the split-wing grille, introduced on the 1938 Lincoln-Zephyr.
The sedan’s profile is dominated by a long, sleek and sweeping roofline that allows the design to break away from the traditional sedan three-box shape.

The lengthening of the roofline enables a more flowing, elegant and more naturally aerodynamic appearance.

A panoramic glass roof spans uninterrupted from the windshield to the top of the backlight. Integrated into the sedan’s aluminum and boron steel superstructure, the fixed-glass expanse extends to the side roof rails of the cabin, creating an airy, open interior.

LED technology enabled an extremely thin and distinctive full-width tail lamp graphic. Exhaust tips are cleanly integrated into the rear fascia.

Interior Design

The Lincoln MKZ Concept’s four-seat interior is open, warm and inviting. “The front graphic is repeated in the dramatic sweep of the instrument panel, helping tie the interior to the exterior.”

“These flowing forms create a comfortable and functional interior that particularly appeals to the younger, more diverse customers we are targeting,” said Wolff.

Innovative interior features include push-button transmission gear selection, an open, tiered center console and liquid crystal instrumentation.

The reconfigurable 10.1-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) LCD positioned ahead of the driver operates with the latest version of MyLincoln TouchTMas does the nearly flush-mounted center 8-inch LCD touch screen.

Interior materials include poplar wood, aluminum in bright and satin finishes as well as leather.
Champagne-colored leather seats with dark taupe accents feature a champagne perforation pattern, so-called because the perforations on the seat backs conjure the image of champagne bubbles rising from the bottom of a glass.

Technical Features

The Lincoln MKZ Concept is based on an all-new midsize platform, and can be equipped with multiple powertrain options in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations.

The Lincoln MKZ Concept features Lincoln Drive Control and the Continuously Controlled Damping (CCD) adjustable suspension.

Lincoln’s design

During the past 14 months, Lincoln has built a dedicated team – including designers, engineers, quality and manufacturing experts as well as marketing and sales leaders. The team includes people from luxury brands, some outside of automotive.

“This team wakes up every morning thinking about Lincoln – and only Lincoln,” Fields said. “These are the people committed to delivering world-class vehicles with a customer experience to match.”
Many of the new team members begin working this year in the all-new Lincoln Design Studio in Dearborn, Mich.

Under Wolff’s direction, construction of the 40,000-square-foot studio began in early 2011 and ultimately will house more than 180 modelers, engineers, stylists and designers in a space that encourages creativity and collaboration.

“This is the first time Lincoln has had its own studio since the 1970s,” said Wolff.

“Having our own space is critical to the continued development of the brand. We are passionate about creating beautiful, even seductive, vehicles – and the MKZ Concept marks just the beginning.”

“Lincoln is an important part of our company’s success,” said Mark Fields, Ford Motor Company president of The Americas.

“The luxury piece of the industry is significant. In any given year in the U.S., the luxury segment is 11 to 13 percent of overall sales, and it is important for us to win customers in the luxury market with strong new vehicles. That is a key reason we have invested so heavily in Lincoln.”

Source: Lincoln/carbodydesign

Lincoln MKC Concept

With the MKC Concept presented at the 2013 Detroit Motor Show Lincoln previews its first model in the compact luxury crossover segment.

The MKC Concept translates the design language introduced by Lincoln in 2012 with the MKZ into a compact crossover layout – currently the industry’s fastest-growing market segment.

Exterior Design

Based on the Ford Escape platform, the MKC’s exterior is characterized by a dynamic stance, with an arched roofline and a rising belt line and large 20-inch wheels framed by flared wheel-arches.

“The MKC Concept has a wonderful stance and sits beautifully on its wheels,” said Murat Gueler, MKC Concept lead exterior designer.

“It has a sleek, sculpted body and wheel arches and elegant shoulders. The lines of the vehicle appear relatively simple on first look but with a second view reveal a dynamic three dimensionality.”

The surface treatment adopts sculpted surfaces with sharp crease lines. In side view, the main design element is the sharp character line that extends from the headlight to the rear tailgate, giving shape to two muscular shoulder and washing out under the B-pillar.

The front end features the signature split-wing grille – a styling cue introduced with the Zephyr in the 1930s, and reinterpreted with the 2012 MKZ.

The rear end is characterized by the full-width tail-lights – showcasing the same theme as the MKZ – and the distinctive clamshell liftgate, which is executed with side-view cutline that underlines the horizontal lines of the rear section.

“This approach eliminates the traditional vertical cutline on the rear seen on utilities, which in turn contributes to the athletic presence of the vehicle,” Gueler adds.

The refined execution is completed with the frameless windows and the large fixed panoramic roof that runs the length of the vehicle.

The concept shown at the Geneva show was painted in a high-end cream- based color, with a tri-metallic coat.

Interior Design

The four-passenger interior is characterized by natural, premium materials.

“There is a significant upgrade in materials and a stylish, fashion-oriented package. The materials are combined with progressive combinations and uses of stitching and colors,” said Soo Kang, Lincoln interior design chief.

Just like MKZ – which sets the tone for the brand’s thoughtful new approach to design – the MKC Concept features a distinct push-button gear shift selector.

This enables a flowing, expressive and architectural center console design covered with riveting details, and unique colors and materials.

The headliner is wrapped with high-end material, providing a warm and luxurious feel.
Smooth, premium leather wraps the seats, pillars, door trim uppers, armrests, bolsters, console side rails, instrument panel and cargo area.
Other refined details include finishes like appliqués cut from layers of reconstructed natural wood infused with a metallic flake for a glistening effect on the steering wheel, upper instrument panel and door panels.

“There is a rich softness to the exterior and interior palette of the MKC Concept,” said Susan Lampinen, group chief designer, Color & Material Design.

“The leather-wrapped architecture complements the open-pore and designer hand-dyed woods.”

Lincoln MKC Concept dimensions

• Wheelbase: 106.9 in./2,717.2 mm
• Overall length: 179.3 in./4,550 mm
• Width without mirrors: 76.1 in./1,932.6 mm
• Width with mirrors: 80 in./2,032.3 mm
• Height: 63.2 in./1,607.1 mm

Source:  carbodydesign

1921 Lincoln Model L

Tourer Coachwork: Murray

The Lincoln Motor Company was established in 1917 by entrepreneur Henry Leland. He had previously started the Cadillac Motor Company in 1903 from the remains of Henry Ford's second failed attempt to start an auto company (Henry's third attempt resulted in the Ford Motor Company we know today).

Leland's Lincolns were well-built but very expensive, and somewhat bland in design. Ford Motor Company acquired Lincoln in 1922 and Edsel Ford, Henry's son, was put in charge. He used his natural design instincts to lead Lincoln to build beautiful, luxurious cars.

The Lincoln L model was introduced in 1920 and was powered by a 357.8 cubic-inch V8 engine producing 90 horsepower, riding on a 130 inch wheelbase and weighing in at 2490 pounds. It was priced at $4,300. The large body built by Murray features unique features such as a 'fat man' steering wheel that folds out of the way for ease of entry and a cigar lighter that extends from a reel to reach throughout the interior. All of the bright metal on the car is pewter, including the decorative headlight surrounds. This car is the second oldest Leland-built Lincoln known to exist.

1917 Model L Lincoln

Chassis Num: 5189

After leaving Cadillac in 1917 Henry M. Leland formed the Lincoln Motor Company to build aircraft motors. After the war, the company retooled to manufacture luxury automobile. Encountering severe financial troubles during these transitional years it was subsequently bought in 1922 by the Ford Motor company for $8 million dollars. This vehicle was one of 441, four passenger two door coupes produced in 1922 model year. The list price was $3900 for an eight cylinder well designed quality motor car.

Among the features in this model were; 'fat man Steering wheel,' two position headlamps and tinted windshield visor. Ford Motor Company reduced the cost of the Lincoln models and improved the sales greatly over previous year totals.

 Source - Frick Car Museum

Lincoln Celebrates It's Past And Future

Lincoln at Los Angeles Auto Show Press Days: Celebration of Its Past and Future As Brand Rolls Out Its Reinvention

* The brand pays tribute to its heritage today, displaying seven of the most influential Lincoln designs

* Thursday sees a display full of the all-new MKZ premium midsize sedan and MKZ Hybrid, the future of Lincoln, on the Lincoln stand

* Lincoln launches on Tumblr http://lincolnnow.tumblr.com beginning with the visually stunning classic

Lincolns shown on the stand and select images from archives. Continues with an all-new collection of photographs by photographers Jamie Beck and Kevin Burg

The reinvention of Lincoln is fully under way with the launch of the all-new MKZ. Beautiful design, warm, personal and surprising, Lincoln will transform before media's eyes today with seven iconic Lincolns of the past possessing the stand. On Thursday it will turn to all MKZs, signaling the change. 

Lincoln's Elegant Heritage

Since 1922, the year Edsel Ford signed the agreement purchasing the Lincoln Motor Company from its founder Henry Leland, the hallmark of Lincoln has been its elegant simplicity. For Edsel, the key to revitalizing Lincoln was styling. His vision for design was that every line, contour and angle should have intent. The pure sensitivity of a line is at the heart of Lincoln's heritage – carried into the present moment of Lincoln's reinvention with the MKZ premium midsize sedan and MKZ Hybrid. 

The seven classic Lincolns on display today are:1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe:

During this era, Lincoln was known as the Lincoln Motor Company. The greyhound mascot atop the radiator, which was produced by the famed silversmith Gorham, was chosen by Edsel Ford to symbolize grace, elegance and speed. Only 75 examples of this Dietrich-bodied car were produced in a two-year run, carrying a base price of $6,200. Noted for its quiet operation, the engine is an L-head V8 displacing 385 cubic inches and producing 90 horsepower at 2,800 rpm. Owner: Thomas Hartman, Rancho Palos Verdes 

1932 Lincoln KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster:

The celebrated KB model debuted in 1932, introducing V12 power and heightened style from Lincoln. In addition to offering nine standard and 14 factory custom models, Edsel Ford invited numerous custom coachbuilders to work their magic with the new KB. Brunn, Dietrich, LeBaron, Judkins and Willoughby were prominent among them. This LeBaron Convertible Roadster was priced at $4,600, making it the entry-level semi-custom model in Lincoln's book. The 448-cubic-inch engine produces 150 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and weighs 1,070 pounds. Owner: Thomas Hartman, Rancho Palos Verdes 

1937 Lincoln Derham Sport Sedan:

Built on the Model K chassis with a 150-horsepower 414-cubic-inch V12 engine, this one-of-a-kind design demonstrates the maturing of automotive streamlining in the 1930s. Its inverted teardrop headlights, pontoon fenders, fastback roof, and unique molding result in a truly formidable appearance. In 1937, the Derham Coach Company risked building this sport sedan on speculation. Price and the Great Depression kept it unsold until 1938 when Thomas Morris of New York City purchased this unique model. From 1947 through 1977, the car moved among owners in Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. After it sat in a barn for 20 years, Ed Burchman purchased the car in 1977. Beginning in 2000, he undertook the restoration of every component from the five-foot muffler to the sliding sunroof. His 9,000 hours of work were rewarded by a first-in-class win at the 2004 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. Owner: Edmund Burchman, Rossmoor 

1937 Lincoln-Zephyr Coupe-Sedan:

Introduced in 1936 under the guidance of Edsel Ford, the Lincoln-Zephyr was the first commercially successful aerodynamic car. The Chrysler and DeSoto Airflows debuted in 1934, but were not broadly accepted. In contrast, the Zephyr family grew to 85,640 cars by 1939. Of this number, only 5 percent were Coupe-Sedans. Amazingly, records today show that only fourteen 1937 Coupe-Sedans still exist, and the car displayed here is surely the best example. An enduring Lincoln design element is its distinctive split grille, executed to recall the bow wave of a boat gliding through water. With headlamps faired into the fenders and long side windows that curve to match the sweeping bodylines, the car's inherent streamlining captured the public's imagination. Powered by a 267-cubic-inch V12 producing 110 horsepower, the Zephyr was acclaimed for outstanding highway manners, appropriate to a car named after the Burlington Zephyr streamlined train of the era. Owner: David Caparone, Paso Robles 

1940 Lincoln Continental Cabriolet

Edsel Ford returned from Europe in 1938 inspired to have a new car that was 'strictly continental' in its design. He chose designer E.T. 'Bob' Gregorie to lead the development of this car that was initially to be a one-off for Edsel to drive on vacation in Florida. Upon seeing the enthusiastic reception from his friends, Edsel chose to put it into production. The result was the legendary Continental, acclaimed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright to be 'the most beautiful car in the world' and, in 1951, chosen by the Museum of Modern Art in New York City as one of eight cars to be exhibited for 'excellence as works of art.' With the end of the K-Series Lincolns in 1939, the Continental continued Lincoln's V12 heritage with a 292-cubic-inch engine producing 120 horsepower. As production commenced, Edsel Ford owned the 20th Continental produced. The car displayed here is No. 24, shipped on Jan. 4, 1940. George Gehrig, cousin of baseball legend Lou Gehrig, owned it for many years. Owner: Elliott Jones, Huntington Beach 

1956 Continental Mark II:

Widely acclaimed as a milestone in American automotive design, the Continental Mark II was created under the direction of Edsel Ford's son, William Clay Ford. The low, elongated profile did not need chrome, two-tone paint, or sharp styling cues to accentuate its beauty. The long hood concealed a massive 368-cubic-inch engine that produced 285 horsepower. Mounted on the hood is the four-pointed star that later became Lincoln's emblem. Continentals were hand-made. The paint was applied multiple times, sanded, double lacquered and polished. The goal was to create the most luxurious, carefully crafted production car in America. Famous owners included Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Dwight Eisenhower, Barry Goldwater, Howard Johnson and Nelson Rockefeller. This example was built especially for Elizabeth Taylor with bespoke paint and interior that matched the color of her eyes. Owner: Robert and Nancy Ratinoff, Sherman Oaks 

1961 Lincoln Continental Sedan:

Continuing Lincoln's tradition of restrained elegance, the 1961 Continental introduced the unique center-opening doors and chrome-accented upper shoulder line that established a signature look for Lincoln and remains one of the most enduring designs of all time, a complete original. The 1961 Continental was honored by the Industrial Design Institute with its coveted bronze medallion. The chiseled profile was the work of seven designers: Eugene Bordinat, Don DeLaRossa, Elwood Engle, Gale Halderman, John Najjar, Robert M. Thomas and George Walker. Powered by a 430-cubic-inch V8 producing 300 horsepower, the Lincoln Continental delivered driving pleasure commensurate with its breakthrough design. This car has been in San Diego since new, has been driven only 70,000 miles and is acclaimed as a Lincoln Continental Owners Club Senior Car. Owner: Joe Finkbiner, San Diego 

All-New Lincoln MKZ

The all-new MKZ is the new face of Lincoln, representing a significant milestone in the brand's ongoing reinvention. This is the future of Lincoln in style and substance.

•MKZ is the first of four new distinctively Lincoln vehicles to be introduced in the next four years

•Each will be an entry into a major volume segment of the overall premium market and collectively will provide Lincoln with coverage in more than 80 percent of the market

•The new MKZ, like all new Lincoln vehicles, will feature a driving experience that is refined yet engaging. Innovative use of new technologies incorporated in standard Lincoln Drive Control creates the best of both worlds – scintillating dynamic qualities and performance with superb comfort

•The all-new MKZ Hybrid is an outstanding example of the new Lincoln – at 45 mpg city, highway and combined, it delivers more miles per gallon than any other luxury vehicle sold in America

•The visually and technically stunning retractable panoramic roof becomes a Lincoln signature, offering a 15.2-square-foot glass panel and one of the largest rooftop openings available on any modern sedan

•Push-button shift is a unique execution that replaces the traditional mechanical transmission shift lever with a contemporary five-button interface and dramatically opens up the center console

•Lincoln-exclusive THX® II Certified Audio System, with 700 watts, 14 channels and 14 speakers available

Source: Internet

1964 Lincoln Continental

Lyndon B. Johnson's Lincoln Continental to be Auctioned in Dallas

A 1964 Lincoln Continental formerly owned by President Lyndon B. Johnson will be sold during the 40th annual Leake Collector Car Show & Auction in Dallas, November 16-18. The white Lincoln features an automatic transmission, 430 CI and a 320 HP V-8 engine. Often referred to as one of his presidential toys, President Johnson used this vehicle on his ranch where he retreated to relax. Many times he was spotted inspecting his ranch with the top down while the Secret Service trailed him. Documentation is available to confirm the previous ownership. It is currently under the ownership of the LBJ Foundation.

The Leake Collector Car Show and Auction will take place in Dallas Market Hall. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors and $7 for children. Doors open at 9am daily and the auction will begin at noon on Friday, 10am on Saturday and 11am Sunday.

The event will feature 550 vehicles including Cadillacs, Corvettes, Camaros, Shelbys, Thunderbirds, hot rods, customs and other vintage, collector, muscle and specialty cars. Car buyers, sellers and enthusiasts from a multi-state area are expected to attend the auction. Leake Auction Company was established in 1972 as one of the first car auctions in the country. More than 40 years later the auction company has sold more than 34,000 cars. Leake Auction Company currently operates auctions in Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas and San Antonio. Visit them online at www.leakecar.com or at 800.722.9942.

Source: Internet