Lincoln

lincoln
History

A brief history about lincoln: Lincoln emerged in 1917 as an independent luxury automobile manufacturer founded by the visionary engineer Henry M. Leland, who had previously co-founded Cadillac. Deeply admiring President Abraham Lincoln, Leland named his new company after the late American leader as a symbol of integrity and innovation. During World War I, Lincoln produced Liberty aircraft engines for the U.S. Army, but when the war ended, Leland and his son Wilfred redirected their efforts toward building high-end automobiles.

Despite Leland’s engineering brilliance, Lincoln faced early financial difficulties and struggled with design challenges that hindered production. In 1922, the company declared bankruptcy and was acquired by Ford Motor Company for $8 million. The acquisition proved pivotal. Under Ford’s management, Lincoln’s design and financial woes were resolved, allowing the brand to grow into a respected name in the luxury automobile segment. That same year, Lincoln produced approximately 5,500 vehicles, marking the beginning of its successful integration into the Ford family.

By 1923, Lincoln had established collaborations with renowned coachbuilders such as Fleetwood and Brunn, resulting in beautifully crafted sedans and limousines that could accommodate up to seven passengers. Although these bespoke vehicles carried premium prices, demand soared. Sales increased by 45 percent, with 7,875 units sold—a significant achievement in the postwar automotive market.

In 1924, Lincoln introduced the “Flyer,” a model adopted by numerous police departments across the United States. These cars featured innovations uncommon in civilian vehicles at the time, such as disc brakes, armored glass, weapon racks, and even police whistles, solidifying Lincoln’s reputation for strength, reliability, and forward-thinking design.

The defining moment for Lincoln came in the 1930s under the creative direction of Eugene T. “Bob” Gregorie. In 1932, Gregorie’s sketches laid the groundwork for the groundbreaking Zephyr, introduced in 1936. The Zephyr’s streamlined Art Deco design captivated the public and paved the way for the birth of the iconic Continental in 1939. Originally a custom-built Zephyr coupe modified with elegant proportions and a rear-mounted spare tire, the Continental became a symbol of American sophistication and style. By 1948, over 5,000 units had been produced, cementing its legacy as one of Lincoln’s greatest achievements.

The Continental made a celebrated return in 1955 with the Mark II, a handcrafted masterpiece priced at $10,000—comparable to a Rolls-Royce of the era. In the following decades, models such as the Town Car and the Navigator helped Lincoln dominate the American luxury car market, culminating in its position as the best-selling luxury brand in the United States by 1998.

After briefly being part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group between 1998 and 2002, Lincoln returned fully under Ford’s stewardship, where it continues to evolve today. Though the brand faced challenges from European and Asian competitors in recent years, it has undergone a revitalization with a renewed design language and modern technology. Recent models like the MKZ, MKX, and the reimagined Continental represent Lincoln’s ongoing pursuit of quiet elegance, craftsmanship, and innovation in the world of luxury automobiles.