100 Years of Lincoln

Here’s to a new century together.

Since the beginning, Lincoln has delivered a truly effortless driving experience above all else.
We’ve added sophisticated new features along the way, but have always stuck to our core values:

Craftsmanship. Quality. And thoughtfully designed details that enliven the senses.

100 years on, we’re even more committed to creating exhilarating sanctuaries, along with an 
 electrified fleet and an evolving suite of human-centred design details, as we boldly enter our next century.

LINCOLN THROUGH THE YEARS

See how Lincoln has redefined the luxury automobile experience in every era along the way.

1922: FORD BUYS LINCOLN

With Edsel Bryant Ford purchased the Lincoln Motor Company to build cars that were as stylish as they were useful. His father had made the most popular car in the world, but Edsel wanted to make the best car in the world.

1924: FORD REINVENTS AMERICAN LUXURY

The Lincoln Model “L” was released. It combined the new assembly line process with Edsel’s dedication to luxury design and stylish coachwork.

1924: THE PRESIDENTIAL FAVOURITE

Calvin Coolidge chose Lincoln (the model ‘L’) as his presidential car. Lincoln would go on to make the official President’s car from 1939 to 1972.

1938: INSPIRED BY TRAVEL

Inspired by his time in Europe, Edsel returned to create a new car that was “strictly Continental” in its design. He and the Lincoln design team began sketching out new ideas.

1939: THE FIRST CONTINENTAL

The first Lincoln Continental is released to the public. It’s widely regarded as one of the most elegant automobiles ever made, and considered “the most beautiful car in the world” by Architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who bought two.

1951: A WORK OF ART

In 1951, New York City’s more prominent museum chose the Continental as one of eight automobiles exhibited for excellence as works of art.

1976: LUXURY BY DESIGN

Lincoln begins partnering with contemporary designers to create special-edition series automobiles. Some of the most celebrated luxury fashion brands contribute iconic designs.

1997: PERFECTING THE SUV

Lincoln releases a full-size luxury sport utility vehicle, the 1998 Navigator, which goes on to become the #1 selling vehicle in an emerging luxury SUV segment.

INTELLIGENT DESIGN DETAILS, YESTERDAY AND TODAY

Learn more about each feature in the gallery below.