Lincoln, the luxury vehicle division of Ford Motor Company, was founded in 1917 by Henry M. Leland (also the founder of Cadillac). Named after Abraham Lincoln, the company was created to build luxury automobiles with precision engineering and elegance. Ford acquired Lincoln in 1922, making it the premium arm of the brand—directly competing with Cadillac, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, and BMW.
Key Historical Milestones
• 1917–1922: Lincoln began by manufacturing Liberty aircraft engines during WWI. Post-war, it focused on luxury cars.
• 1922: Acquired by Ford; began offering luxury vehicles based on precision engineering.
• 1930s–40s: Introduced iconic models like the Lincoln Zephyr and the Lincoln Continental.
• 1950s–60s: Known for Presidential limousines and large, luxurious sedans.
• 1990s–2000s: Transitioned into SUVs and crossovers in response to market trends.
• 2010s–2020s: Revamped lineup with the “Quiet Luxury” philosophy and returned to using distinctive model names (e.g., Navigator, Aviator, Nautilus).
Key Models & Trims Over the Years
1. Lincoln Model L (1920s)
• Lincoln’s first production car after Ford’s acquisition.
• Known for its reliability and use as state vehicles.
2. Lincoln Zephyr (1936–1942)
• Mid-priced luxury car; aerodynamic design.
• Predecessor to the Continental.
3. Lincoln Continental (1939–2020)
• One of the most iconic Lincoln models.
• Multiple generations: full-size luxury sedan and coupe.
• Key Trims: Base, Premiere, Reserve, Black Label.
• Known for suicide doors in the 1960s and reintroduced limited editions in 2019.
4. Lincoln Capri (1952–1959)
• Upscale full-size car aimed at American luxury buyers.
5. Lincoln Premiere (1956–1960)
• Positioned above the Capri, with more lavish appointments.
6. Lincoln Town Car (1981–2011)
• Longtime symbol of American luxury.
• Full-size rear-wheel-drive sedan.
• Trims: Executive, Signature, Cartier, Designer.
• Frequently used as limousines and chauffeur cars.
7. Lincoln Mark Series (1956–1998)
• Personal luxury coupes; began with the Continental Mark II.
• Mark III–Mark VIII spanned decades with increasingly bold styling and performance features.
8. Lincoln LS (2000–2006)
• Mid-size luxury sedan.
• Sportier model aimed at younger buyers.
• Trims: V6, V8, Sport.
9. Lincoln MKS (2009–2016)
• Full-size sedan that replaced the Town Car.
• Trims: Base, EcoBoost AWD.
10. Lincoln MKZ (2006–2020)
• Mid-size luxury sedan based on the Ford Fusion platform.
• Trims: Standard, Reserve, Select, Black Label.
• Hybrid variant also available.
SUV & Crossover Models
1. Lincoln Navigator (1998–present)
• Full-size luxury SUV.
• Competitor to Cadillac Escalade.
• Trims: Standard, Reserve, Black Label, L (extended version).
• Known for luxury features, large size, and V6 EcoBoost engine.
2. Lincoln Aviator (2003–2005, 2020–present)
• Mid-size luxury SUV; reintroduced with plug-in hybrid variant.
• Trims: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring (PHEV), Black Label.
3. Lincoln Nautilus (2019–present)
• Mid-size luxury crossover, formerly the MKX.
• Recently redesigned for 2024 with modern tech and hybrid options.
• Trims: Standard, Reserve, Black Label.
4. Lincoln Corsair (2020–present)
• Compact luxury SUV; successor to the MKC.
• Trims: Standard, Reserve, Grand Touring (plug-in hybrid).
5. Lincoln MKC (2015–2019)
• Compact luxury SUV before rebranding to Corsair.
• Trims: Premiere, Select, Reserve, Black Label.
6. Lincoln MKX (2007–2018)
• Mid-size crossover SUV; replaced by Nautilus.
• Trims: Base, Reserve, Black Label.
Current Focus & Brand Philosophy
Lincoln has redefined itself in recent years with its “Quiet Luxury” mantra—focusing on serene interiors, cutting-edge technology, and premium service. The brand now emphasizes:
• Sanctuary-like interiors
• Advanced tech (Revel Audio, ActiveGlide semi-autonomous driving)
• Electrification roadmap with plug-in and full EVs in development
Electric & Future Models
• Lincoln Star Concept: Teases upcoming design language for Lincoln EVs.
• Expected launch of all-electric Lincoln vehicles based on Ford’s EV platforms.
Lincoln’s legacy is built on American luxury, presidential elegance, and modern innovation. From the classic Town Car and Continental to today’s advanced Navigator, Aviator, and Nautilus, the brand continues to evolve while honoring its rich heritage.
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