Look Back at Lincoln's Century of Iconic Cars

In 1922, in the midst of an automotive slump, Ford Motor Company founder Henry Ford purchased Lincoln and kick-started its century-long ascent into luxury and innovation.

In that 100 years, Lincoln has made some cool cars with interesting passenger compartments and unique features.

Here are some of the brand's most iconic vehicles.

1923 Lincoln Model L Touring Car

This Lincoln Model L Touring Car was presented by Henry Ford to his friend and mentor Thomas Edison.

The vehicle was powered by a 358 cubic-inch L-Head V8 engine paired with three speed manual transmission.

The car's powertrain was revolutionary for its time, producing 90 horsepower compared the Ford Model T's 20. The fork-and-blade connecting rods and full-pressure lubrication of the 358-cubic inch engine were rare features for the time.

However, not all of the cars featured a new-age innovative design as the exterior styling reflected the styling of the brand prior to its purchase by the Ford Motor Company.

1936 Lincoln Zephyr

This was the vehicle that marked the brand's transition from low-production, coach-built vehicles to mass-produced luxury. Introduced to offset losses following the Great Depression, the Lincoln Zephyr was the company's first mid-priced vehicle.

Zephyr's design and single unit body and frame construction were advanced for the time. In addition it came with an available electric clock, leather upholstery and a matched Louis Vuitton luggage set.

1937 Lincoln Model K Touring Car by Brunn

A year later, Lincoln launched this Model K Touring Car which features a custom coach by the Brunn Company of Buffalo, New York. The design was heavily inspired by the early influence of Edsel Ford, who turned to coachbuilders to help enhance the visual appeal of Lincoln vehicles after his father's purchase of the brand.

The Model K was the most expensive standard Lincoln with only 10 units built.

Additional features found in this exclusive car were tinted glass skylights above the windshield and a convertible rear roof section that folds down to let the sun in for passengers.

1941 Lincoln Zephyr Continental

Upon return from a trip to Europe, Edsel Ford found himself inspired by the longhood, short-trunk sports cars he saw there. The Continental prototype began its life as a Zephyr Cabriolet but with the combined vision of Ford and designer Bob Grergorie, the Lincoln icon was born.

The Lincoln Continental was originally built to be Ford's personal vehicle but after friends and family gave him positive feedback, and purchasing offers, the prototype moved into mass production. The production version was sought out by many notable figures of the time — Clark Gable, Rita Hayworth, Babe Ruth and Mickey Rooney

1953 Lincoln X-100 Prototype Concept Car

This X-100 Prototype, originally introduced as the Continental 195X, was built to celebrate Ford Motor Company's 50th anniversary. Advertised as a "laboratory on wheels,", the prototype featured more than 50 innovations that would go on to become mainstream, like heated seats and an in-car telephone.

A few of the features didn't reach mainstream popularity however, including a variable-volume horn and in-car electric shaver.

1956 Continental Mark II

In 1952, a project led by William Clay Ford as a tribute to both the original Continental and his father Edsel Ford, began the process that would result in the Mark II. This hand-assembled, Continental was the most expensive American-produced automobile of its time.

With only 3,005 examples, this exclusive model was the car of choice for Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Rockefeller and President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

1964 Lincoln Continental Stretch Limousine

Lincoln's limousine business began in 1939 and was the choice brand for U.S. presidents and other notable dignitaries. The 1964 edition was custom built by coachbuilder Lehmann-Peterson for Pope Paul VI to use on his 1965 visit to New York City.

The iconic Stretch later served as the official parade vehicle for Chicago, where it was used by several dignitaries as well as the Apollo astronauts. Its removable roof allowed occupants to wave to crowds along parade routes.

1976 Lincoln Continental Mark IV Designer Series

In an effort to make a more exclusive, further personalized Continental, Lincoln launched the Designer Series Mark IV line.

Lincoln collaborated with top jewelry and fashion houses — Cartier, Bill Blass, Pucci and Givenchy — to offer unique color designer logos that appeared in each opera window, while an engraved plaque bearing the owner's name along with the designer's signature graced the instrument panel.

1998 Lincoln Navigator

First announced in late 1996, the brand new 1998 Lincoln Navigator launched the company into the luxury SUV market.

The Navigator combined Lincoln's distinctive style and comfort with the capability and adventure of a utility vehicle. The SUV included features like leather and burled walnut interiors, dual audio and climate controls, seating for up to eight passengers and Control-Trac's optional four-wheel drive.

2017 Lincoln Navigator

In 2016, Lincoln revealed the Navigator concept which would go on to transform the future of the brand's flagship SUV. Its all-new design and innovative features were the introduction into the fourth generation of Navigator.

The feature the brand was most excited to highlight was the debut of 30-Way Perfect Position Seats which elevated first-class travel for families.

2022 Lincoln Zephyr

Last fall Lincoln debuted its first sedan produced in China, the all-new Lincoln Zephyr, at Auto Guangzhou. The Zephyr had more than 3,100 pre-orders. Lincoln has seen success in China with localized production of vehicles such as the Corsair, which achieved record full-year sales exceeding 50,000 units in 2021.

The highly anticipated sedan allowed the brand to introduce American luxury to a new, younger generation of clients in China.