Lincoln Continental

Lincoln Continental is a name that has been used several times by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company for a line of luxury cars.

1980 Lincoln Continental

By 1980, it was obvious that the old models could not continue - they could not meet the fuel economy and emissions regulations any longer. Much smaller and more economical vehicles were required, so Ford chose to downsize the Continental onto the "Panther" platform designed for the 1979 Ford LTD and Mercury Marquis. The 1980 Continental, as compared to its 1979 predecessor, was 800 lb lighter and 20 inches (508 mm) shorter in overall length, and was fitted with a 302-cubic-inch (5.0-liter) V8. A 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) engine was briefly optional. Fuel efficiency was about a third better than the 1979 model.

Related Topics:
Ford LTD - Mercury Marquis

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The new Continental carried over as many styling cues as possible from the previous, larger cars, modified somewhat to match the new, more sensible package. Lincoln management knew that keeping the family resemblance going was critical; sales depended on the car being instantly recognizable as a Lincoln.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1981 the Continental name was replaced by Town Car (a former option package name) on this and subsequent models.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~