Continental
It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
Variants by year
2016
1997
1994
1987
1983
1981
1979
1974
1969
1968
1967
1966
1965
1964
1963
1962
1961
1960
1959
1958
1957
1956
1955
1946
1945
1942
1941
1940
1939
Model summary
Data from the ScanRacer library, organized to compare versions quickly.
Model introduction
The Lincoln Continental page brings together the versions referenced by ScanRacer, including years, variants, rarities, and available detailed pages. It links the model overview to version-by-year pages.
History
The Lincoln Continental was introduced in 1939 by Ford's Lincoln division, initially designed as a personal vehicle for company president Edsel Ford. This model marked the beginning of luxury car production in the United States, blending European elegance with American technology. Production was halted during World War II and resumed from 1946 to 1948. After a hiatus, the Continental was relaunched in 1956, becoming Lincoln's flagship model. Production continued until 2002, was briefly revived in 2017, and ceased permanently in 2020. (corporate.ford.com)
Generations
The Lincoln Continental spanned ten distinct generations, each bringing innovations and stylistic evolutions. The first generation (1939-1942) was designed as a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, featuring design elements inspired by Europe. The second generation (1946-1948) marked the model's return after World War II, with enhancements in comfort and performance. Subsequent generations introduced technological advancements, style changes, and performance improvements, solidifying the Continental's reputation as a symbol of luxury and innovation. The tenth generation (2017-2020) marked the end of the model's production, featuring modern characteristics and refined design. (corporate.ford.com)
Key differences
Over the years, the Lincoln Continental evolved in terms of design, technology, and performance. The early generations featured design elements inspired by Europe, such as the rear-mounted spare tire. Subsequent generations introduced technological advancements, style changes, and performance improvements, solidifying the Continental's reputation as a symbol of luxury and innovation. The tenth generation (2017-2020) marked the end of the model's production, with modern features and refined design. (corporate.ford.com)
Photo recognition
To identify a Lincoln Continental, look for distinctive design elements such as the rear-mounted spare tire, elegant lines, and a sleek silhouette. Later models feature distinctive front grilles and advanced technologies. Special editions, like the 1970s Designer Series, stand out with unique interior and exterior finishes. (lincolnmarkv.com)
Important versions
Notable versions of the Lincoln Continental include the first generation (1939-1942) for its innovative design, the 1970s generation for special editions like the Designer Series, and the tenth generation (2017-2020) for its modern return to the market. (corporate.ford.com)
References
- The Origins of the Lincoln Continental – The story of the creation of a design classicFord Motor Company
- https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/lincoln.com
- https://es.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/es.lincoln.com
- https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/features/design/lincoln.com
- https://www.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/features/performance/lincoln.com
- https://es.lincoln.com/luxury-cars/continental/2020/es.lincoln.com
- https://media.ford.com/content/lincolnmedia/lna/us/en/continental.htmlmedia.ford.com
Frequently asked questions
- What years was the Lincoln Continental produced?
- ScanRacer's referenced versions cover 1939 - 2016.
- How many Lincoln Continental examples are documented on ScanRacer?
- 1 published scan from 1 member, with the latest photo added in July 2026.