QandAs: Autos

What can you tell me about Lincoln vehicles?

Answer:
Lincoln vehicles are manufactured by Ford Motor Company

as their luxury contribution to the automotive industry. Lincoln vehicles certainly have held their own in U.S. markets, and continue to hold a special place for many Lincoln lovers today. The company has kept up with changing trends, and offers models for a variety of budgets, tastes and uses.

The original company which began the Lincoln tradition was founded by the same man who was also a founder of Cadillac; Henry M. Leland. In 1917, Henry started making Lincolns, taking the name from one of his Presidential heroes, Abraham Lincoln. Leland had actually voted for Lincoln his first time as an eligible voter.

By 1922, Ford Motor Company bought out Leland when his company was up against financial woes. Since those days, Lincoln has been in the luxury automobile business, and the Ford division has produced many hallmark Lincoln models over the years. As recently as 1998, Lincoln was the best selling luxury car in America.

Lincoln luxury, quality and innovation through the years has been exemplified on several fronts, including a V-12 powerplant in one model in 1932, and the ever-familiar "Continental Kit" spare-wheel mounted outside the trunk, but inside a decorative housing. That concept has been used by many an auto customizing enthusiast for that special look.

Over the years, Lincoln has produced models for just about all budgets, from the modestly appointed earlier Lincoln Zephyr to some of today's finest luxury automobiles available, like the Lincoln Town Car. Lincoln vehicles are still very popular with some of Washington D.C. officianados, and it is interesting (though somber) to recall that it was in a 1961 (modified) Lincoln Presidential Limousine Convertible that President John F. Kennedy was riding when he was killed by an assassin in Dallas, Texas, 1963; a day America will never forget...and Lincoln was there.