The Lincoln Continental, a name synonymous with American luxury, has a rich and varied history spanning decades. From its groundbreaking design in the 1960s to its more recent incarnations, the Continental has captivated car enthusiasts and luxury seekers alike. Understanding the different generations and model years is crucial for anyone considering purchasing a classic or modern Continental. This guide will provide you with the best years to consider and which ones to avoid, offering expert insights for a well-informed decision.
Lincoln Continental: A Year-by-Year Breakdown
| Model Year/Generation | Highlights | Potential Issues/Concerns |
|---|---|---|
| 1961-1969 (4th Gen) | Slab-sided design, suicide doors, iconic styling, high build quality, powerful engines (430/462 cu in V8), air conditioning, power everything. | Potential rust issues (especially in northern climates), complex vacuum system, carburetor tuning, aging electrical components, parts availability for specific trim pieces. |
| 1965 | Improved reliability over earlier years, refined styling, smoother ride. | Still susceptible to rust and vacuum system issues, aging electrical components. |
| 1966-1967 | Minor cosmetic updates, continued refinement of mechanicals. | Same potential issues as 1965. |
| 1968-1969 | Federal safety mandates implemented (side marker lights, headrests), 460 cu in V8 engine introduced (increased power). | 460 engine can be prone to overheating if cooling system is not properly maintained, increased complexity due to safety features. |
| 1970-1979 (5th Gen) | Larger size, more luxurious interior, more powerful engine options (400/460 cu in V8), improved ride quality. | Significantly larger and heavier than previous generations, poor fuel economy, potential for rust, complex climate control systems, parts availability can be challenging. |
| 1972-1975 | Peak of 5th generation luxury, comfortable ride, powerful engine. | Fuel economy is abysmal, large size makes it difficult to maneuver, rust is a significant concern. |
| 1977-1979 | Downsized slightly compared to earlier 5th generation models, improved fuel economy (marginally). | Still large and fuel-inefficient compared to modern cars, potential for rust, complex emissions systems. |
| 1980 (6th Gen) | Radical downsizing, more fuel-efficient V8 engine (302 cu in), modern styling for the time. | Considered less luxurious and less desirable than previous generations, reliability issues with early electronic components. |
| 1982-1987 (7th Gen) | Fox-body platform, improved handling, fuel injection, more modern features. | Considered less luxurious than earlier Continentals, some reliability issues with the AOD transmission, potential for rust. |
| 1988-1994 (8th Gen) | Front-wheel drive, independent rear suspension, advanced features (anti-lock brakes, air suspension), comfortable ride. | Air suspension can be problematic and expensive to repair, potential for electrical issues, styling is not universally appreciated. |
| 1993-1994 | Improved reliability and build quality compared to earlier 8th generation models, refined interior. | Air suspension remains a potential issue, styling is still polarizing. |
| 1995-2002 (9th Gen) | Improved styling, more powerful engine (4.6L Modular V8), more reliable transmission, comfortable and luxurious interior. | Potential for intake manifold cracking (early models), air suspension can still be problematic, some electrical issues. |
| 1999-2002 | Refined styling, improved reliability, more features. | Air suspension remains a potential concern, some electrical issues. |
| 2017-2020 (10th Gen) | Return of the Continental nameplate, modern styling, luxurious interior, powerful engine options (including a twin-turbo V6), advanced technology. | Some reliability issues reported, depreciation can be significant, parts availability may become a concern in the future. |
| 2019-2020 | Coach Door Edition (suicide doors), limited production, highly collectible. | High price premium, limited availability, potential for the same reliability issues as other 10th generation models. |
Detailed Explanations
1961-1969 (4th Gen): This generation is arguably the most iconic Lincoln Continental. Its slab-sided design and rear-hinged "suicide doors" made it an instant classic. These cars were known for their high build quality, powerful engines, and luxurious features. However, they are prone to rust, and their complex vacuum systems can be challenging to maintain.
1965: The 1965 model year saw improvements in reliability and refinement. While still susceptible to rust and vacuum issues, it's generally considered a more desirable year within the fourth generation.
1966-1967: These years continued the refinements of the 1965 model, with minor cosmetic updates and mechanical improvements. They share the same potential issues regarding rust and vacuum systems.
1968-1969: Federal safety mandates led to the addition of side marker lights and headrests. The 460 cubic inch V8 engine was introduced, offering increased power. However, this engine can be prone to overheating if the cooling system is not properly maintained.
1970-1979 (5th Gen): This generation saw a significant increase in size and weight. While offering more luxurious interiors and powerful engines, fuel economy suffered greatly. Rust is a major concern for these models.
1972-1975: These years represent the peak of fifth-generation luxury. Comfortable and powerful, they are still plagued by abysmal fuel economy and significant rust issues.
1977-1979: These models were downsized slightly compared to earlier fifth-generation cars, resulting in marginally improved fuel economy. However, they remain large and fuel-inefficient compared to modern vehicles.
1980 (6th Gen): This year marked a radical downsizing for the Continental. While more fuel-efficient, it's often considered less luxurious and less desirable than previous generations. Early electronic components can also be unreliable.
1982-1987 (7th Gen): Based on the Fox-body platform, these Continentals offered improved handling and more modern features. However, they are generally considered less luxurious than earlier models, and the AOD transmission can have reliability issues.
1988-1994 (8th Gen): This generation introduced front-wheel drive and independent rear suspension. The air suspension can be problematic and expensive to repair. Styling is often considered polarizing.
1993-1994: These years saw improvements in reliability and build quality compared to earlier eighth-generation models. However, the air suspension remains a potential issue.
1995-2002 (9th Gen): This generation featured improved styling, a more powerful 4.6L Modular V8 engine, and a more reliable transmission. The interior was comfortable and luxurious. Early models can be prone to intake manifold cracking, and the air suspension can still be problematic.
1999-2002: These years offered refined styling, improved reliability, and more features compared to earlier ninth-generation models. However, the air suspension remains a potential concern.
2017-2020 (10th Gen): The return of the Continental nameplate brought modern styling, a luxurious interior, and powerful engine options. However, some reliability issues have been reported, and depreciation can be significant.
2019-2020: The Coach Door Edition, with its rear-hinged doors, is a highly collectible and desirable model. However, it shares the same potential reliability issues as other tenth-generation models and carries a high price premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Lincoln Continental generation is the most iconic? The fourth generation (1961-1969) is widely considered the most iconic due to its distinctive slab-sided design and suicide doors.
What are the biggest problems with older Lincoln Continentals? Rust, complex vacuum systems, and aging electrical components are common issues in older models.
Are the 1970s Lincoln Continentals reliable? While luxurious, 1970s Continentals are known for poor fuel economy and potential rust problems.
Is the air suspension on later Continentals reliable? No, the air suspension on many later models is known to be problematic and expensive to repair.
Which modern Lincoln Continental is the most desirable? The 2019-2020 Coach Door Edition is highly sought after due to its limited production and unique suicide doors.
What should I look for when buying a classic Lincoln Continental? Carefully inspect for rust, check the condition of the vacuum system, and ensure all electrical components are functioning properly.
Conclusion
Choosing the best year for a Lincoln Continental depends on your priorities. For classic styling and iconic design, the 1960s models are hard to beat, but be prepared for maintenance. Later models offer more modern features and improved reliability, but may lack the charm of their predecessors. The 2019-2020 Coach Door Edition represents a modern take on the classic formula, but comes with a premium price tag. Ultimately, research and a thorough inspection are key to finding the perfect Lincoln Continental for you.