Lincoln's first 100 years were full of innovations.
The last couple of years were not entirely smooth sailing for Lincoln. While the luxury automaker has been experiencing great success in China, the same can't be said of its performance in the US market. Some of Lincoln's best new models, such as the gorgeous Zephyr sedan, may never even arrive here. And, of course, the company has to navigate its transition to full electrification like everyone else. Despite all this, Lincoln has a proud heritage and will be “celebrating a century of elegance.”
Yes, it's now been 100 years since Henry Ford purchased The Lincoln Motor Company, spurred on by his wife and son. This moment, reflected in the images below, set about Lincoln's transformation into an iconic American luxury brand.
The purchase took place on February 4, 1922, when Ford bought Lincoln from an inventor and automotive engineer by the name of Henry Leland. The value of the transaction was a cool $8 million. Since then, Lincoln has stuck to its mission of building vehicles with a clear focus on luxury, with varying levels of success.
“We are at a defining moment in our history,” said Joy Falotico, president of Lincoln. “We look back at Lincoln’s past and find inspiration for the future, to reflect on what we have accomplished. The timing of our 100th anniversary couldn’t be more ideal as we shift to an electrified future.”
Lincoln hasn’t yet launched an EV in the US, though, and recently, it came to light that the Aviator EV was delayed.
But long before electrification was being considered, Lincoln’s identity as a leading luxury brand was being established. Edsel Ford, Henry Ford’s son, has been credited with much of the Lincoln brand’s early success. “Father made the most popular cars in the world; I want to make the best,” he was quoted as saying.
With an emphasis on design, styling, and affordable customization, Lincoln launched several impactful models in its early years. This included the Zephyr in 1936, its first mid-priced vehicle. Three years later, the Continental arrived as a personal-use vehicle and helped to establish the luxury segment as a whole. Along the way, there were a number of other advances and innovations. It was 1955 when the Mark II made its way into showrooms, and in 1961, Lincoln debuted coach doors on the Continental. Keyless entry arrived in 1980 and the brand’s first hybrid, the MKZ Hybrid, appeared in 2010.
In the US, Lincoln has continued to succeed with its luxury SUVs, including the full-size Navigator. In fact, Lincoln now doesn’t sell a single sedan in the US. Last year, the Corsair achieved its best sales year yet. Considering that the smooth, silent propulsion of electric power is a perfect fit for a luxury brand, we expect the next generation of Lincolns to do well. By 2030, the company plans to have a range of vehicles that are all connected and electrified around the globe.
“There’s something very special about Lincoln,” said Ford CEO Jim Farley. “And as we move toward an electric future with connected technologies and always-on experiences, I am so excited to see where the brand will go in China and North America as it begins its second century.”
Keyword: Lincoln Celebrates 100 Years Of Luxury