1959 Lincoln 2 Dr Ht Coupe Continental Capri Rebuilt Engine 430 Investment ! on 2040-cars

1958–1959 [edit]

Generation three

Model years	1958–1959
Assembly	Wixom, Michigan, USA[1]
Body style	2-door hardtop[1][10][11] 4-door sedan[1][10][11] 4-door hardtop[1][10][11]
Engine	430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8[1][10][11]
Transmission	3-speed Turbo-Drive automatic[1][10][11]
Wheelbase	131.0 in (3,327 mm)[1][10][11]
Length	1958: 229.0 in (5,817 mm)[1][10] 1959: 227.1 in (5,768 mm)[1][11]
Width	80.1 in (2,035 mm)[10][11]
Height	1958: 56.5 in (1,435 mm)[10] 1959: 56.7 in (1,440 mm)[11]
Curb weight	4,900–5,200 lb (2,200–2,400 kg)
Related	Lincoln Mark series Lincoln Continental Lincoln Premiere
Designer(s)	John Najjar

These were the first Lincolns produced at the new Wixom, Michigan plant, and were made on a unibody platform much like the Lincoln-Zephyr and the original Lincoln Continental.^[1] While advertising brochures made the case that Continental was still a separate make, the car shared its body with that year's Lincoln.^[1] The Lincolns differed from the higher-model full-size Continentals in trim level and in their roof treatment, with the Continentals featuring a reverse-angle power rear "Breezeway" window that retracted down behind the back seat.^[1] Lincoln lost over $60 million during 1958-1960, partly reflecting the expense of developing perhaps the largest unibody car^[12] ever made. The 1958 full-size Lincoln sold poorly in all models because of the economic recession in the U.S.

The 1958-59 Lincoln Capri was one of the largest cars ever made, larger than contemporaneous Cadillacs, and with their canted headlights and scalloped fenders had styling considered by many to be excessive even in that decade of styling excess.^[1] On a 131.0 in (3,327 mm)^[1] wheelbase, and 229.0 in (5,817 mm)^[1] long overall, 80.1 in (2,035 mm)^[11] wide and up to 4,810 lb (2,180 kg)^[1] shipping weight in the landau sedan in 1958, they are the longest Lincolns ever produced without federally mandated 5 mph (8.0 km/h) bumpers.^[1] [13] The all-new^[2] 375 hp (280 kW) 430 cu in (7.0 L) MEL V8was a welcome addition. The 63.1 inches (1,603 mm)^[9][11] front and 63.0 inches (1,600 mm)^[9][11] rear shoulder room they possessed set a record for Lincoln that still stands to this day. Sales were up, to 6,859, the landau sedan making up almost half, at 3,014 copies.^[2] Heater and defroster (at US$110), AM radio (US$144), and seat belts (US$25) were all optional.^[2] One rare option was an FM radio^[10] for $129(had to have the AM also^[2]). Brakes were 11" drums.^[10]

The reputation for "excessive styling" is perhaps ironic given the enormous amount of styling talent that was connected with the development and modification of Lincolns of this vintage.^[14] George W. Walker, known for his contribution to the development of the original Ford Thunderbird, was Vice-President in charge of Styling at Ford during this time.^[14]Elwood Engel, famous for being lead designer of the 1961 Lincoln Continental and for his work as chief designer at Chrysler in the 1960s, was Staff Stylist (and consequently roamed all of the design studios) at Ford during this period and worked very closely with John Najjar in developing not only the 1958, but also the 1959 update.^[14] After John Najjar was relieved of his responsibilities as Chief Stylist of Lincoln in 1957 he became Engel's executive assistant, and the two worked closely together in the "stilleto studio" in developing the 1961 Lincoln Continental, which of course won an award for its superlative styling.^[14] After Engel left Ford in 1961, Najjar became the lead designer of the Ford Mustang Iconcept car, which later gave birth to the Ford Mustang. Don Delarossa, who succeeded Najjar as Chief Stylist of Lincoln, was responsible for the 1960 Continental and Premiere update, and went on to become chief designer at Chrysler in the 1980s.^[14] Alex Tremulis, who was Chief Stylist at Auburn-Cord-Duesenberg in the mid to late 1930s and famous for his work on the 1948 Tucker Sedan, was head of Ford's Advanced Styling Studio during this period, and it was his Ford La Tosca concept car, with its oval overlaid with an "X" theme, that gave birth to the "slant eyed monster" nickname to the 1958 Lincoln front end.^[14]