American car lore often points to certain nameplates as markers of changing tastes and technology. Lincoln’s early lineup traces a shift from bespoke, hand-built luxury to more modern, streamlined designs that collectors and enthusiasts still study today.
There are 26 Lincoln Old Models, ranging from Continental Mark II to Lincoln-Zephyr. For each entry you’ll find below Production years,Body style(s),Notable features to help you compare builds, identify rarities, and spot distinguishing details you’ll see on the road or at shows.
Which Lincoln old models tend to be most valuable to collectors?
Value usually follows rarity, condition, and historical importance: low-production runs, coachbuilt Continentals like the Continental Mark II, and well-preserved prewar V12 or Zephyr examples often command higher prices. Original documentation, matching numbers, and intact interiors also have a big impact.
How should I use the table to identify a specific model?
Start by matching the production years and body style(s) to the car’s visible traits, then check the Notable features column for engine type, trim cues, or unique options; those combined clues make it much easier to narrow a candidate to one of the 26 entries you’ll find below.
Lincoln Old Models
| Model | Production years | Body style(s) | Notable features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Model L | 1920–1930 | Touring, Sedan, Coupe | First car produced by Lincoln; known for precision engineering by Henry Leland. |
| Lincoln Model K | 1931–1940 | Sedan, Coupe, Convertible | Replaced the Model L; introduced Lincoln’s first V12 engine and custom bodies. |
| Lincoln-Zephyr | 1936–1942 | Sedan, Coupe, Convertible | First successful streamlined unibody car; introduced the V12 to a lower price point. |
| Lincoln Continental | 1939–1948 | Coupe, Convertible | Iconic personal luxury car; defined by its rear-mounted “Continental” spare tire. |
| Lincoln (H-Series) | 1946–1948 | Sedan, Coupe, Convertible | First post-war designs, essentially a continuation of the pre-war Zephyr platform. |
| Lincoln Cosmopolitan | 1949–1954 | Sedan, Coupe, Convertible, Limo | New post-war “pontoon” styling; famously used for presidential limousines. |
| Lincoln Capri | 1952–1959 | Hardtop, Sedan, Convertible | Lincoln’s mainstream model of the 1950s; known for success in road racing. |
| Lincoln Premiere | 1956–1960 | Hardtop, Sedan, Convertible | A step above the Capri, offering more luxury features and distinctive styling. |
| Continental Mark II | 1956–1957 | Hardtop Coupe | Ultra-exclusive, hand-built personal luxury car; sold through the separate Continental Division. |
| Lincoln Continental Mark III-V | 1958–1960 | Hardtop, Sedan, Convertible, Limo | Largest post-war American cars; first Lincoln with unibody construction. |
| Lincoln Continental | 1961–1969 | Sedan, Convertible | Iconic slab-sided design with rear-hinged “suicide” doors. |
| Continental Mark III | 1969–1971 | Hardtop Coupe | Rebirth of the personal luxury coupe; long-hood, short-deck proportions and Rolls-Royce grille. |
| Lincoln Continental | 1970–1979 | Sedan, Coupe, Hardtop | The definitive American land yacht; body-on-frame construction with massive V8 engines. |
| Continental Mark IV | 1972–1976 | Hardtop Coupe | Quintessential 70s personal luxury; famous for its signature oval opera windows. |
| Lincoln Versailles | 1977–1980 | Sedan | Lincoln’s first mid-size car; a heavily accessorized version of the Ford Granada. |
| Continental Mark V | 1977–1979 | Hardtop Coupe | Sharper, “razor-edge” styling; the longest two-door coupe ever sold by Ford. |
| Continental Mark VI | 1980–1983 | Coupe, Sedan | First downsized Mark; offered in both two-door and four-door versions for the first time. |
| Lincoln Town Car | 1981–2011 | Sedan, Limo | Became a separate model in 1981; the definitive American full-size luxury sedan. |
| Lincoln Continental | 1982–1987 | Sedan | Downsized model on the Fox platform with a controversial “bustle-back” rear design. |
| Continental Mark VII | 1984–1992 | Coupe | Aerodynamic design; introduced composite headlights and air suspension to the U.S. market. |
| Lincoln Continental | 1988–2002 | Sedan | Shifted to a front-wheel-drive platform based on the Ford Taurus, with V6 power. |
| Lincoln Mark VIII | 1993–1998 | Coupe | Final model in the Mark series; featured a futuristic, aerodynamic design and DOHC V8. |
| Lincoln Navigator | 1998–2006 | SUV | Lincoln’s first SUV; established the full-size luxury SUV segment. |
| Lincoln LS | 2000–2006 | Sedan | Rear-wheel-drive sport sedan aimed at European rivals like BMW. |
| Lincoln Blackwood | 2002 | Crew Cab Truck | Ultra-luxury pickup truck with a carpeted, power-operated bed cover. |
| Lincoln Aviator | 2003–2005 | SUV | Mid-size luxury SUV based on the Ford Explorer, positioned below the Navigator. |
Images and Descriptions
Lincoln Model L
The car that started it all. Built with aircraft-engine precision, it established Lincoln as a luxury marque. Its V8 engine and quality construction make early examples highly prized by collectors of Brass Era and Classic cars.
Lincoln Model K
A true Classic Car era flagship, the Model K competed with the finest from Cadillac and Packard. Known for its powerful V12 engine and custom coachbuilt bodies, it represents the pinnacle of pre-war American luxury and craftsmanship.
Lincoln-Zephyr
A revolutionary design for its time, the Zephyr brought Art Deco streamlining to a wider audience. Its unibody construction and V12 engine were advanced, making it a design icon and a highly sought-after model for pre-war car enthusiasts.
Lincoln Continental
Often considered one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The original Continental started as a one-off for Edsel Ford and became an instant classic. Its elegant styling makes it a landmark design and a blue-chip collectible.
Lincoln (H-Series)
These were Lincoln’s first cars after WWII, representing a gentle evolution of the pre-war Zephyr. While not as revolutionary as their predecessors, they offered V12 power and luxury in the optimistic post-war era.
Lincoln Cosmopolitan
A dramatic styling shift for Lincoln, the Cosmopolitan embraced the “bathtub” look of the late 40s. It was a flagship model, famously used for the presidential limousine fleet, giving it a unique place in American history.
Lincoln Capri
The workhorse of the 1950s Lincoln lineup, the Capri blended luxury with surprising performance. Its success in grueling road races proved its engineering prowess, making it a collectible classic that you could actually drive and enjoy.
Lincoln Premiere
Positioned as the premium Lincoln, the Premiere showcased the brand’s extravagant 1950s styling and luxury. It featured push-button controls and lavish interiors, making it a perfect example of the era’s automotive optimism and excess.
Continental Mark II
A statement of ultimate luxury, the Mark II was Ford’s answer to Rolls-Royce. Hand-assembled with no expense spared, it was one of America’s most expensive cars. Its timeless design makes it a top-tier collectible.
Lincoln Continental Mark III-V
These were the largest unibody cars ever made and epitomized late-50s excess with canted fins and massive proportions. Often referred to as Marks III, IV, and V, they are distinctive, imposing classics from a flamboyant era.
Lincoln Continental
An icon of 1960s cool, this Continental’s minimalist design was a radical departure from 50s excess. The four-door convertible and famous center-opening doors make it one of the most recognizable and desirable classic cars of its era.
Continental Mark III
The Mark III successfully revived the personal luxury coupe for Lincoln. Its Rolls-Royce-style grille, long hood, and powerful 460 V8 engine created a winning formula that defined the segment for the next decade.
Lincoln Continental
Embodying the “bigger is better” philosophy, these Continentals were the last of the true American land yachts. They offered a quiet, isolated ride and acres of interior space. They represent the end of an era for oversized luxury.
Continental Mark IV
The Mark IV is the icon of 1970s personal luxury. Longer, heavier, and more flamboyant than its predecessor, its oval opera windows and plush interiors perfectly captured the opulent spirit of the decade. A very popular classic.
Lincoln Versailles
Lincoln’s answer to the Cadillac Seville, the Versailles was a controversial example of “badge engineering.” While not a sales success, its rarity and unique place in Lincoln history give it a quirky appeal to some collectors today.
Continental Mark V
As the final large personal luxury coupe, the Mark V featured sharp, creased styling and was over 19 feet long. Designer editions from Cartier and Bill Blass offered unique style, making it a collectible icon of late-70s fashion.
Continental Mark VI
The first Mark to shrink in size, the Panther-platform Mark VI was a response to the oil crisis. It was the first and only Mark available as a four-door sedan, blurring the lines with the Town Car and Continental.
Lincoln Town Car
For decades, the Town Car was the standard for American luxury, known for its comfortable ride and cavernous interior. A favorite for limousine service, its durability and classic luxury appeal make it a popular modern classic.
Lincoln Continental
A bold but polarizing design, this Continental featured a “bustle-back” trunk meant to evoke classic town cars. Based on the Fox platform, it was a smaller, more efficient luxury car for a new era.
Continental Mark VII
A radical departure from its predecessors, the Mark VII was sleek, modern, and performance-oriented, especially in LSC trim. It introduced technologies like air suspension and anti-lock brakes, making it a forward-thinking and collectible modern classic.
Lincoln Continental
This generation of Continental moved to a modern, front-wheel-drive platform, offering advanced features like adjustable suspension. It represented Lincoln’s attempt to compete with European and Japanese luxury sedans, offering a comfortable and high-tech experience.
Lincoln Mark VIII
The last of the Mark series, the Mark VIII was a technological showcase with its powerful 32-valve V8 engine and sleek, wraparound interior. Its futuristic styling and impressive performance make it a cult favorite among modern classic enthusiasts.
Lincoln Navigator
The Navigator was a groundbreaking vehicle that created the American luxury SUV market. Based on the Ford Expedition, it offered immense size, V8 power, and a commanding presence that defined luxury for a new generation of buyers.
Lincoln LS
A significant departure for Lincoln, the LS was a driver-focused sport sedan with rear-wheel drive and available V8 power. Praised for its handling, it was Lincoln’s attempt to capture a younger, performance-oriented audience.
Lincoln Blackwood
One of automotive history’s most famous flops, the Blackwood was a luxury pickup with a virtually useless, carpet-lined bed. Sold for only one model year, its extreme rarity and bizarre concept have made it a unique and quirky collectible.
Lincoln Aviator
The first-generation Aviator was essentially a smaller, more agile version of the Navigator. Sharing a platform with the Ford Explorer, it offered powerful V8 performance and three-row seating in a more manageable package.
