Lincoln Capri
The “hot rod Lincoln” took most of the top spots in the 1952, 1953, and 1954 Pan American Road Race. Production began in 1952 and ended in 1959. The Capri was a well-reviewed and well-selling automobile that competed against the Chrysler New Yorker, Cadillac Series 62, and Packard 200.
1952-55
The October 1952 issue of Popular Mechanics gave the Capri’s dual exhaust ports and flathead engine very favorable reviews, especially in terms of fuel economy. The company sold over 14,000 Capris in 1952, over 26,000 in 1953, and over 29,000 in 1954. That year, the Capri accounted for about 80 percent of Lincoln’s overall sales.
This car was one of the first to offer air conditioning and an automatic headlight dimmer. These vehicles also had excellent compression and turbo drives.
1956-57
Second-generation Capris had a concept car-type look, featuring things like larger fins. They also featured 12V electrical systems to power all the options, as well as four-barrel V8 engines. A new camshaft helped boost output to an impressive 300hp. Despite these advances, and other options like four-way power seats, Lincoln marketed these Capris as entry-level vehicles.
Sales dropped to around 5,900 units in 1956. To help resurrect the flagging brand, Lincoln dropped the Capri convertibles to produce more of the better-selling hardtops.
1958-59
Third-generation Capris had a new home and a new look. Production facilities relocated to a brand-new plant in Wixom, Michigan. At the time, the 1958 Capri was the largest unibody car in the world. This huge car was bigger than almost anything else on the road at the time, including Cadillacs and Imperials. Its 131-inch wheelbase (the ‘57 Capri’s wheelbase was 126”) meant quite a bit more room in the back seat, and a little roomier front seat. Scalloped fenders, canted headlights, and some other design changes also made it one of the most over-styled cars in the world, according to some. More on that below.
The massive car had a massive 430-cubic inch V8 engine. It produced a monstrous, for the time, 375hp. Bigger 11” brakes helped drivers better control these vehicles. Some notable options included one of the industry’s first FM radios, seat belts (after all, it was 1958), and a heater/defroster.
Sales improved slightly. But almost all auto manufacturers had bad years in the late 1950s, largely because of a countrywide recession.
The “excessive styling” label given to 1958 Capris is ironic at best. Lincoln designers in this period included George Walker, Elwood Engel, and John Najjar. All three of these individuals had successful industrial design careers. For example, Najjar designed the award-winning 1961 Lincoln Continental as well as the Ford Mustang. Alex Tremulis, who had earlier worked on the 1948 Tucker, headed Ford’s design department during this period. Apparently, the lesson here is that anyone can have a bad day at the office.
Even after production ceased, the Capri name lived on in various incarnations. Both Ford and Mercury sold Capris from the 1960s to the 1990s.
