The 1959 Lincoln Continental was a luxury car produced by the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company. Known for its elegant design, powerful engine, and spacious interior, the ’59 Continental remains an iconic vehicle today.
The 59 Continental was a major redesign of the previous generation, featuring a longer, lower, and wider body with a more modern and streamlined appearance. The car was powered by a new 430 cubic-inch V8 engine that produced 350 horsepower, giving it impressive performance for its time. Inside, the Continental offered a luxurious cabin with leather upholstery, power seats, and a host of other amenities.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was a critical and commercial success, helping to restore Lincoln’s reputation as a producer of high-quality luxury cars. The car was also a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Elvis Presley. Today, the ’59 Continental is considered a classic car and is highly sought-after by collectors.
59 Lincoln Continental
The 1959 Lincoln Continental is an iconic American luxury car known for its elegance, performance, and spaciousness. Here are 8 key aspects that capture the essence of this classic vehicle:
- Design: Sleek, streamlined, and timeless
- Engine: Powerful 430 cubic-inch V8
- Interior: Luxurious and spacious
- Performance: Impressive for its time
- Status: Symbol of luxury and prestige
- Celebrity: Favored by celebrities and dignitaries
- Classic: Highly sought-after by collectors
- Legacy: Restored Lincoln’s reputation for excellence
These aspects highlight the significance of the 1959 Lincoln Continental as a car that combined elegance, performance, and luxury. Its iconic design and powerful engine made it a standout on the road, while its spacious interior and luxurious amenities provided a comfortable and sophisticated driving experience. The 59 Continental’s celebrity following and enduring popularity among collectors further solidified its status as a classic car. Ultimately, this vehicle played a crucial role in restoring Lincoln’s reputation as a producer of high-quality luxury automobiles.
Design
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s design was a major departure from its predecessors, featuring a longer, lower, and wider body with a more modern and streamlined appearance. The car’s sleek lines and graceful curves gave it a timeless elegance that is still admired today. The Continental’s design was also highly functional, with a low center of gravity that improved handling and performance.
The Continental’s design was a major factor in its success. The car’s stylish appearance appealed to buyers who wanted a luxury car that was both sophisticated and sporty. The Continental’s design also helped to restore Lincoln’s reputation as a producer of high-quality luxury cars. Prior to the 1959 redesign, Lincoln had been struggling to compete with Cadillac and Chrysler in the luxury car market. However, the Continental’s sleek and modern design helped to change that perception. The car was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to reestablish Lincoln as a leader in the luxury car market.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s design continues to influence car design today. The car’s sleek lines and timeless elegance have inspired many subsequent luxury cars. The Continental’s design is a reminder that good design is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and enduring.
Engine
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s powerful 430 cubic-inch V8 engine was a major factor in the car’s success. The engine produced 350 horsepower, which was impressive for its time. This gave the Continental excellent performance, both in terms of acceleration and top speed. The engine was also very smooth and quiet, which added to the car’s luxurious feel.
The Continental’s engine was also very reliable. This was important for a luxury car, as buyers expected their cars to be able to perform well over long distances. The Continental’s engine was up to the task, and it helped to make the car a popular choice for long-distance travel.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s 430 cubic-inch V8 engine was a key component of the car’s success. It provided the Continental with excellent performance, reliability, and smoothness. These qualities were highly valued by luxury car buyers, and they helped to make the Continental one of the most popular luxury cars of its time.
Interior
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s interior was designed to provide passengers with the utmost comfort and luxury. The car’s spacious cabin offered plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax. The seats were upholstered in soft, supple leather, and they were equipped with power adjustments to ensure the perfect seating position. The interior was also appointed with a variety of amenities, including a power sunroof, a power trunk release, and a power antenna.
- Comfort: The Continental’s interior was designed to provide passengers with the utmost comfort. The seats were,,,. The car also came standard with a variety of amenities, such as air conditioning, power windows, and power locks.
- Luxury: The Continental’s interior was also designed to be luxurious. The seats were upholstered in soft, supple leather, and the interior was appointed with a variety of wood and metal accents. The car also came standard with a premium sound system and a variety of other luxury features.
- Spaciousness: The Continental’s interior was also very spacious. The car had plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax, and the trunk was large enough to accommodate a significant amount of luggage.
- Amenities: The Continental’s interior was also equipped with a variety of amenities. The car came standard with a power sunroof, a power trunk release, and a power antenna. The car also came with a variety of other amenities, such as a premium sound system, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a refrigerator.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s interior was a major factor in the car’s success. The car’s comfortable, luxurious, and spacious interior appealed to buyers who wanted a car that was both stylish and practical. The Continental’s interior also helped to restore Lincoln’s reputation as a producer of high-quality luxury cars.
Performance
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s performance was impressive for its time. The car’s powerful 430 cubic-inch V8 engine gave it excellent acceleration and top speed. The Continental could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds, and it had a top speed of 130 mph. This was very impressive for a luxury car in the late 1950s.
- Acceleration: The Continental’s acceleration was impressive for its time. The car could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8 seconds. This was faster than many sports cars of the era.
- Top speed: The Continental’s top speed was also impressive for its time. The car had a top speed of 130 mph. This was faster than most other luxury cars of the era.
- Handling: The Continental’s handling was also very good for its time. The car had a low center of gravity and a well-tuned suspension, which gave it excellent cornering ability.
- Braking: The Continental’s braking was also very good for its time. The car had four-wheel drum brakes, which provided excellent stopping power.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s performance was a major factor in the car’s success. The car’s impressive acceleration, top speed, handling, and braking made it a favorite of drivers who wanted a luxury car that could also perform well. The Continental’s performance also helped to restore Lincoln’s reputation as a producer of high-quality luxury cars.
Status
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was more than just a carit was a status symbol. It represented luxury, prestige, and success. Owning a Continental meant that you had arrived. You were someone who had achieved success in your career and in life. You were someone who was respected and admired.
- Rarity and exclusivity: The Continental was a rare and exclusive car. Only a limited number were produced each year, and they were only sold through select dealerships. This made the Continental even more desirable to those who wanted to own something special and unique.
- High price: The Continental was also a very expensive car. This put it out of reach for most people. However, for those who could afford it, the Continental was seen as a wise investment. It was a car that would hold its value and continue to be admired for years to come.
- Celebrity appeal: The Continental was a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries. This further added to the car’s mystique and desirability. If you were driving a Continental, you were in good company.
- Cultural significance: The Continental was more than just a carit was a cultural icon. It was featured in movies, TV shows, and music. It was a car that was instantly recognizable and that represented the American dream.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was more than just a carit was a status symbol. It represented luxury, prestige, and success. Owning a Continental meant that you had arrived. You were someone who had achieved success in your career and in life. You were someone who was respected and admired.
Celebrity
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries for many reasons. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and luxurious interior made it an attractive choice for those who wanted a car that was both stylish and practical. The Continental was also a symbol of success and status, which made it even more appealing to those in the public eye.
One of the most famous celebrities to own a 1959 Lincoln Continental was Elvis Presley. Presley was known for his love of cars, and he owned several Continentals throughout his life. He even had a custom-built Continental limousine that was used in several of his movies. Other celebrities who owned Continentals included Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. These celebrities helped to popularize the Continental and make it one of the most iconic cars of its time.
In addition to celebrities, the 1959 Lincoln Continental was also favored by dignitaries. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was a big fan of the Continental, and he used it as his presidential limousine. Other dignitaries who owned Continentals included Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Rainier of Monaco. The Continental’s popularity among dignitaries helped to solidify its status as a symbol of luxury and prestige.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental’s celebrity appeal was a major factor in its success. The car’s association with celebrities and dignitaries helped to create an image of exclusivity and glamour. This image made the Continental even more desirable to buyers who wanted to own a car that was both stylish and sophisticated.
Classic
The 1959 Lincoln Continental is a classic car that is highly sought-after by collectors. There are several reasons for this, including its rarity, its beauty, and its historical significance.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was a limited production car, with only 2,042 units produced. This makes it a rare and desirable car for collectors. In addition, the Continental’s sleek design and powerful engine make it a beautiful and impressive car to own. The Continental’s historical significance is also a factor in its popularity among collectors. The car was a favorite of celebrities and dignitaries, including President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Elvis Presley. This association with fame and power makes the Continental even more desirable to collectors.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental is a classic car that is highly sought-after by collectors for its rarity, beauty, and historical significance. Collectors are willing to pay top dollar for a well-preserved Continental, and the car is considered to be a wise investment.
Legacy
The 1959 Lincoln Continental played a pivotal role in restoring Lincoln’s reputation for excellence. Prior to the Continental’s introduction, Lincoln had been struggling to compete with Cadillac and Chrysler in the luxury car market. The Continental’s sleek design, powerful engine, and luxurious interior helped to change that perception. The car was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to reestablish Lincoln as a leader in the luxury car market.
The Continental’s success was due in part to its innovative design. The car’s sleek lines and graceful curves were a departure from the more conservative designs of previous Lincoln models. The Continental’s design was also highly functional, with a low center of gravity that improved handling and performance.
The Continental’s powerful engine was another key factor in its success. The car’s 430 cubic-inch V8 engine produced 350 horsepower, which was impressive for its time. This gave the Continental excellent acceleration and top speed. The engine was also very smooth and quiet, which added to the car’s luxurious feel.
The Continental’s luxurious interior was another major selling point. The car’s spacious cabin offered plenty of room for passengers to stretch out and relax. The seats were upholstered in soft, supple leather, and they were equipped with power adjustments to ensure the perfect seating position. The interior was also appointed with a variety of amenities, including a power sunroof, a power trunk release, and a power antenna.
The 1959 Lincoln Continental was a major turning point for Lincoln. The car’s success helped to restore Lincoln’s reputation for excellence and reestablish the brand as a leader in the luxury car market.
FAQs on the 1959 Lincoln Continental
The 1959 Lincoln Continental remains an iconic luxury car, admired for its design, performance, and status. This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding this classic vehicle, providing a comprehensive understanding of its key aspects.
Question 1: What makes the 1959 Lincoln Continental a unique and sought-after classic car?
Answer: The 1959 Continental stands out due to its combination of elegance, power, and rarity. Its sleek design, powerful V8 engine, and luxurious interior set it apart as a true classic. Additionally, its limited production numbers and association with celebrities further enhance its desirability among collectors and enthusiasts.
Question 2: How did the Continental contribute to Lincoln’s reputation?
Answer: Prior to the Continental’s introduction, Lincoln faced challenges in the luxury car market. However, the Continental’s critical and commercial success helped restore Lincoln’s image. Its innovative design, impressive performance, and luxurious appointments showcased Lincoln’s commitment to excellence, reestablishing the brand as a leader in the luxury car segment.
Question 3: What were the key design elements that set the Continental apart?
Answer: The Continental’s design was revolutionary for its time. It featured a sleek, streamlined body with graceful curves, departing from the more conservative designs of previous Lincoln models. Its low center of gravity not only enhanced its handling and performance but also contributed to its distinctive visual appeal.
Question 4: How did the Continental’s engine contribute to its popularity?
Answer: The Continental’s powerful 430 cubic-inch V8 engine played a significant role in its success. Producing 350 horsepower, it delivered impressive acceleration and top speed. Moreover, its smooth and quiet operation added to the car’s overall luxurious driving experience.
Question 5: What made the Continental’s interior so luxurious and desirable?
Answer: The Continental’s spacious interior offered ample room for passengers to relax in comfort. Its leather-upholstered seats with power adjustments ensured a perfect seating position. The cabin was further enhanced by various amenities, including a power sunroof, power trunk release, and power antenna, reflecting the car’s commitment to luxury and convenience.
Question 6: How did the Continental’s celebrity following influence its status?
Answer: The Continental’s association with celebrities and dignitaries added to its allure. Owned by icons like Elvis Presley and President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the car gained immense popularity and became a symbol of success and exclusivity. Its presence in movies and TV shows further solidified its status as a cultural icon.
In conclusion, the 1959 Lincoln Continental’s unique combination of design, performance, and cultural significance has solidified its place as a timeless classic. Its influence on Lincoln’s reputation and the luxury car market continues to resonate, making it a highly sought-after collectible among enthusiasts worldwide.
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Tips on Maintaining and Enjoying Your 1959 Lincoln Continental
Preserving and appreciating the timeless elegance of your 1959 Lincoln Continental requires dedicated care and attention. Here are some valuable tips to guide you:
Tip 1: Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance is paramount to ensure the smooth operation and longevity of your Continental. Adhere to the manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, addressing oil changes, fluid checks, and inspections of critical components such as brakes, tires, and suspension.
Tip 2: Protect the Paint and Body
The Continental’s iconic design deserves exceptional care. Regular washing and waxing will protect the paint from environmental elements. Avoid automatic car washes that may damage delicate surfaces. Consider touch-up paint for minor scratches to maintain a flawless exterior.
Tip 3: Upholstery and Interior Care
Preserve the luxurious interior by cleaning and conditioning leather upholstery regularly. Use appropriate cleaning solutions designed for automotive leather to avoid damage. Address stains promptly, and consider professional detailing for a thorough interior rejuvenation.
Tip 4: Engine and Mechanical Care
The Continental’s powerful engine requires proper maintenance. Use high-quality fluids and filters, and address any unusual noises or performance issues.Regular tune-ups and inspections by a qualified mechanic will ensure optimal performance.
Tip 5: Safe Driving Practices
Enjoy the driving experience while prioritizing safety. Drive responsibly, obeying speed limits and maintaining a safe following distance. Utilize the Continental’s advanced features, such as power brakes and steering, to enhance your driving experience.
Tip 6: Authenticity and Preservation
Maintain the originality of your Continental by preserving its unique features and avoiding unnecessary modifications. Original parts and accessories are valuable for maintaining authenticity. Consider joining clubs or online forums dedicated to the preservation of classic Lincolns.
Tip 7: Storage and Protection
If storing your Continental for extended periods, take precautions to prevent damage. Choose a dry, well-ventilated space, use a car cover to protect the exterior, and disconnect the battery to preserve its life.
Tip 8: Enjoy and Appreciate
Most importantly, enjoy and appreciate your 1959 Lincoln Continental. Attend car shows, join driving clubs, and share your passion with fellow enthusiasts. The Continental is a testament to American automotive excellence, and its timeless appeal continues to captivate.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your 1959 Lincoln Continental remains a source of pride, driving pleasure, and lasting value.
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Conclusion
The 1959 Lincoln Continental stands as a testament to American automotive ingenuity, combining elegance, performance, and luxury in an unforgettable package. Its sleek design, powerful engine, and spacious interior made it a favorite among celebrities, dignitaries, and discerning drivers alike.
Today, the Continental remains a highly sought-after classic car, cherished by collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Preserving and appreciating this automotive icon requires dedication and care. Regular maintenance, attention to detail, and a commitment to authenticity will ensure that the 1959 Lincoln Continental continues to grace the roads and captivate generations to come.