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The 10 Finest Lincoln Car Models of All-Time

lincoln

Lincoln Motor Company was founded by Henry Leland in 1917, and since it became a subsidiary of Ford in 1922, the automaker has become known for its luxury vehicles. Lincoln has not only created a slew of classic cars, the company is also responsible for several innovations in the auto industry.  In its nearly 100 years of existence countless models have been created but only a hand selected few have earned a spot on our list as being exceptional, influential, and amazing to look at (and drive).

Here are our picks for 10 of the all-time finest Lincoln car models ever made.

1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe

1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe

This is an iteration of the Lincoln L-Series, which was the first model produced by Lincoln. Even after the company went bankrupt and fell into the hands of Ford, the L-Series would remain in production until 1930. The 1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe was packed with style and had two features that were considered lavish back in the early 20th century: dual windshield wipers and safety glass. It had smaller tires than its predecessor and 4-wheel mechanical breaks. This version of the L-Series was powered by a V8 engine that produced 90 hp and it had a three-speed manual transmission. The original price for the 1929 Lincoln L Dietrich Convertible Coupe was less than $7,000, but if you can find one today you'll pay at least $95,000 to own it.

1932 Lincoln KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster

1932 Lincoln KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster

The Lincoln K-Series, also known as the Model K, replaced the L-Series. One of the standout versions of this line was the 1932 KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster. It was powered by an L-head V12 engine that produced 150 hp, which was meant to rival Cadillac's line of cars with V12 engines. Those who wanted to get really fancy could order fully customized coachwork for this model, but it came standard with plenty of luxurious features. The factory price for the 1932 Lincoln KB LeBaron Convertible Roadster was $5,150, but collectors itching to get one today will pay well over $275,000.

1937 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe-Sedan

1937 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe-Sedan

An aerodynamic, sophisticated style made the Lincoln Zephyr line a huge hit. The split grille of the 1937 Lincoln Zephyr Coupe-Sedan gave it a nice touch and its profile and interior were about as luxurious as it got for the 1930s. Because this line of cars was smaller and more affordable to produce, it was easier to sell during the 1930s and 1940s when war and economic troubles stunted sales at many auto dealers. The 1937 Zephyr Coupe-Sedan is a true classic, and it had a V12 engine and three-speed manual transmission. Its price back in 1937 was under $5,000 and, depending on the condition it's in, you can buy one today for $45,000 or more at auction.

1939 Lincoln Continental

1939 Lincoln Continental

1939 marked the first generation of the Lincoln Continental, which would become of the the auto company's most famous cars. It was similar to the body of the Lincoln Zephyr, but the Continental was a bit boxier with a different grille. Top of the line trim on the interior, two-door styling, and a profile that screamed luxury made this car sell well. Though production had to be suspended for a time during World War II, the Lincoln Continental came back stronger than ever. Buying a 1939 Lincoln Continental in decent condition today could cost you over $40,000.

1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan

The 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan was a full-size luxury car that was impressive inside and out. It had a Hydramatic automatic transmission, V8 engine that produced 152 hp, and a distinctive hood ornament that Lincoln maintained made the car more aerodynamic. The Frenching auto trend can clearly be seen in the car's tail lights and headlights, and its style made it one of the highlights of the 50's era. The 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan even came standard with power seats and power windows. It cost as little as $3,186 when the car debuted, and today the 1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan can be bought for $15,000 and up.

1961 Lincoln Continental

1961 Lincoln Continental

1961's Lincoln Continental was part of the fourth generation of the Continental line and it featured an extensive redesign to the body. Of all of the changes that came to the car in 1961, perhaps the most distinctive was its rear hinged suicide doors. Inside, the 1961 Lincoln Continental had a V8 engine and a three-speed automatic transmission. Today, this model is a head turner on the rare occasion that one pops up at car shows. Even in poor condition, one of these cars will cost you over $8,500. A 1961 Lincoln Continental in good shape can typically fetch at least $30,000 at auction.

1984 Lincoln Mark VII

1984 Lincoln Mark VII

There were several trims available for the 1984 Lincoln Mark VII, including the super luxe Bill Blass and Versace Editions. Very much in line with the excess of the 1980s, the 1984 Lincoln Mark VII oozed style from every angle. Power seats, four wheel air suspension, power windows, mirrors, and locks, keyless entry, and an onboard message center and trip computer are just some of the lavish details in the interior. This model also had a fuel efficient V8 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1984 Lincoln Mark VII is considered vintage today, but it's not old enough to be a classic car. You can typically find one in fair condition for less than $8,000.

2003 Lincoln Town Car Cartier L

2003 Lincoln Town Car Cartier L

The Town Car is one of Lincoln's most well known models, and it was produced from 1981 until 2011. In 2003 a limited edition was unveiled: the Lincoln Town Car Cartier L. This full size luxury vehicle has additional designer touches that differ from the standard Lincoln Town Car L. If you can find a used one in good condition, the price will typically start at $6,000.

2009 Lincoln MKX

2009 Lincoln MKX

The Lincoln MKX has been produced since 2006, and the 2009 model was part of the line's first generation. The five door crossover SUV is essentially a fancier, re-branded version of the Ford Eagle, but it still looks great and performs beautifully. It has a 3.5 liter V6 engine, six-speed automatic transmission, and a host of nice luxury features. Buying one used costs $9,000 and up.

2017 Lincoln MKZ

2017 Lincoln MKZ

The 2017 Lincoln MKZ has people excited, and just one look will tell you why. The car has the styling of a vehicle that should be much more expensive -- once it's available for sale, its base cost will be just $35,010. The four door sedan is getting a big facelift for 2017 and will have a new grille, headlights, and a 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 engine to give it 400 hp.

Garrett Parker

Written by Garrett Parker

Garrett by trade is a personal finance freelance writer and journalist. With over 10 years experience he's covered businesses, CEOs, and investments. However he does like to take on other topics involving some of his personal interests like automobiles, future technologies, and anything else that could change the world.

Read more posts by Garrett Parker

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