Lincoln automobiles have a grand history. You see them on the road a lot, and you know that they are well respected throughout the nation. So today we will take a look at the history of these cars. Like any other American automobile, they have a great history. Let’s learn more about them, and why these cars have been built to be fit for an American President.
Lincoln: Where It All Began
Henry Leland was one of the founders of Cadillac. But he wanted to change his direction in the automobile industry. So in 1917 he left the Cadillac division of General Motors and formed the new Lincoln Motor Company. He started off by building aircraft engines, but that all changed shortly after World War II. He then began to develop his own luxury automobiles.
But five years of financial difficulties ultimately lead to the purchase of Lincoln Motors by the Ford Motor Company. Ford was very active in purchasing other manufacturers, and this was no different. This was done as a minor act of revenge. Ford was bought and run out of his other companies by a group that was fronted by Leland years prior. With Ford at the helm, Lincoln quickly became on the America’s best selling luxury automobiles. Cadillac became a chief rival.
Lincoln vehicles can be found in many countries. Including the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, South Korea and the Middle East. In 1998, they were the best selling luxury brand in the United States, thanks in part to the debut of their SUV, the Navigator. Currently, the Lincoln Company is working on 5 new brands of luxury auto, in order to take back the market from import competitors.
Lincoln: A Presidential Outfit
Lincoln was named after Abraham Lincoln. Leland was a big fan of President Lincoln, and voted for him in the presidential elections. So he decided that is whom he would named is vehicles after. It only is natural that Lincoln automobiles have been in charge of Presidential limousines as well. The 1939 Lincoln V12 was especially built for President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was used by presidents until 1950. Presidents Truman, Eisenhower and Kennedy used what was known a “Bubble Top,” and that was stopped in 1965. They also had to make adjustment to their vehicles to make it more armor-plated, because of the assassination of President Kennedy. They also supplied cars for Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan, and Bush. They also supplied cars in 1983, 1993, 2001, and 2004.
Lincoln has been a great car with a great history. They have always set themselves to a standard of excellence. They also wanted it to be fit for a king….well, a president. They have done just that.
Additional Resources:
- www.lincoln.com - Lincoln Main Page
- www.automotive.com/new-cars/01/lincoln/index.html - New Lincoln Cars
