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Leland's Lincolns

For close to a century, the name Lincoln has been synonymous with automobile luxury, comfort, and design. Perhaps that's why Picasso drove a Lincoln and why Lincolns have served as the White House's limousine for many U.S. Presidents.

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Standard catalog of Ford, 1903-2003.
 
Iola, WI : Krause, 2002.
Incorporated on June 16, 1903, the Ford Motor Company "put America on wheels." Henry Ford's moving assembly line revolutionized automobile manufacturing and established principles of mass production. Ford's 100-year legacy promises another century of innovation just as it defined the twentieth century through automobiles, including the Model T, Model A, Continental, Crown Victoria, Town Car, Thunderbird, Fairlane, Monterey, Galaxie, Mustang, Cougar, Maverick, LTD, Escort, and Taurus.
     
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Standard catalog of Ford, 1903-1998
edited by Ron Kowalke.
Iola, WI : Krause Publications, c1998.
A noted automobile writer and historian guides collectors, restorers, and car fans through the history of one of America's most popular and prolific automakers. Readers will find tales of the critical development of these cars from their prewar beginnings to the finely crafted examples of excellence they have become today. 1,500 photos, 20 in color.
     
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Lincoln motor cars, 1920 through 1942 : photo archive : photographs from the Detroit Public Library's National Automotive History Collection
edited with introduction by Mark A. Patrick.
Osceola, Wis. : Iconografix ; Stillwater, Minn. : Book trade distribution by Voyageur Press, c1996.
Patrick. From Henry Lelands earliest Lincolns to the magnificent V-12s and Edsel Fords Continental, this gathering of photographs from the Detroit Public Librarys National Automotive History Collection illustrates the elegance of one of Americas most prestigious automobiles. Also includes factory and custom-built bodies. Sftbd., 11x 8 1/2, 128 pgs., 120 b&w ill.
     

In 1917, Henry Leland founded the Lincoln Motor Car Company. He named it after his hero, Abraham Lincoln.

In 1922 Henry Ford, looking to set up a luxury branch of his Ford Motor Company, purchased Leland's company. From then until today Lincoln automobiles have been part of the Ford family of automobiles.

By the 1930's, the Lincoln had become well known for its luxury and prestige. The Continental, introduced by Edsel Ford in 1938, was a dynamic new image and for decades remained the the flagship model. Frank Lloyd Wright called the Continental "the most beautiful car ever made."

Art sells Lincolns

Looking for a glamorous lifestyle? Colorful illustrations of drivers traveling to exciting destinations in their comfortable, easy to drive, Lincolns appeared in the company's sales brochures.

Througout the years the Lincoln has been portrayed as the luxury car the middle class could afford.

(browse through colorful ads)

The company started a fashion trend by hiring designers like Bill Blass, Cartier, Givenchy, and Gucci to create over-the-top styles in the 1960's and 1970's.

In the early 2000's the company began to target younger buyers with its introduction of the Aviator, a luxurious, versatile mid-size SUV. These years also saw Lincoln develop an armored Lincoln Town Car Ballistic Series.

Today the Lincoln-Mercury division of the Ford Motor Company continues to sets its sight on retaining current customers while attracting new automobile buyers. They hope to do this by introducing new, sporty designs while reminding drivers of Lincoln's legacy of timeless design, comfort, and performance!

One wonders which of today's Lincoln automobiles Henry Leland would choose to drive.

Article by: St. Louis Public Library staff