The Evolution of The Lincoln Futura
The Lincoln Futura is a car that holds a special place in automotive history, representing a unique blend of innovation, design, and showmanship. From its debut as a concept car at the 1955 World’s Fair to its production as a limited-edition model, the Lincoln Futura has captivated car enthusiasts with its sleek and futuristic design.
The Concept Car Years (1955-1956)
The Lincoln Futura was first unveiled on April 19, 1955, at the General Motors Motorama exhibit at the World’s Fair in New York City. Designed by a team of Ford stylists led by Bill Mitchell, the Futura was a radical departure from the traditional American car design of the time. Its sleek, aerodynamic body was inspired by jet aircraft and spacecraft, with a low profile, sharp lines, and a distinctive ” tailfins” design.
The Futura was powered by a 300-hp V8 engine, which gave it a top speed of over 120 mph. The car featured a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and disc brakes. The interior was equally impressive, with a minimalist design that emphasized functionality and comfort.
Production Years (1956)
In 1956, Ford decided to produce a limited run of 9 Lincoln Futuras as show cars for various dealerships and promotional events. These cars were built on a modified Ford Thunderbird chassis, with a fiberglass body and a 292-cubic-inch V8 engine. The production Futuras were essentially identical to the concept car, with some minor modifications to make them roadworthy.
Trim Levels
During its production run, the Lincoln Futura was offered in a single trim level:
- Lincoln Futura: This was the base model, which featured a black and white two-tone paint scheme and a red interior.
- Futura Convertible: This trim level added a convertible top and a slightly different interior design.
- Futura Hardtop: This model featured a hardtop roof and a modified rear decklid.
- Futura Pace Car: This special edition was produced for the 1956 Indianapolis 500, featuring a red and white paint scheme and a unique interior design.
Other Features and Options
In addition to its sleek design and powerful engine, the Lincoln Futura offered several innovative features for its time, including:
- Power steering: The Futura was one of the first production cars to feature power steering as an option.
- Disc brakes: The Futura was equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, which provided improved stopping power and control.
- Three-speed automatic transmission: The Futura featured a three-speed automatic transmission with a unique ” Turbine-Drive” system.
- AM-FM radio: The Futura was equipped with an AM-FM radio as standard equipment.
.
Is your automobile one of The Coolest Lincoln Car Models?
.
Legacy
The Lincoln Futura has become an iconic symbol of American automotive design, representing a bold and futuristic vision for the future of motoring. Although it was only produced in small quantities, the Futura has inspired countless car enthusiasts and designers over the years.
In 1985, George Barris’s television show “My Classic Car” featured the Futura as one of its stars. In 2005, the Futura was sold at auction for $3.85 million to Rick Dobbins, who restored it to its original condition.
Today, the Lincoln Futura is considered one of the most valuable and highly sought-after classic cars in the world. Its unique blend of style, innovation, and showmanship continues to captivate car enthusiasts and design aficionados alike.
Specifications
Here are some key specifications for the Lincoln Futura:
- Engine: 292 cubic-inch V8
- Horsepower: 300
- Transmission: Three-speed automatic
- Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive
- Wheelbase: 120 inches
- Length: 205 inches
- Width: 72 inches
- Height: 54 inches
- Curb Weight: 4,200 pounds
- Top Speed: Over 120 mph
