J.P. Cavanaugh’s recent tribute to the 1969 Lincoln Continental sparked a fascinating question: What if the 1970 redesign had taken a bold departure by embracing the compact dimensions of the revolutionary 1961-63 models? This article delves into this intriguing alternate history, exploring the design possibilities and potential market impact of a downsized 1970 Lincoln Continental.
Reimagining the Lincoln Continental: A Vision of Efficiency and Performance
The 1961-63 Lincoln Continentals, often referred to as the “Kennedy Continentals,” were celebrated for their groundbreaking styling and manageable exterior dimensions. However, their hefty weight hampered fuel efficiency, and their handling fell short of expectations. Additionally, despite their seemingly compact size, these models suffered from cramped interiors and limited trunk space.
The 1970 redesign presented a golden opportunity to address these shortcomings while retaining the essence of the “Kennedy Continental” legacy.
Trimming Down for Success: A Leaner and More Spacious Continental
The transition from a unitized body and chassis to a separate body-on-frame construction in the 1970 Continental resulted in a significant weight reduction of approximately 260 pounds, despite a slight increase in size.
Imagine the possibilities if Lincoln had gone further, adopting the smaller footprint of the 1961-63 models for the 1970 redesign. Picture a Continental with a wheelbase shortened by six inches to 121 inches and an overall length reduced by a foot to 213 inches.
This downsized Continental, while mirroring the dimensions of the 1961-63 models, would have boasted a more spacious interior and a larger trunk. This is attributed to the taller, wider, and less dramatically curved body design of the full-sized Ford platform, which served as the foundation for the Continental.
The 1961 Lincoln Continental, despite its downsizing from its predecessor, retained a size comparable to a full-sized Ford.
Challenging Conventions: The Market Viability of a Smaller Lincoln
In an era dominated by the “bigger is better” mantra, a smaller Lincoln Continental would have undoubtedly raised eyebrows. Critics and consumers alike might have questioned the rationale behind a luxury vehicle sharing the same footprint as a Ford LTD.
However, Lincoln could have countered this skepticism by investing in features that accentuated the Continental’s exclusivity. Imagine a Lincoln Continental as the sole model in the big Ford lineup boasting independent rear suspension and four-wheel disc brakes—a recipe for unparalleled roadholding prowess in an American family car of that period.
1970 Lincoln Continental 4-door sedan ad
The 1970 Lincoln Continental marketing campaign emphasized its size, highlighting its extended wheelbase and wide stance.
While the market for a smaller luxury car in the early 1970s might have been limited, what did Lincoln have to lose? With Continental sales hovering below 32,000 units in 1970, a bold move was necessary. It’s worth noting that Lincoln’s foray into Cadillac’s territory gained traction with the Mark series, which bore a closer resemblance in size and style to the Kennedy Continentals than their 1970s successors.
Forging a Unique Path: A Downsized Continental’s Potential for Success
Lincoln historian Thomas E. Bonsall revealed that the 1970 Continental’s design prioritized appealing to Cadillac buyers. This resulted in the abandonment of distinctive Lincoln features, such as the iconic clam-shell, center-opening doors.
The 1970 Continental underwent a one-inch stretch to 225 inches in length, aligning it with the 1970 Cadillac, showcasing Ford’s strategy of emulating its competitor.
What if Lincoln had chosen a different path, embracing the distinctive qualities of the Kennedy Continentals instead of trying to emulate Cadillac? A downsized 1970 Continental would have been a calculated risk, but one with significant potential rewards.
This reimagined Continental, built upon a high-volume platform, could have carved a unique niche in the luxury car market. If sales faltered, a body stretch could have been easily implemented. However, it’s plausible that a downsized Continental, offering a unique blend of style, efficiency, and performance, could have cultivated a loyal following and solidified Lincoln’s position as a true innovator in the luxury car market.
