One of the hallmark features of the Lincoln Continental of the mid-1960s vintage were the doors on each side that opened in the center. Those doors were commonly called suicide doors. Lincoln has tweeted out an image that seems to be a hint that the feature might be returning.
The tweet can be seen below and the words that have ’60s Continental fans so excited are “#TBT… or is it?” Lincolns of today are rather boring cars for the most part that no one buys.
Making a statement without a word. Center-opening doors elevated the Lincoln #Continental of the mid 1960's to the pinnacle of mid-century style, a car driven by the likes of Pablo Picasso. #TBT… or is it? Stay tuned to our Instagram feed for more. pic.twitter.com/KZ7OYEqDzP
— Lincoln (@LincolnMotorCo) December 13, 2018
It would be very cool to see Lincoln return to some of the classic and desirable traits of its old cars. A new Continental with a retro design and suicide doors would be very interesting.
The Legacy of the Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental has a storied history that dates back to its inception in 1939. Originally designed as a personal vehicle for Edsel Ford, the Continental quickly became a symbol of American luxury and elegance. The mid-1960s models, in particular, are often remembered for their unique design elements, including the iconic suicide doors. These rear-hinged doors not only provided easier access to the rear seats but also added a touch of sophistication and flair that set the Continental apart from other luxury sedans of its time.
The term “suicide doors” might sound ominous, but it actually refers to the potential danger of the doors opening while the car was in motion. Despite this, the design was incredibly popular and has since become a nostalgic feature for car enthusiasts. The suicide doors were more than just a design choice; they represented an era of bold automotive innovation and a willingness to push the boundaries of conventional car design.
Modern-Day Lincoln: A Need for Revival
In recent years, Lincoln has struggled to capture the same level of excitement and consumer interest that it once enjoyed. Modern Lincolns are often criticized for being too conservative and lacking the distinctive features that once made the brand a standout in the luxury car market. Sales have been sluggish, and the brand has faced stiff competition from both domestic and international luxury car manufacturers.
The potential return of suicide doors could be a game-changer for Lincoln. By tapping into the nostalgia and timeless appeal of its classic models, Lincoln has the opportunity to reignite interest in the brand. A new Continental with retro design elements, including suicide doors, could attract both older fans who remember the glory days of the 1960s models and younger buyers looking for something unique and stylish.
Moreover, the reintroduction of suicide doors could serve as a broader strategy for Lincoln to differentiate itself in a crowded market. In an era where many luxury cars look and feel the same, a bold design choice like suicide doors could make Lincoln stand out. It would signal a return to the brand’s roots of innovation and luxury, potentially revitalizing its image and boosting sales.
The automotive industry is no stranger to reviving classic features to appeal to modern consumers. For example, the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro have successfully incorporated retro design elements while offering modern performance and technology. Lincoln could follow a similar path, blending the best of its past with contemporary advancements to create a vehicle that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
The hint from Lincoln’s tweet has generated significant excitement among car enthusiasts and industry watchers. The potential return of suicide doors on a new Continental model represents more than just a design choice; it symbolizes a possible revival of the Lincoln brand. By embracing its rich heritage and incorporating iconic features from its past, Lincoln has the chance to reclaim its position as a leader in the luxury car market. Whether or not the suicide doors make a comeback, the buzz generated by the tweet indicates that there is still a strong interest in the classic elements that once made Lincoln a household name.
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