Lincoln Continental's center-opening doors return for 80th anniversary
One of the hallmarks of the Lincoln Continental was its center-opening “coach” doors that this luxurious model boasted during the 1960s. They were sexy, elegant and regal; just the kind of glitzy pizzazz favored by movie stars and presidents alike.
When the brand brought the model back in 2016, many were expecting to see them again. Alas, they were absent until now. In honor of the model's 80th anniversary, they're showing up again on a limited run of 80 special Lincolns.
Just as with its vintage predecessor, the rear doors on these 2019 Continentals will open from the vehicle's B pillar. Six inches has been added to the car's wheelbase to accommodate the larger coach doors, which also gives second row passengers best-in-class legroom.
Under hood will be Lincoln's 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 engine. Inside, the cabin boasts tons of top tech, such as 30-way adjustable seats. Each car will also get a special doorsill plate featuring its number in the run.
These cars are part of Lincoln's most personalized level of luxury, Black Label, and as such, they will come with special perks. Customers have access to unique designer schemes, including Chalet (boasting white leather inside and evoking snowy mountain slopes and ski lodges) and Thoroughbred (celebrating horse racing and featuring a cabin full of rich wood grain and brown leather).
The Black Label program also includes a membership for customers that comes with additional benefits, such as annual vehicle detailing, anytime car washes and access to a selection of restaurants where noted chefs will provide a curated dining experience. Just the kind of thing for a swanky Lincoln lifestyle.
Pricing hasn't been announced but the Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition is available now through Lincoln Black Label dealers and set to arrive this summer.
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BumbleBee at Barrett-Jackson: There's a lot of buzz surrounding BumbleBee, the lovable Autobot from the “Transformer” movie series. Heck, he's even got his own feature film, out now in theaters. While this new tale has him transforming into a VW Beetle, for the longest time, the yellow giant morphed into a Chevy Camaro.
At this week's 48th annual Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, Chevrolet is offering a trio of cars used as that character in the previous movies. Included are the original Camaro BumbleBee, seen in the first “Transformers” in 2007 and then modified for the sequel in 2009. There's also a 2010 Camaro and 2016 Camaro from the fourth and fifth installments.
The group will sell together with proceeds benefiting Operation Homefront, a national nonprofit whose mission is to build strong, stable and secure military families.
<h3 class="leadin">Ford GT Rolex 24: Ford is going old school for the upcoming Rolex 24 race, wrapping its two GT competitors in gnarly '80s livery. The No. 66 car will wear the colors of the Roush Racing Motorcraft Ford Mustang that scored a GTO victory at the Rolex 24 in 1985. No. 67 will be a throwback tribute to current race team partner, Castrol, hearkening back to some of its green, white and red racers from yesteryear.
This will mark the first time the Ford GT race cars will sport special liveries and are in celebration of the International Motor Sports Association's 50th anniversary. The Rolex 24 at Daytona International Speedway will take place Jan. 26-27.
<h3 class="leadin">Subaru style: Subaru is also going to the way-back-when machine, basing its 2019 motor sports livery on the brand's iconic blue and gold color scheme of the 1990s and 2000s. This revamped design uses a WR Blue pearl base with gold painted wheels. On the side of the vehicle, a yellow graphics package showcasing an oversized Subaru star cluster is featured prominently.
Subaru Motorsports will debut the colors at the 100 Acre Wood Rally in Missouri March 15-16.
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