1954 Lincoln Capri news, pictures, and information

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Hardtop Coupe

The Carrera Panamerica (Mexican Road Race) was organized in 1950, to promote Mexican tourism. Conducted under International Automobile Federation Rules, the Carrera Panamericana endurance run annually attracted many famous international drivers. The race lasted five days and covered 1,908 miles.

Lincoln entered the 1952 race, capturing the first four positions. In 1953, Lincoln repeated this remarkable performance. In 1954, the Lincolns finished first and second. This is the first place car, driven by Ray Crawford and Enrique Iglesias. The 205-horsepower car finished in 20 hours and 40 minutes, averaging 92.22 mph.

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Hardtop Coupe
Chassis Num: 54LA7967H

Many people agree that the Carrera Pan Americana race was one of the most grueling road race ever conceived. The race was open to stock production vehicles. A few marque's took advantage of this difficult course to prove their vehicles stamina and toughness. Finishing the race was a major accomplishment but to win was an accomplishment to the highest degree. The Ford Motor Company entered several of their cars into the competition and proved they were the most capable in the pack, by winning first, second, and third place.

The stock Capri two-door hardtops were sent directly to Bill Stroppe in Long Beach where they were modified to meet the demands of the Carrera Pan Americana. The cars were powered by an overhead valve V8 engine featuring a Y-block design.

This 1954 Lincoln Capri Pan Americana Road Racer was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held at Meadow Brook. It is powered by a 317 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine that is capable of producing over 200 horsepower. There is a GM Hydramatic automatic gearbox and hydraulic drum brakes. this car is a replica built to the highest of standards adn nearly identical to the originals. It is finished in two-tone with exterior rock guards protecting the headlights. On all four corners are reinforced steel wheels. In the rear luggage compartment is a special aluminum fuel cell with an exterior 'quick-fill' cap.

At auction this car was offered without reserve and estimated to sell for $40,000 - $60,000. Bidding was lower than expected, and the buyer got a bargain, buying the car for $27,500 including buyers premium.

In 2008, this car was brought to the 2nd Annual Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $30,000-$35,000. It was offered without reserve. The lot was sold for $12,100 including buyer's premium.

Hardtop Coupe

This 1954 Lincoln Capri placed first and second in one of the most famous races of the 1950s, the Pan American Road Race. This car raced in the 1968 running of this race. The car is powered by a 318 cubic-inch V8 engine capable of producing 160-205 horsepower.

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Hardtop Coupe
Chassis Num: 54WA21419H

For 1954, the Capri was Lincoln's top-of-the-line model and represented the company's efforts to capitalize on the slow decline of Packard and its challenge to Cadillac during the mid-1950s. Life magazine declared the Capri the safest car of the year.

This example is painted in glossy two-tone green with polished brightwork complemented by light green steel wheels, bright wheel covers and Coker Classic wide whitewall tires. Inside, there is a unique perforated metal dash treatment. There is a GM Hydra-Matic four-speed transmission and a 205 horsepower Lincoln V8. Passenger amenities include a clock, heater/defroster, power seat, power windows and a pushbutton-operated AM radio.

This Lincoln Capri shows approximately 36,000 miles. In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $20,000 - $30,000 and offered without reserve.

The Lincoln Capri was powered by an eight-cylinder 430 cubic-inch engine which was matted to a three-speed automatic gearbox. The Life Magazine hailed the Capri as the safest vehicle produced in 1955.

The Lincoln Capri was entered in the grueling Mexican Road Races and was able to sweep the top five places in the International Standard Class. The following year, they captured the first four spots. In 1954, they claimed the first and second spots.

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