1955 Lincoln Capri

Lincoln resumed post-WWII production using pre-war designs, with the first genuinely new Lincoln models appearing in 1948. The new top-of-the-range model was the Cosmopolitan and the following year the 'Capri' name was adopted for the Cosmopolitan in its two-door hardtop coupe configuration. In 1952, the Capri became a series in its own rights when the entire range was restyled and a new 317.5 cubic-inch (5.2-liter) overhead-valve V8 was introduced. Bodystyles included a four-door sedan, two-door convertible or two-door hardtop coupe.

Although Lincoln advertising touted its luxury and style, the marque produced high performance automobiles and its V8 produced more power per cubic-inch than any of its rivals. They scored a sweeping 1-2-3-4 victory in the Carrera Panamericana road race and finished 1st through 4th the following year.

The Lincoln Capri received a minor facelift for 1954 which consisted mostly of additional or revised trim, including two pronounced front bumper guards which the company claimed gave the car 'forward thrust.' In the back were more modestly scaled down version of the front bumper guards.

A host of mechanical improvements followed in 1955 including Ford-built Turbo-Drive automatic transmissions which replaced the dual-range Hydra-Matic used previously. The new gearbox was similar to the existing Ford/Merc-O-Matic and was capable of coping with the torquey Lincoln V-8 engines. The V-8 engine was carried over with an increased bore and a larger displacement of 341 cubic-inches. Horsepower rose to 225 bhp at 4,400 RPM, and with a higher compression ratio of 8.5:1, torque reached 332 foot-pounds at 2,500 rpm.

Styling improvements included a new grille design with new trim rings around the headlights. The 'V' emblem and fender top ornaments were replaced by a slimmer hood ornament. The Lincoln name in block letters remained on the front hood edge. The bodyside trim received minor restyling with a sweeping brushed stainless piece that ran the length of the rocker panel area. The rear quarter panels were extended to create a hooded vertical taillamp and tail fin.

New features for 1955 included an interior with un-pleated seats and a convertible top made of Orlon, a unique 'miracle fabric' of the mid-1950s. An optional Multi-Lube power lubrication was offered by Lincoln - an industry first - along with automatic starting, coordinated-action windshield washers, and rear door safety locks on sedans.

Although the styling was just three years old, having been introduced in 1952, its conservative styling quickly lost ground to its competitors and their distinctive tail fins and wraparound windshields. As a result, sales slumped to its lowest level since the shortened 1948 model year, with 27,222 total sales. The Capri convertible accounted for just 1,487 examples.

The Capri, with its base price of $4,072, was Ford Motor Company's most expensive model.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2020