When I think of the Lincoln auto brand, thoughts immediately go to the famous Elwood Engel-designed 1961 Continental. Those who aren’t familiar with Lincoln from the sixties and earlier know it today as just another producer of expensive SUVs. Set the clock a little further back, and we end up with something like this 1954 Lincoln Capri. On first blush, it looks more like a mildly modified Mercury, and that’s about it. Still, it’s an important member of the Lincoln evolutionary chain, so let’s examine this Loveland, Colorado example and see what made it a Lincoln versus something lesser. You’ll find it on Facebook Marketplace, listed for $11,850. Thanks are due to T.J. for this tip!
Lincoln’s Capri was introduced in 1952 and continued through the 1959 model year as an upscale model to the Cosmopolitan. Body styles included two-door hardtops and convertibles as well as a four-door sedan. Lincoln placed fifteenth out of eighteen places in the Great Domestic Auto Production Race of 1954 with 37K units. Of that total, nearly 30K were Capris, and about half of that total comprised two-door hardtops such as our subject. Comparatively speaking, this Capri is 215″ long and rides on a 123″ wheelbase. In contrast, its cousin, the Mercury Monterey, came in thirteen inches shorter, overall, on a 118″ wheelbase – so there’s one significant difference between the two marques.
The seller refers to his car as a “Twenty-Footer,” but I’d suggest it shows pretty well in all the included images. The chrome and stainless trim are still strong, though the finish definitely has its thin spots (the hood). The seller refers to the repaint as “not professionally applied,” but the entire package is still presentable. There’s no evidence of topside rust; though, not surprisingly, the underside exhibits surface rust and scale, none of which appears to be invasive.
Power, provided by a 205 gross HP, 317 CI “Y-Block” engine, is another Lincoln standard, and not shared with Ford or Mercury. To my surprise, the transmission employed is a GM-sourced four-speed Hydramatic (a FoMoCo “Turbo-Drive”, three-speed automatic unit would replace the GM piece in ’55). The seller states, “This is a driver. Motor runs smooth and quiet. Most likely engine and trans overhauled during older restoration.”
“Nice interior in good condition. No tears or rips,” is how the listing describes this Capri’s interior. The upholstery is a combination of leather and nylon fabric, and both components have not only withstood the test of time, but what appears to be 110K miles of use too. The instrument panel is a unique design, but I would suggest it was typical for the era. Note the protruding vent slide levers; especially concerning in a car with no seatbelts – you won’t find anything remotely similar to that design today. A/C was available as an option, but this Capri is not so equipped.
OK, a Lincoln this car certainly is, and not an enhanced Mercury. And that makes sense for the time when brand identity was an important reputational component of the marketing mix. As stated earlier, I’m not sure what, or who, Lincoln targets these days, but I was surprised to find, according to Car Sales Statistics, that Ford’s luxury division moved about 107K units in model year 2025 – not bad, and much better than I would have thought. That said, I think I prefer their product from the days when a Lincoln was a Lincoln; how about you?
One of my favorite all time Movies is Moonshine Highway. One of the “Stars” of the movie was a ’54 Lincoln. So naturally my eyes perked up when I saw this one. It looks to me like the seller is selling themselves short in the description. I do see the hood paint issue. Lincolns from this period were definitely different than a Cadillac. Truth be told, I like both. Jim brought out some great points here. For some reason these cars dont look that big, but they actually are bigger than you’d think. I believe a Cadillac from the same year had a 129 in wheelbase if Google is correct, so the Lincoln is definitely a little more trim than the Caddy. If anyone wants to see some great old cars and chase scenes, you may want to check out the movie. I enjoyed your well researched write up Jim, great car!!!
Thank you!
JO
As a side note, the grey `54 Lincoln in that movie was fitted with an Olds 455 V8! It sure ran strong in the chase scenes.
I like this car, it has a lot to offer: it’s a Lincoln, a 2 door hardtop, has a solid body (according to seller) and a nice interior, and all emblems and stainless are in good condition. And if you could grab this for $10K or thereabouts, you’d be doing fine.
I’m likin’ this Lincoln. Needs Vintage Air at least and updated audio system but I could see myself cruising in this.
A friend built up one for the La Carrera runs in the 90’s. He added air! These were a terror in La Carrera races.
Lincoln started using the Hydramatic during the ‘49 model year.
The opening scene for “Highway Patrol” shows a ‘54 Lincoln Capri Convertible meandering its way towards a roadblock.
Such a nice Lincoln! It looks to be an excellent shape for the year. Too bad it doesn’t have wide white wall tires. Upper crust, cars such as this would’ve had wide white wall tires. Other than that, she looks very nice. I’ve always like this generation of Lincolns. They were modern, especially when introduced in 1952. I believe they called modern living. I find it amazing that the Lincoln motor car company has become the Lincoln truck company. All of their prestige earned from decades of excellence, was tossed into the trash. What the world does not need is another SUV.
The writer, Jim O’Connell, notes that some readers may know Lincoln only as a producer of SUVs. As incredible as this seems to me as one who still associates Lincolns with large luxury sedans, convertibles, and ( later) personal luxury coupes, he’s right.The days of Capris, Continentals, and the Mark series are long gone. Saddens me to see them replaced by what many in my generation might consider glorified station wagons.
My cousin had one when I was a kid, the car was 15-18 years old and still ran great. The looks and side trim were eye appealing
Unlike Cadillacs from the 50’s, these Lincolns look nondescript to me. Much like almost any other car.
This is a very nice car and will be a future collectible for sure, would be better at 10k, but being a premium car with all the luxury this would be a great asset to any collector, but as always should be checked out thoroughly before purchase v-8 and a two door hardtop a big plus…
It’s below 10K now.
Not sure exactly when Lincoln introduced the 317 Y block??? BUT Ford introduced it in 1952 in their F-800 large trucks..