20-Footer? 1954 Lincoln Capri

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?