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This 1954 Lincoln Capri with its original drivetrain is an excellent example of this model that combined power with style and became one of the hottest street cars of its time.
Luxury…and Power?
1954 Lincoln Capri – carsforsale.com | Shop 1954 Lincoln Capri on Carsforsale.com
When we talk about Lincolns we think of luxury and style. But power and performance? Oh yes, that too. The Lincoln Capri was one of the most energetic Lincolns ever built, being called “Road Race Lincolns” for their dominance in the Carrera Panamericana Road races of that era.
While still a smooth and luxurious ride, the drivetrain on the Capris set them apart, making them a muscle car before muscle cars were even a thing. Today we’re taking a look at the first of three generations of the Capri, and specifically at our cool car find, the 1954 Lincoln Capri.
The All-New Capri
The Lincoln Capri made its debut in 1952, replacing the Cosmopolitan as Lincoln’s top-of-the-line series. Named after an island in the Gulf of Naples, Italy, the Capri had a contemporary design with square edges. It was offered in various versions, including a four-door sedan, a coupe without pillars, and a convertible with two doors.
The Capri competed with the Packard series 400 and the Cadillac Series 62 and sold 14,342 models in its first year and nearly double that, 26,640, in 1953. It promptly outsold its sibling, the Cosmopolitan, every year until the end of the Cosmopolitan’s run.
The Capri was a full-size car and rode on a 123.0-inch wheelbase. It had an overall length of 214 inches, a width of 77.5 inches, and a height of 62.6 inches. Its new overhead-valve V-8 engine produced 160 horsepower taking it from zero to 60 mph in 14.8 seconds.
Not Only Powerful but Smooth as Well
Lincoln enlisted the expertise of Earle MacPherson, widely recognized as the pioneer of the modern strut-type suspension, to enhance the control-arm front suspension. The Capri featured recently developed ball joint front suspensions, large drum brakes, and power steering with recirculation-ball technology. These improvements resulted in greater ease of steering, improved tracking of the front wheels, and quelling brake drive.
Dominating the Carrera Panamericana
Output on the 1953 model would jump to 205 horsepower due in part to a higher compression ratio, larger intake valve, and a four-barrel carburetor, making the Capri the first mass-produced sedan with over 200 horsepower.
This muscle car-like engine and chassis led Lincoln to enter several 1953 coupes in the stock class of the 1952 Carrera Panamericana (Mexican Road Race). The Lincoln group dominated the category, securing the top four positions. In 1953, four Capris would achieve the same feat, while in 1954, Lincoln would secure first and second place in the race.
The 1955 model came to the market with a new 225-horsepower 341 cubic-inch Lincoln Y-Block V8 engine. The upgraded engine featured increased compression, a larger capacity, and a four-barrel carburetor paired with a conventional 3-speed turbo drive automatic gearbox.
This Lincoln V8 engine generated more horsepower per cubic inch than any of its competitors and the icing on the cake was the first-time option of air conditioning. Some claimed that driving the Capri was “the nearest sensation to flying.”
Sales for 1954 reached 29,552, fell slightly in 1955 to 23,673, but still amounted to 87% of Lincoln’s total output for the year. The Capri’s run continued into a second and third generation, getting a new, more powerful 285-horsepower engine that would eventually be upgraded to 300 and then 375-horsepower.
The Capri became Lincoln’s entry level model—being replaced by the Premiere as the top-level offering—and get exterior design changes. It also grew in size becoming one of the largest cars ever made—even bigger than the Cadillac. Sales fluctuated during these final years and 1959 would be the last model year of the Lincoln Capri.
Our Cool Car Find Example
1954 Lincoln Capri – carsforsale.com | Shop 1954 Lincoln Capri on Carsforsale.com
That brings us to today’s cool car find: a 1954 Lincoln Capri Convertible powered by a V8 engine with only 77,326 miles and paired with a 3-speed hydromatic transmission. Its Columbia Blue exterior and cream interior are both in excellent condition as is all the exterior chrome. Comfort features include an AM Radio, an automatic convertible top, a spare tire and jack, and power seats, windows, brakes and steering. This Lincoln Capri joins a ton of popular cars from the 1950s, but not all will have the speed and power of this muscle car-in-disguise beauty.
If you’re considering a classic, be sure to check out our articles, The Best YouTube Car Restoration Channels and How to Find Vintage Car Parts. We’ve done all the research for you, getting you on your way to the classic car of your dreams.
