1966: The Lincoln that Became a Mercury
by Dan Szwarc, Photos from various publications
This early 1966 Lincoln design returned later.
This article orginally appeared in the Michigan LCOC Newsletter, Continental News.
Everyone who has been in the LCOC for more than a few years is familiar with the sixties Lincolns that were produced. From the unusual door configuration of the sedans to the wildly unconventional convertibles made from these cars, Ford produced some of the most highly desired Lincolns during this decade.
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This proposal was photographed in July of 1963. It was considered too drastic a change
from the previous Lincoln models. |
This rear end has two different proposals for the reflectors mounted at the ends of the rear fenders.
The design on the left was ultimately used. Slight changes to the taillight bezels were also implemented. |
1966 was planned as LincolnÕs first major redesign since the 1961 Lincoln debuted. Although some people consider
the 1964 model year to be the first major design change, this author doesn't consider a simple lengthening of the wheelbase to add
legroom in the rear and a facelift to be a "major redesign". Since grilles and trim items changed every year, a redesign has to
include more than just a superficial change. The 1966 model year was to require all new tooling for the exterior sheet metal and
a restyling to enhance the slab-sided design that premiered in 1961.
Clay models were being produced as early as 1963 and had to be finalized long before the actual launch of the
line because of the tremendous lead times associated with tooling. While the previous models sported perfectly smooth sides, the trend
was towards adding crispness to vehicle designs. Buzz Grisinger, the Lincoln stylist, responded by slightly squaring off the vehicle sides
and added a ridge just below the stainless steel accent that went from stem to stern on the car. This gave the car an appearance of
leanness when in it had gained just over 10 pounds. At least it looked lighter than the '65 models. In addition to the slightly
heavier weight, the car gained 5 inches in overall length. Not bad for only 10 pounds. In addition to the new design, this model
year would sport a two-door coupe for Lincoln for the first time since 1960.
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The coupeÕs design ended up very similar to this fiberglass modelÕs design. |
While the profile and rear end designs fell into place quickly. Ford had to make a decision on what to do
about the front end of the car. The early proposals called for a covered-headlamp design with an interesting double
horizontal bumper design. While very stylish and bold, Ford thought that it was too dramatic a change and wanted to
continue the styling trend that made the 1961 sedan so popular compared to the garish and complicated designs of its
competitors. Its styling was toned down and a very evolutionary look was ultimately decided upon in January 1964.
But what of this bold design Ford liked so much? It became the 1969 Mercury Marquis. It is not known
if this styling influenced the Mark III or the other way around. One thing is certain: Ford liked the covered headlamp design so
much it spread to the Continental, and was used a Mercurys and Fords until the late seventies.
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The 1969 Marquis ended up with a version of the early 1966 Lincoln proposal as shown in this
1970 model owned by the author. |
This restyled Õ66 design from early 1964 became the official model with the exception of the
wider front turn signal lights shown here. |
Reprinted with permission