One of many stranger automobiles that got here via the press fleets final 12 months was the 2020 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Version. And it was unusual for a wide selection of causes. It’s a particularly limited-production mannequin; Lincoln solely constructed 150 examples, plus one other 80 of the 2019 eightieth Anniversary Version that first featured the identical rear-hinged doorways. It’s additionally out of date, since Lincoln ended manufacturing of the bottom Continental final 12 months. And even when Lincoln stored constructing Continentals, the mannequin was successfully out of date in a world dominated by crossovers and SUVs. Plus, as we’ll contact on in a bit, its driving dynamics had been reasonably old-school for higher and worse. However after spending a while with this odd automotive, it turned clear that Lincoln managed to make one thing particular, and the coach doorways shouldn’t die with the Continental.
Earlier than we dig deep into what the automotive is like and the lesson Lincoln ought to study from it, right here’s a fast refresher. The rear-hinged Continental began with the 2019 eightieth Anniversary Version as a run of 80 vehicles, adopted by the 2020 Coach Door Version. To provide it the flowery doorways, in addition to the additional size they required, Lincoln partnered with Cabot Coach Builders in Massachusetts. They took a Black Label mannequin with the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, made the physique modifications, and likewise added a number of customized inside touches. Moreover these adjustments, it’s identical to another Continental Black Label. Effectively that, and it prices practically $40,000 extra.
Since nothing actually adjustments mechanically, there’s nothing in regards to the Coach Door Version’s driving expertise that units it aside from a equally outfitted Black Label. The 400-horsepower twin-turbo V6 pulls laborious all via the rev band and with no ready. It’s a bit coarse for a luxurious automotive engine, however the efficiency makes up for it. The comparatively previous six-speed computerized is sort of easy, although shifts are sluggish. Trip and dealing with change fairly a bit relying on whether or not you’re within the regular consolation mode or sport mode. Consolation mode does an amazing impression of the floaty, bobbing land yachts of the previous, which is accompanied by fairly a little bit of physique roll. Pop it into sport mode, and the physique roll is considerably diminished, the steering weights up, and management is massively improved. It nearly feels nimble. However the trip turns into stiff and bumpy, not one thing befitting a mini limo. So it’s a blended bag.
The inside is extra constant, and principally for the higher. Lincoln makes use of loads of good leather-based all through the cabin; on the seats, the sprint and the doorways. Heat wooden trim is on show, too. There aren’t many fancy gimmicks such as you’ll discover on a equally sized and priced Mercedes or Audi, although. No wild ambient lighting. No decadent infotainment screens or rear leg rests. Entrance passengers do get 30-way energy seat changes, although, and rear passengers have entry to local weather and radio controls, recline capabilities and a console with room for tablets and a champagne holder. OK, in order that’s fairly decadent.
Consistent with the theme, the Continental Coach Door is, 95% of the time, only a fancier Black Label, and solely by a lot. That makes it laborious to justify the six-figure value. However that ultimate 5% represents all of the instances you work together with the rear-hinged doorways. And doing that’s one thing particular you may’t expertise on something new apart from trendy Rolls-Royces. It harkens again to Lincoln’s glory days and the enduring, mid-century Continental. In the event you had been to indicate up at some kind of fancy resort or gala, and your driver allow you to out, everybody would flip to see who you had been. And so they’ve been so beautifully built-in into the design of the Continental that it appears to be like like all of them needs to be this fashion.
Come to consider it, each Continental ought to have had these doorways. Perhaps it would not have been sufficient to maneuver the gross sales needle in a significant method, however it might have at the least given Lincoln a novel halo product to deliver folks into showrooms. And whereas we’re at it, Lincoln must discover a solution to deliver coach doorways to different fashions. The model’s SUVs, significantly the Navigator and Aviator, are considerably extra spectacular than the Continental was. They’ve stunning, extra distinctive interiors and an total grander presence that will naturally complement the grand entry supplied by the customized doorways. It will additionally signify one more above-and-beyond component for Lincoln to entice potential consumers away from BMWs and Mercedes. Importantly, it might elevate Lincoln’s model consciousness even additional.
Inevitably, the Lincoln Continental Coach Door Version will likely be remembered as an enchanting footnote of automotive historical past. It is an instance of what may’ve been for the short-lived reborn Continental — and what might but be for future Lincolns. Whereas it may not be a tremendous automotive, it is inspiration for how one can make the model much more distinctive and fascinating.
