In general, the Lincoln Continental has been associated with style and luxury. Ford Motor Company started production in 1939 and continued through 1948. After a brief break, production started up again in 1956 until 1980 and once again from 1982 to 2002.

It began as a personal vehicle developed especially for Edsel Ford but most knew that it would eventually end up being mass-produced. He wanted it ready to be delivered to him while on vacation and, when it was, it got plenty of attention from his family and friends. After sending a telegram back to the plant, he immediately ordered to have production started. That year only twenty-four were made but the following year, 400 were made.

The second generation of Lincoln Continentals were completely separate within the Ford brand. The only model was called the Continental Mark II and it had one of the highest quality control then and now for the auto industry. It was very exclusive and became synonymous with luxury and high-class during its time. At the time, the '56 model was one of the most costly vehicles in the world but still, Ford lost money on each and every one. A new version appeared in 1958, sometimes called the Mark III and other times called the Continental III. The car was no longer built by hand and the prices began to decrease. Still, Lincoln lost a lot of money between 1958 and 1960 trying to design this vehicle. 1959 brought along the Continental Mark IV and in 1960 the Mark V.

In 1961, Lincoln came into its own and became a single product line. The Lincoln Continental was shorter than some of the precious versions and one of its most notable features were the suicide doors. These were front opening rear doors that were added for practicality. This same model was the first vehicle in the United States that came with a bumper to bumper warranty that lasted for two years. It was considered to be a sales success as over 25,000 were sold during that year.

Changes were made over the next few years to both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. In 1968, safety became a focus for the manufacturer and vehicles came with a variety of different features. One year later, shoulder belts were added. It was not until 1970 that the fifth generation of the Lincoln Continental came about. It included a true redesign and was available as a two and four-door vehicle. For the next four years, the grill style changed every year. In 1975, it was once again time for a redesign. There was an option package available in 1979 that was called the Collector's Series. It added every single feature available and raised the cost.

The Continental was revived in 1982 when it returned it was a mid-sized vehicle, more specifically a four-door sedan. For one year it was offered as a base model, a Signature Series and a Givenchy Designer Series. While the Signature Series was phased out the next year, the base model and the Givenchy Designer Series lasted until 1987.Throughout the rest of the eighties and nineties, the Lincoln Continental went through another series of changes In the interior, the exterior and what was underneath the hood.