In 1952, the Capri debuted as Lincoln’s new top-of-the-line model, replacing the Cosmopolitan. As an all-new design, it benefitted from all the advancements of the period, including a ball joint front suspension and, in 1954, a new OHV V8 that replaced the venerable flathead. Thanks to the 317 cubic inch V8’s horsepower (it made more horsepower per cubic inch than any other engine on the market), tidy proportions, and exceptional build quality, these cars were also formidable performers in the grueling Carrara-Panamericana road race in Mexico. Today they remain wonderful road cars with a big dose of history on their side, and if you yearn for Lincoln luxury that doesn’t feel like you’re at the helm of the Queen Mary, the Capri remains an excellent choice.

This 1954 Lincoln Capri is definitely the one to own. Combining the new OHV V8 with the final iteration of this body style, it is at once modern and traditional. Styling is restrained for the era, and if you’re a Lincoln fan, you know the excesses that would follow. In comparison, this lovely Regent Black over Premiere Yellow example is almost restrained in its use of chrome, and the pastel color works extremely well on the handsome shape. The restoration is several years old now, but remains in that ideal state of nice enough to show proudly but not so nice that it needs to spend its life on a trailer. Fit and finish were quite good, and this is a completely rust-free example that likely came from out west. The paint shows very few signs of age or use, and a big, yellow Lincoln attracts an awful lot of attention out on the street. This one also sports a dealer-installed Continental kit which adds dramatic length to the already formidable Lincoln.

On any car from the ‘50s, chrome can be a major consideration, both from a restoration standpoint and merely the ability to replace missing pieces. Fortunately, everything is here and it has all been fully restored, including the massive bumpers and front grille. It shows quite well with no dings in the stainless and a deep bluish shine to all the chrome components. Detailing was a Lincoln strong suit, with items like the hood ornament with contrasting anodized “bullet,” the floating headlight assemblies, and the ornate ‘Lincoln’ and ‘Capri’ script emblems.

Providing a welcome splash of color, the green and white leather interior adds to the Capri’s springtime feel, yet maintains an elegant presence without becoming over-wrought. The upholstery is also in great shape, with only light wear to the driver’s seat area. The dashboard is again a mixture of complimentary textures and finishes, with a screen-type metal panel bisecting gold-anodized gauge faces. Control levers were obviously inspired by aircraft design, and all work properly. In fact, everything works properly here, including the power windows, 4-way power seat, and original AM radio. Black carpets give it a sense of formality, while a white headliner keeps it bright and airy inside. The trunk is finished with more black carpet, as well as a matching spare radial tire (there’s also what appears to be an original tire mounted in the Continental kit).

The reason the Capri was so successful on the dirt roads of Mexico can be found under the hood. Ford’s new OHV Y-Block V8 was a technological breakthrough and made a very robust 205 horsepower, nearly twice that of the venerable flathead. In the Capri, it displaces 317 cubic inches and is topped by a 4-barrel carburetor and is easily recognized by its crossover exhaust tube at the front of the engine. It starts instantly, idles smoothly with a muscular rumble from the single exhaust, and effortlessly cruises at 70 MPH and more. Detailing was done to show standards during the restoration, but it shows signs of use today, although the paint and tinwork remain quite nice. Gold valve covers and a matching air cleaner give the Lincoln buyer a sense of upscale luxury, and it’s obvious that the car has always been properly maintained.

Interestingly enough, Lincoln used a General Motors Dual Range 4-speed Hydramatic automatic transmission in the Capri until 1955, so you can have confidence in this car’s transmission’s reliability and performance—there really was nothing better than a Hydramatic in the 1950s. The chassis was also finished to a very high standard at the time of restoration, but like the engine bay, today shows signs of use, so it’s no longer ready to be judged. However, the true pleasure of this car is behind the wheel where you can enjoy the superlative torque, the precise steering, and oversized brakes, all of which will surprise you with their modern feel and performance. Both the steering and the brakes offer power assist, so the car is quite easy to drive, and new Coker wide whitewall radials were recently installed, giving this car an unbeatable highway ride.

Subtle, technologically sophisticated, and downright fun to drive, this was the Lincoln that could have defined an entire generation of cars. Unfortunately, Lincoln chose to join Cadillac’s quest for bigger, more luxurious cars, and the era of the luxury-sport sedan would have to wait for the Europeans to invent it a few decades later. But as a significant footnote in history, this Capri remains a driver’s car first and foremost. The fact that it looks great is only icing on the cake. This is a fully-sorted, cosmetically excellent example in outstanding colors that is a true pleasure to own. Buy with confidence and call today!