The 2002 Lincoln Continental concept car debuted at the Los Angeles Auto Show and showcased a future design language for the Lincoln brand. With a chiseled exterior featuring sharp body lines, a tall beltline, and 22-inch wheels, this concept car was a standout at the time. The interior boasted cutting-edge technology such as display screens and OLED lighting. Under the hood was a powerful 6.0-liter V-12 engine borrowed from Aston Martin, making 414 horsepower and providing a luxurious and high-performance driving experience. Despite the promising design and performance of the concept, a production version of the Lincoln Continental V-12 never materialized.
### A New Look For Lincoln’s Lineup
The Lincoln Continental Concept was a significant departure from the brand’s existing lineup, heralded as a showcase of Lincoln’s future design direction. The exterior featured sharp body lines, a tall beltline, and massive 22-inch wheels that gave the sedan a commanding presence on the road. The concept also paid homage to classic Continentals from the 1960s with center-opening doors and flush door handles that contributed to its sleek and modern appearance. Inside, the interior was equipped with advanced technology such as display screens and OLED lighting, setting the stage for future luxury vehicles.
### Design Influence and Legacy
While the Lincoln Continental V-12 concept never made it to production, its design influence can be seen in some of Lincoln’s subsequent models. The Ford Fusion-based Zephyr, for example, incorporated some of the concept’s styling elements, though a next-generation Town Car never materialized. The brand’s design direction eventually shifted towards more organic shapes, moving away from the sharp lines of the Continental concept. The Continental nameplate was briefly revived in 2017 with a production model that featured styling reminiscent of the concept, but the model was discontinued just three years later.
### Where Is It Now?
Following its time on the auto show circuit, the 2002 Lincoln Continental concept car found its way to the auction block. It sold for $56,100 at the RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction in 2010 and was later auctioned again in 2014 for $27,500. The car now resides at the Klairmont Kollections Automotive Museum in Chicago, Illinois, where it is on display for automotive enthusiasts to admire. While the production version of the Lincoln Continental V-12 may never have come to fruition, the concept car’s legacy lives on in its design influence and technological advancements that paved the way for future luxury vehicles.