More recently it seems that Lincoln management has come up with a more coherent plan. For example, the somewhat cryptic model designations (MKZ, MKX, MKS) are being replaced by (GASP!!) actual names that potential buyers might be able to relate to.
And as the title of this post mentions, they've even come up with a grille theme that's spreading across Lincoln's various models.
An example of a grille theme from the past -- in this case from 1942 Lincolns.
Here the past was eliminated aside from the four-pointed star that has been a consistent Lincoln symbol since first appearing on the 1956 Continental Mark II.
Now the Navigator had the new grille. Its design has a rounded isosceles, trapezoidal frame with the lower portion containing accent folds toward the sides. The center is a mesh pattern borrowed from the four-pointed star's frame. The star medallion is stretched vertically and placed on the grille's centerline. These are the new theme's elements that can be adjusted depending upon the vehicle's configuration.
The new theme first appeared on the new Continental.
Similar to the '18 Navigator, but smaller and shorter.
Bolder, more truck-like front.
Somewhere between the Nautilus and the Aviator.
I approve of Lincoln's new grille theme. Although it reminds me of Jaguar's recent grilles, it is still distinctive and flexible.
This and your previous post are great. (I had a '62 as a DD in the 90's.)
ReplyDeleteThe Lincoln grille harking back to the 1964 was what remained of various Lincoln concepts harking back to the iconic 1961. I've probably commented before that the other bit of that that actually got into production was seen in the interiors of several models around then that clearly were harking back to the 1961-63. No one but me noticed.
Meanwhile take a look at a 1961-3 interior - an unheralded icon of Mid-century Modern design in my book. Then in their quest for commercial success by making it more mainstream they ruined it. Although the rebodied 1966 interior is pretty nice.
If Lincoln gets tired of the current slightly silly grille pattern they might look at the Mark II. They might have been looking at that for inspiration for the overall shape already.