History of The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company

THE LINCOLN MUST BE AS NEARLY A PERFECT MOTOR CAR AS IT IS POSSIBLE TO PRODUCE

The name Lincoln is one of the most recognized and respected names in the automobile industry. Since 1921, the Lincoln Motor Company, has produced some of the finest automobiles made. Founded by Henry Martyn Leland and his son, Wilfred Leland began work in the early months of 1919 on what was to be the first of a continuing line of fine automobiles known as "thoroughly roadable cars, cars that will not only go anywhere but that will go there with ease to the driver and with comfort to the passengers; a car with which it will not be so necessary to pick out only the good roads, a car that will enable people to travel unfrequented highways and to go places they have not been able comfortable to go heretofore."

	The Twenties -- Henry Martyn Leland founds Lincoln. Henry Ford and his son Edsel Fort takes over the Lincoln Motor Company. During this period, The Model L Lincolns are recognized as one of the finest coach built motorcars in the world, and become the aristocrats automobile in a time of opulence.
	The Thirties -- The period of the Model K Lincoln ushers in the V-12 engine and classic craftsmanship. An era of Salons and custom coach built cars. Autos of the privileged, chauffeur driven Broughams and Landaulets, roadsters and sedans are associated with the very rich and famous. At the end of the decade, these would all be gone.
	The Forties -- 1940 was a landmark year for Lincoln for two reasons. One was the discontinuance of the K series models, leaders in the luxury class field. New in Lincoln showrooms was the styling masterpiece, the beautiful Continental Cabriolet. Also new were the Zephyrs, featuring a more streamline design for the exterior, contemporary fashioned interiors, and instrument panels with better functionality. Production would be halted early in the 1942 model year, resuming in 1946 with the styling largely unchanged. April of 1949 saw the introduction of the all new Lincoln and the Cosmopolitan, two distinct models, each featuring it's own body shell. Featuring V8 power, and fully automatic transmissions, a first in Lincoln history.
	The Fifties -- The Fifties witnessed some of the greatest changes to Lincoln automobiles. The 1950 and 1951's were a refinement of the first truly new postwar models, which combined both old and new product styling and engineering. Gone were the original Marks, the V12's and some of the older design cues carried over from the 1930s and 1940s. The 1952 through 1954 Lincolns saw modern overhead valve engines for the first time. Power brakes and power steering became accessories in 1953, along with air conditioning as an optional accessory in 1954. The 52s - 54s were slightly smaller and lighter than the previous models and with improved suspension went on to place well in the Mexican Road Races. In 1955, Lincoln made subtle styling changes over their prior years, enlarged their engine, and adopted a new automatic transmission (Turbodrive) to replace the GM made Hydramatic. 1956 brought what many many thought were some of the finest postwar Lincolns manufactured. The Premier was long and low, with a larger engine and a twelve volt electrical system, it could hold it's own in the luxury car field. Even better, was the introduction of the all new Mark II, also considered to be one of the finest styled automobiles of all time. Luxury abounded in the Mark II. At $10,000 each, it set a new standard for price and quality in the luxury car field. 1957 continued the refinements of prior years. The styling of the Premier and Capri a vertical headlight-parking light arrangement in front. The beautiful Mark II, not achieving expected sales goals would be discontinued at the end of 1957. 1958 saw some of the largest Lincolns ever produced. These cars were extremely large and available in convertible, two and four door sedan and hardtop styles. Engine size had grown to 430 cubic inches and factory installed accessories were plentiful. These were not smooth and well rounded automobiles, and most people had very strong opinions on their styling. The Mark series was continued on in name only, consisting of a well optioned and appointed Lincoln Premier.



	The Sixties -- 1960 was the last year of the very large "square look" Lincolns and Continentals. 1961 would bring a whole new look for our beloved cars, smaller, more compact styling, less chrome and cleaner lines. The cars would be known as Continentals and would be available as four door sedans, and after a long absence from the marketplace, four door convertibles. The doors would be center opening and equipped with interlock devices to prevent the rear doors from opening when the vehicle was in motion. The convertibles featured a marvelously complicated mechanism to lower the soft top. Motors, relays and switches all worked together to achieve a modern day motoring miracle. These cars became very popular and were the choice for the Presidential motor pool, replacing older Lincoln Cosmopolitans from the early 1950s. Available in a wide variety of colors and equipped with 460 cubic inch engines, these beautiful automobiles quickly became the favorite among those who preferred quiet, unmistakable luxury. The four door convertible was continued on until 1968, when it was dropped from the line. The end of the decade saw the return once again of the Mark series, the III, once again a quality "personal" luxury car. The III was more production oriented and was made available at a lower cost than the Mark II.


	The Seventies -- The Lincoln Continental was the big news in 1970. It had its first all new body since 1961, and was designed to steal buyers from other luxury marques, their principal target being Cadillac. While Continental was the most changed, the other new models were different in many significant ways from the models of 1969. Abandonment of unit body construction in favor of traditional body and frame construction was the single most important change. The Mark III had used body and frame construction from the start, and now with the conversion of the standard Continental the entire plant at Wixom was changed over. Now the Continentals, following the lead of the Mark III, were destined to use other Ford components notable those of the senior Mercurys and Fords. The result was a can now 300 pounds lighter, yet was almost the exact same physical size. Interior room grew, the new Lincolns were far more efficient than the ones of the previous years. Each succeeding year would be an improvement.


	The Northstar Region -- In 1982, Elmer Rohn contacted Lloyd Pearson in regard to forming a region of the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club in our area. In early April 1983, Lloyd sent approximately three dozen postcards to national members in our area informing tem of a potential regional group being formed. On April 24th, 1983 at Cornelia Park in Edina, Minnesota, thirteen potential members and families met. The Northstar Region was formed at this gathering. Examining pictures that were taken at this historic event found the following present: Mike Gerner Dick Koop Russ Bjorklund Tom Koop Harvey Oberg Jim Long Lloyd Pearson Jerry Fjelsted John Doherty Dick Larson Tony Wacker The next few meetings were held at Bush Lake park in Edina. Shortly thereafter our first Director, Mike Gerner traveled to California to accept the charter for the Northstar Region of the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club.