Lincoln (EL-series)

Lincoln EL-Series
1949 Convertible Coupe
Overview
Manufacturer	Lincoln (Ford)
Also called	Lincoln
Model years	1949–1951
Assembly	Lincoln Assembly, Dearborn, Michigan[1] (Branch Assembly) Maywood Assembly, Maywood, California[1]
Designer	Eugene T. "Bob" Gregorie
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car
Body style	2-door coupe 2-door Lido coupe 2-door convertible 4-door sedan
Layout	FR layout
Related	Mercury Eight
Powertrain
Engine	336.7 cu in (5.5 L) Flathead V8[2]
Transmission	3-speed manual[1] 4-speed Hydra-Matic automatic[1]
Dimensions
Wheelbase	121 in (3,073 mm)[3]
Length	1949: 213.0 in (5,410 mm)[1] 1950: 213.8 in (5,431 mm)[1] 1951: 214.8 in (5,456 mm)[1]
Width	76.7 in (1,948 mm)
Height	63.6 in (1,615 mm)
Curb weight	4,200–4,400 lb (1,900–2,000 kg)
Chronology
Predecessor	Lincoln H-series
Successor	Lincoln Cosmopolitan

The Lincoln EL-Series is a full-size luxury car that was marketed and sold by Lincoln from 1949 to 1951. Replacing the H-Series Lincoln, the postwar model line was the first complete redesign of the Lincoln sedan line since 1936 (its predecessor was derived from the prewar Zephyr). In line with its predecessor, the EL-Series Lincoln carried only the Lincoln nameplate, using no divisional branding; the Lincoln was slotted below the Lincoln Cosmopolitan within the Lincoln model range.

The first Lincoln developed under the combined Lincoln-Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company, the Lincoln shared much of its body with the 1949 Mercury Eight, distinguished primarily by its longer 121-inch wheelbase. For the first time since 1933, a V8 engine was offered in a Lincoln instead of a V12, now sharing its engine with the Ford F-Series "Big Job" trucks.^[2]

Alongside production from Lincoln Assembly (Dearborn, Michigan), production of the EL-Series Lincoln was sourced from Maywood Assembly (Maywood, California). For 1952, the Lincoln was replaced by a redesign of the Cosmopolitan. with Lincoln reviving the use of divisional nameplates across its model line.

The first all-new postwar Lincolns were introduced on April 22, 1948.^[1] They had a more streamlined appearance than the 1948 models, reflecting "ponton" styling. However, the new two-piece windshield seemed a bit out of sync with the modern styling.^[1] At a distance, it was hard to tell a Lincoln apart from a Mercury. Recessed headlights and a shinier front end set it apart.^[1] The 337 cubic inch Lincoln flathead V8 produced 152 hp (113 kW) at 3600 rpm.

In 1950 a new horizontal grille with elements enhanced the appearance of the standard Lincoln.^[1] Its name was in the same location on the front fender as last year, but it was larger.^[1] The door handles were improved as was the previously confusing interior layout. The convertible was dropped from the lineup as Mercury's near-identical convertible had outsold it by a wide margin in 1949.^[4]

Late in the 1950 model year the engine was upgraded to address vibration and oil consumption concerns. Three rather than four piston rings were fitted, and the engine balancing was improved. As a result the horsepower rating increased marginally and the car ran smoother. The cooling system was also improved and durability was increased thanks to the use of more alloy.^[5]

According to the Standard Catalog of American Cars, the front end of the 1951 Lincoln "looked like a 1950 model that had gotten into a fight, and lost."^[1] The grille bar only extended from the center section to the bumper guards, while a forward slanting vertical piece was added to the front fender side chrome.^[1] The 1951 Mercury's "fishtail" rear design was also adopted, to the detriment of rearward visibility(*).^[4] The glamorous Lido coupe returned with a canvas or vinyl roof, fender skirts, rocker panel molding and custom interior.^[6] (*)Other than here, there is no reference to a Mercury "fish tail" design. The '51 Lincoln's modified C pillar actually increased rearward vision.

On 5 July 1950 the Lincoln Lido was introduced as somewhat of Lincoln's answer to the GM hardtops that had debuted in 1949. List price for the 1950 model was $2,721 ($34,458 in 2023 dollars ^[7]). It was similar to the Mercury Monterey and the up market Lincoln Cosmopolitan Capri coupes, while the Lido was also offered as a sedan with suicide doors for rear seat passengers. Both years of the Lido featured a vinyl or canvas-covered roof, fender skirts, bright roof drip rails and rocker panel moldings, dual door mirrors, a gold-colored hood ornament from the Cosmopolitan and a custom leather interior with special door and side panels. An electric clock was standard.^[2][6] Few were sold, as customers preferred General Motors' hardtop offerings.

The Lido name reappeared on a 1963 show car called the Lincoln Continental Lido, which was a 1963 Continental with a padded vinyl roof.

• How Stuff Works - 1950-1951 Lincoln Lido/Capri