- Lincoln celebrates 80th year by reviving coach doors
- Only 80 units will be built for 2019, more available in 2020
- Prices expected to be $100,000 plus
- First units slated for summer delivery
Lincoln is reviving so-called “suicide doors”, a center-opening arrangement that last appeared on its Continental in the 1960s. Celebrating the 80th birthday of Ford’s luxury division, the 2019 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition has been unveiled and only 80 of these modified flagship sedans will be offered next year beginning next summer. Lincoln is promising more of the cars in 2020 but wouldn’t specify how many.
Coach doors, which were popular in the early days of the auto industry, feature rear-hinged back doors and traditional front-hinged forward doors that open from the center of the vehicle’s side. "“The center-opening doors became synonymous with the Lincoln Continental, even though they were only featured primarily in the ’60s,” said David Woodhouse, Lincoln’s design director. “But they struck such a chord that they’re still remembered so fondly today. People appreciate elegance and glamor. And they want the easiest way to get in and out of a vehicle. These doors answer to both."
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2019
More than just custom doors
The 2019 Lincoln Continental Coach Door Edition is about more than just its uniquely styled door arrangement. The standard Continental’s wheelbase is stretched six inches to give more leg room to rear passengers. The back seat also features a stowable tray table housed in a pass-through console. Buyers will be able to specify interior treatments using Lincoln’s Black Label personalization program.
The coach doors themselves feature an innovative electronic door system that unlatches and opens the door in a smooth, single motion. While the wheelbase is stretched and the custom doors and interior added, the Continental Coach Door Edition will retain its standard twin turbo 3.0-liter V6 engine, which makes 400 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque. The $100,000-plus window sticker represents a hefty premium over the standard car’s base price of $46,145 plus $995 delivery.
Bonus Content: Lincoln Continental Video Review
