This is part of a series of posts looking back at show cars that we think deserve a little more attention than they’ve gotten. If you have a Forgotten Concept theme suggestion, please message us or leave a comment below.
Lincoln Continental Concept 100
First shown: 1983 Detroit Auto Show
Description: High-tech premium sedan
Details:
First shown at the 1983 Detroit Auto Show, the Lincoln Continental 100 Concept was a large premium sedan packed with futuristic technology and an aerodynamic body. A dash-mounted touchscreen was an integral part of the 100’s technical features, which included real-time navigation, an on-board computer and voice control. The satellite-supported navigation system was connected via a truck antenna.
Other features included fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, a heated windshield, tire pressure monitoring system, keyless entry, and front and rear obstacle detection.
Although Lincoln did not specify the concept’s drag coefficient, the aerodynamic 100 featured a grilleless front end with sealed, flush-mounted headlights. The aforementioned keyless entry system allowed the 100 to be built without door handles, which smoothed the car’s flanks even further.
The Continental 100 shared a strong family resemblance with the Ford Thunderbird, restyled in 1983. The 100 also heralded future Lincoln designs, including the 1984 Continental Mark VII and the 1988 Continental sedan.
According to Lincoln, the Continental Concept 100 was fully functional, as were its high-tech features.
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CG says:
The Continental Concept 100 has possibly one of the most forward-thinking concept cars ever built. Almost all the technical features of the 100 are now standard equipment in new cars. Though we’re still bound by the horrors of the door handles, the 100’s otherwise clean profile predicted the look of many Ford and Lincoln products, including the groundbreaking Taurus that debuted for the 1986 model year.
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Gallery of the Lincoln Continental Concept 100
(Click below for enlarged images)
Lincoln Continental Concept 100
