2009 Featured Marque - Lincoln

The Arthritis Foundation Classic Auto Show & Cruise-In would like to welcome Lincoln as a 2009 Marque. Henry M. Leland founded the Lincoln in 1917. Leland named the brand after his longtime hero, Abraham Lincoln. The company encountered severe financial troubles during the transition and was forced into bankruptcy and then sold to the Ford Motor Company in 1922. Lincoln quickly became one of America's top selling luxury brands in conjunction with Cadillac and Packard.

After Ford took over, bodyworks changed and reduced prices increased sales. Not only did the Lincoln provide better features than other cars, but also came well equipped for police departments. The large touring sedan came with four wheel brakes and could come specially equipped with bullet proof windshields, spot lights and an automatic windshield wiper for both the driver and front passenger. Police whistles were attached to the exhaust system and gun racks were also built-in to these vehicles.

Lincoln has not only had a history of providing "Police Flyers" but also official state limousines for the U.S. Present. The 1939 Lincoln V12 convertible was used by Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 1950 Lincoln Cosmopolitan was used by Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. The 1969 Lincoln was used by Nixon and a 1972 Lincoln was used by Presidents Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush. The 1989 Lincoln was the last Presidential Lincoln used. Just ten years ago Lincoln was known as the best selling luxury brand in the United States.

The Lincoln not only provided luxury vehicles for presidents throughout the years but also for citizens around the world. On behalf of the Arthritis Foundation, we would like to congratulate Lincoln for the triumphs they have overcome and the phenomenal vehicles which are enjoyed by many. (Information provided by Wikipedia.)