Step back in time to an era when American automobiles were truly grand, embodying an unparalleled sense of luxury and presence. The 1960 Lincoln Landau stands as a magnificent testament to this period, representing the pinnacle of Lincoln’s commitment to opulent design and powerful engineering. This car wasn’t just transportation; it was a statement, a rolling sculpture of American optimism and prosperity. Its story is one of bold design, immense scale, and a unique place in automotive history.
Birth of a Giant: The Premiere’s Legacy
To fully appreciate the 1960 Lincoln Landau, we must first look at its lineage. It emerged from the Lincoln Premiere series, which debuted in 1956 as a luxury offering positioned above the Capri. For 1958, the Premiere, along with the Continental Mark series, received a radical redesign. These cars became truly enormous, reflecting the era’s fascination with space and grandeur.
The Unibody Marvel
The 1958-1960 Lincolns, including the Landau, were the first Lincolns built at the new Wixom plant. Interestingly, they were among the largest unibody cars produced to that date, a significant engineering feat. These models, though sharing a body with the Continental, retained the Premiere name for specific trim levels, offering a slightly more traditional roofline compared to the Continental’s unique “breezeway” rear window.
Design Philosophy: Bold and Unapologetic
The styling of the 1960 Lincoln Landau was nothing short of majestic. This was an era of excessive yet captivating design, and Lincoln fully embraced it. Penned by designers like John Najjar and updated by Don Delarossa, the car featured canted headlights and heavily scalloped fenders. Its sheer size and dramatic lines made it an unmistakable presence on any road.
An Interior Oasis
Inside, the Landau offered an oasis of luxury. Sumptuous leather upholstery adorned the twin bucket seats and rear bench. Rich woodgrain trim further accented the cabin. Passengers enjoyed ample headroom, shoulder room, and legroom, setting a record for Lincoln’s interior spaciousness that still stands today. This focus on interior comfort and expansive dimensions defined the luxury experience.
Power Beneath the Hood
Under the expansive hood of the 1960 Lincoln Landau, you would find a formidable 430 cubic-inch (7.0 L) MEL V8 engine. This powertrain was designed to move such a colossal vehicle with authority. It delivered ample horsepower, between 315-375 hp, and an impressive torque output ranging from 465-500 lb-ft.
Smooth Performance and Handling
Power transmitted to the rear wheels via a smooth 3-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission. Despite its immense size, the Landau offered a surprisingly agile performance for its class. It could accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 10 seconds and reach a top speed of approximately 120 mph. Power steering and power brakes came standard, greatly enhancing handling and ease of driving for such a massive machine.
Unique Features of a Luxury Liner
The 1960 Lincoln Landau was brimming with innovative features for its time, designed to enhance passenger comfort and driver convenience. Imagine optional factory-installed air conditioning, delivered through overhead ducts, much like those in an aircraft. This feature provided truly unique and refreshing ventilation.
Technological Touches
The dashboard was a masterpiece of design, featuring intelligently placed dials for at-a-glance reading. A new push-button parking brake release with a red “brake on” warning light offered modern convenience. Lincoln’s “Comfort-Control” heater provided any degree of heat or ventilation with a single, easy adjustment. Furthermore, a Travel-Tuner AM radio was standard on all Lincolns, offering premium entertainment. Optional 6-way power seats provided custom comfort for the driver.
Model Heritage and Rarity
The 1960 Lincoln Continental Mark V, which included the Landau body style, holds a special place in Lincoln’s history. These vehicles represented a bold, albeit financially challenging, era for the brand. The immense cost of developing such a large unibody car, coupled with an economic recession, meant these models sold in lower numbers compared to their rivals.
A Coveted Classic
Production figures confirm its rarity; for instance, the 1960 Continental Mark V convertible saw only 2,044 units produced. The Landau variants, while not individually broken out in all records, were part of this limited production run, making them highly sought-after today. The 1958-1960 models, despite their initial reception, are now recognized as unique and significant automotive icons.
The Enduring Allure
The 1960 Lincoln Landau, with its distinctive styling, luxurious interior, and powerful engine, truly embodied the spirit of American luxury in its era. It represents a fascinating chapter in Lincoln’s story, showcasing a period when cars were grand statements of design and engineering prowess. Its bold presence and opulent features continue to captivate enthusiasts and collectors today. This classic vehicle remains a testament to a bygone era of automotive excess and elegance.
Disclaimer: All historical data and specifications are based on widely available information and should be independently verified for complete accuracy.
Source: Ford Heritage Vault
