Introduced in 2016, the tenth-generation Lincoln Continental marked the iconic nameplate's return to the market after 14 years. In late 2018, Lincoln added a special-edition model to the lineup. Called the Coach Doors Edition, it features rear-hinged rear doors, just like the fourth-generation model from the 1960s.
Built in limited numbers, the Coach Doors Edition is obviously a tribute to the fourth-gen Continental, the car in which John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963. Although the center-opening doors were only offered on this model in the 1960s, they somehow became synonymous with the Continental. So Lincoln went ahead and recreated this unique feature almost 50 years after the original was discontinued. It also celebrates 80 years since the first Continental was introduced back in 1939.
2019 Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition
- Make: Array
- Model: 2019 Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition
- Engine/Motor: V6
- Horsepower: 400
- Torque: 400
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
What Makes the 2019 Lincoln Continental 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition Special?
The Coach Door Edition looks identical to the regular Continental front and rear. However, the scenario changes notably onto the sides due to the longer wheelbase and the revised design of the rear door. The Coach Door Edition has a six-inch longer wheelbase, which extends the sedan's total length to 207.4 inches. The extra inches were added mostly to the rear door, which is longer now.
However, Lincoln also reshaped it, mostly to be able to fit the rear-mounted hinge. While regular rear doors "embrace" the rear wheel arch, this one is almost rectangular. The quarter window was moved behind the door, again in order to make the rear hinge design work. Despite the fact that it no longer incorporates the quarter window, the Coach Door Edition's rear door is just as long as the regular Continental. This enables easier ingress and egress for rear passengers but also gives the sedan a classy vibe.
The repositioned quarter window doesn't affect the design of the C-pillar, as all the extra inches went into the roof and not into a sleeker rear window. Of course, with the new door opening design come new door handles. While Lincoln retained the handles from the standard Continental, it moved them next to each other at the bottom of the B-pillar. The front door handles were moved backward by a few inches, and both seem to be shorter. This design pays tribute to the fourth-generation Continental that introduced the "suicide" doors in 1961.
Rhapsody, for instance, comes with Rhapsody Blue Venetian leather and almost matching blue details. The Alcantara trim and the chrome inserts on the dash and center console round off the theme. Opt for Chalet, and the upholstery becomes white with contrasting Cashmere and Espresso leather. Thoroughbred takes the classy route with a Chroma Elite Light Brown theme with Jet Black surfaces, Chestnut leather, and Chilean Maple wood inlays.
The rear seats are also uniquely tailored, featuring a pass-through console with a stowable tray table, tablet holder, and wireless charging pad. Of course, the extra six inches in the wheelbase increase legroom. Lincoln says the Coach Door Edition boasts best-in-class second-row legroom now.
Speaking of comfort, this special-edition is equipped with the Perfect Position seats that adjust 30 ways. Lincoln also added Active Noise Control for a quiet interior and a Revel Ultima audio system. It also includes the cool head-up display that remains visible while driving with ambient lighting or polarized sunglasses.
Finally, the 90-degree opening of the rear doors makes for easy entry and exit by simply stepping forward and out.
Not surprisingly, the Coach Door Edition is a plain Continental under the skin. But the good news is that this special edition is offered with the range-topping 3.0-liter V-6 engine. The twin-turbo unit cranks out a solid 400 horsepower and 400 pound-feet of torque and mates to a six-speed automatic transmission. Three Drive Modes, including Normal, Sport and Comfort, allow you to personalize the way you drive it, choosing a sportier or a more fuel-efficient setup.
Production of the Coach Door Edition is limited to only 80 units, which makes sense given that this is a custom model. The sedan arrives next summer. Lincoln says a limited number of additional cars will be available for the 2020 model year as well, but it's not clear how many.
There's no word on pricing yet, but the Coach Door Edition should fetch notably more than the Continental Black Label, which retails from $70,440.
Further reading
Read our full review on the 2017 Lincoln Continental.
Read our full review on the 1961 Lincoln Continental.