1971 Lincoln Continental
Production Numbers/Specifications

Above: 1971 Lincoln Continental Coupé shown above in Deep Blue Metallic (code Y) with optional White vinyl roof (code W) and White leather interior.

Other than a few new exterior paint colors and a new interior trim fabric pattern, that was pretty much the extent of the changes for 1971. Lincoln revised its standard equipment by including Automatic Temperature Control and tinted glass as standard features on all Lincolns. This change was made due to the fact that in 1970, 96 percent of Lincolns built were equipped with air conditioning and tinted glass. Base prices jumped about $1,200 as well. This was an interesting step for Lincoln for a couple of reasons. During the sixties, Lincoln included more items as standard equipment than rival Cadillac, and also had a higher base price due to the added equipment. Cadillac offered several different lines during this time, with varying levels of standard equipment and a range of base prices. Lincoln determined it wanted to compete at the higher end of the price range, and even admonished Cadillac in advertising for offering less expensive models.

Items that were options on most Cadillacs, such as power vent windows, radio, power antenna, white sidewall tires, etc., were all included on Lincoln in the base price. For the 1966 model year, Lincoln moved many of these items to the options list, in order to be more competitive with Cadillac. Now, Lincoln was once again adding to its standard features list, and would continue to do so for the next few years. In 1971, the most affordable Cadillac models were the Calais Coupe and Sedan. Perhaps in response to Lincoln, the Calais models would begin to include more standard features as well during this time, but would be discontinued after the 1976 model year.

After the Calais series was discontinued, that would leave Cadillac's popular DeVille models as the most affordable, and would narrow Cadillac's model offerings, which is important because Cadillac always promoted the fact that they covered the luxury field, from the entry level Calais models to the exclusive executive Fleetwood Seventy Five Limousines. It would appear in this instance, Lincoln was a step ahead of Cadillac by offering only a limited assortment of models, which suggested exclusivity.

By 1971, Lincoln had established a look that was instantly recognizable, and while those basics would remain unchanged, styling updates would become more widespread in an effort to improve sales. Cadillac was still on a two year styling cycle, although due to the cost of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards during the early and mid-seventies, even Cadillac would break its long-standing policy of two year styling cycles. Cadillac introduced all new styling for 1971, and it would continue mostly unchanged through 1973. New styling was introduced for 1974, and it would continue through the 1976 model year after which Cadillac would down size all of its line except for the Fleetwood Eldorado. Lincoln would resist down sizing until the 1980 model year.

The 1971 Lincolns represented one of the best Lincolns to date. Even if the styling wasn't universally loved by all, the quality control and fit and finish, the smooth and silent ride, and more than ample room to stretch out and relax on long trips was superb. The 1971 Lincolns were indeed the final step up.