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Volume IX, Number 5 |  |
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Little Cars for Lovers of Lincoln |
These three earliest representatives were made by Summer Metal Products in Hong Kong . They were available in the early 1990s and are still pictured in the present catalog as part of the Classic Car Series. These models are all open touring cars and are quite stylized and lack a great amount of realism.
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In 1998, Racing Champions, now part of RC2 Brands issued a model of the first Continental Convertible in both top up and down versions. It was first issued in the Mint Edition Series, but has been included subsequently in a few other sets. It is a very realistic casting and can be considered to be a very good representation in miniature of the fullsize car.
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Another model of the Continental ( minus the rear spare tire), was produced by the former LJN Company. It was only issued with a Spiderman logo in the late 1970s. It is now quite hard to find on the secondary market. It measures 2.75 inches in length. A companion model was issued about the same time by Larami and featured the Captain America logo. It also is very rare at the present time.
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The Lincoln Futura was a concept car produced for the auto shows in 1955. Johnny Lightning produced this show car but it has had very limited release. The styling was seen in the 1957 Lincoln models. The Futura was later made famous as the basis for George Barris' classic Batmobile, produced for the 1960's TV show and movies. Corgi and Playart produced versions of the Batmobile.
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In about 2002 Matchbox issued the Premiere Convertible in their enhanced "Elvis at the Movies" Set .It is a very nice replica of the real car. Also in the late 1990s, Johnny Lightning, now also part of RC2 Brands ; issued a realistic model of the Premiere Hardtop in their American Chrome Series.
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In 2005 Johnny Lightning issued a 4 door Continental Convertible with the top down. This was followed by a special Holiday Classics issue with the top up.
By using recently developed production procedures, Johnny Lightning was able to modify their casting to show the slight styling differences on the four door Convertible.
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In 2005, Jada also released a model of this Continental . It measures 3.5 inches in length and may have reached the upper limits for size. But the detailing is very realistic. .
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Matchbox/ Lesney issued a four door Continental Convertible "slab side" in their Regular Wheels line. This measures 2.75 inches. Also available in certain areas was a knock off copy of this model made by Maxwell in India. They also issued three additional models that carried special police, fire chief or Red Cross logos . Hot Wheels also produced a similar model in their First Editions Series in about 2000.. It measures 3.25 inches.
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Racing Champions also produced this four door Continental Convertible in the late 1990s. It measures 3.25 inches.
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Lindberg Model Co issued a plastic model in their Mini-Lindy Series in about the late 1970s. Hot Wheels issued their "Custom Continental" Mark III Coupe in their Red Line Series that same year. In about the mid 1970s, Muky of Argentina issued a very similar casting. The baseplate and wheels were different, as were the paint and decals.But, it was reportedly made from Mattel dies.
Another plastic model of the Mark III was reportedly issued by JVZ. No additional information is available.
A model of the Mark III was reportedly issued in the 1970s in the Track Burners Series. These models had plastic bodies which were attached to metal baseplates.
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Tomica of Japan issued a very nice Mark IV Coupe in the late 1980s. Yat Ming also issued their similar model which was available in the early 1990s. Another model was introduced by Zeetoys/ Zylmex in their Pacesetters line that was also available in the very early 1990s.
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Matchbox produced a very nice example of the Mark V Coupe . The top was done in plastic and represented the padded vinyl tops to be found on the Mark V models. This casting was later produced in Bulgaria and released in additional colors. Some of these Bulgarian models had black, painted bases which resulted in a black grill and bumpers for the Mark V, giving it a sinister, custom look. Fidart of Brazil reportedly issued a model of the Mark V . No additional information is available.
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In 1989 Matchbox issued a very detailed model of the Town Car in their 1-75 Line. During this same time period, Matchbox also issued a plastic snap together model of a stretch Mark V limousine in their Connectables Set. Hot Wheels issued a somewhat generic model in their Mainline series in 1991 called the "Limozeen". The model is a stretch limousine and uses a Lincoln Town Car type grille. However, it should be noted that some collectors identify this model as a customized Cadillac. And I must agree the rear end does have GM attributes. But that grille is definitely from a Lincoln in the 1980s! Superior did a stretched version of the Town Car as an all-plastic model.
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In the early 1990s, Maisto produced a model of the Mark VII Hardtop. The only nonrealistic design on the model was the addition of a nonexistent hood scoop on the real car.
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Jada issued two different versions of the Town Car in 2004. The "Homie Rollers" model included an added Continental spare tire. It measures 3.25 inches in length.
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In 2004, Funline/Muscle Machines issued a Fire Car model in a customized Hollywood set. It actually is a good replica of a Lincoln Town Car.Stretch Limousine.
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In 2004, Kinsmart of Hong Kong issued a very realistic stretch limousine under their Kinsfun label. It has hinged doors and features rubber tired wheels. The baseplate identifies it as 1:52 scale ; but it appears to be closer in size to some of the 1:64 models listed above.
This completes my summary of all known Lincolns in or near the 1:64 scale range. It is very possible that one or two may have been missed, since not all models are available or known to all collectors worldwide.
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