Lincoln Continental VII (Fox) gallery (1982–1987)

Reinvented as a mid-size luxury sedan on the Fox platform, the seventh-generation Continental featured bustle-back styling and pioneering air suspension.

All photos 121 I 0 1939–1948 II (Mark II) 0 1955–1957 III (Mark III / IV / V) 0 1958–1960 IV 0 1961–1969 V 0 1970–1979 VI (Panther) 0 1980–1981 VII (Fox) 0 1982–1987 VIII (FN9 / D186) 0 1988–1994 IX (FN74) 0 1995–2002 X (D544) 28 2016–2020

Re-engineered for 1982 on a long-wheelbase version of Ford's unibody Fox platform, the seventh-generation Continental shifted into the mid-size luxury arena to challenge the Cadillac Seville. Sold solely as a four-door sedan, it was defined by its distinctive 'bustle-back' rear decklid with an embossed spare-tire contour and two-tone paint schemes. Powertrains included a 3.8-liter Essex V6 and the ubiquitous 5.0-liter (302 cid) Windsor V8 with multiport electronic fuel injection, alongside an exceptionally rare 2.4-liter BMW inline-six turbodiesel offered for 1984–1985. Power was routed to the rear wheels via a four-speed AOD automatic. Technological highlights were extensive: in 1984, the Continental introduced an electronically controlled four-wheel air suspension system that automatically adjusted ride height, followed by standard ABS in 1985. Designer editions by Givenchy and Valentino added high-fashion appeal for the North American market throughout its six-year production cycle.