Lincoln Continental VII (Fox) photos

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.