1953 | Lincoln Capri

• Succesfull Mille Miglia participant in the 2024 Mille Miglia

• Mille Miglia Eligible

• A few American cars are on the official Mille Miglia entry list including this Capri

• Impressive restored example

• Desirable 205 hp V8 engine with 4 speed automatic

• Lincoln scored a 1st-2nd-3rd-4th victory in the ’52 and ’53 Carrera Panamericana road race

• Buyers of a Lincoln Capri model included Marilyn Monroe

• A full-size luxury car, the Lincoln Capri derives its name from an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples

• A unique opportunity to acquire a rare, stylish and comfortable car with which to enter the Mille Miglia

‘The first function of a fine car is outstanding performance,’ stated Lincoln’s advertising.

An American car in the Houtkamp Collection. A lot of people don’t expect that. Honestly we neither, but this example, Mille Miglia Eligible, is absolutely interesting and we were more than willing to welcome her in the collection.

Lincoln had started post-WWII production, like almost all its rivals, with revived pre-war designs, not until 1948 would there be genuinely new Lincoln models.

The luxurious Continental had gone and Lincoln’s new top-of-the-range model was the Cosmopolitan.

The following year the ‘Capri’ name was adopted for the Cosmopolitan in its two-door hardtop coupé configuration, becoming a series in its own right for 1952 when the entire range was restyled and a new 317.5cu in (5.2-liter) overhead-valve V8 introduced.

A full-size luxury car, the Lincoln Capri derives its name from an Italian island in the Gulf of Naples.

Available as a four-door sedan, two-door hardtop coupé or two-door convertible, the Capri was now Lincoln’s top-of-the-range model.

That the Lincoln Capri continued to grow in popularity is no doubt endorsed by the fact that buyers in 1955 included Marilyn Monroe.

ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE

This beautiful example of a Lincoln Capri Hardtop Coupe is finished in a classic red paintwork that contrast nicely with the Black Hardtop and the Black vinyl upholstery.

This particular example is powered by a 317ci Y-block V8 paired mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Equipment includes a power antenna, power windows, 15″ steel wheels, power steering, power drum brakes, a 12-volt starter solenoid, an analog clock, and a push-button AM radio.

This Lincoln spent most of its time in long-term storage in Arizona before being refurbished in 2005 and acquired by the former American owner in 2015.

It has been imported to Europe from the United States in February 2023.

The Capri features chrome rocker panels and roof trim to differentiate it from Cosmopolitan models, and additional styling includes a hood ornament, removed fender skirts, polished beltline trim, chrome bumpers, vertical taillamps, and a single-outlet exhaust that exits below the rear bumper.

The body-colored 15″ steel wheels are mounted with 235/75 Coker Classic whitewall tires. A full-size spare is mounted in the trunk. The car is equipped with power steering and braking is handled by power-assisted drums at all four corners.

In June 2024 this Lincoln successfully participated in the Mille Miglia.

CONDITION EXTERIOR

Please imagine how much a restoration of a car cost and then imagine how much the restoration of this very impressive car has cost.

The Lincoln is in a superb cosmetic condition. The paint can be best described as from a very high standard with a beautiful deep shine and gloss.

The body is extremely straight which is unique because the car is off-course very big.

The gaps are perfect as well.

The chrome is absolutely amazing on this car. It must have cost a fortune to bring the chrome to the current condition. Even in re-chroming there is a quality difference but this chrome is just better then excellent.

The windows as well as the lights and glass are all as new so actually the entire exterior can be described as pristine and unique due to the fact that the costs of restoration must have exceeded the current price of the car.

CONDITION INTERIOR

The interior is just as the exterior in a very good condition.
The beautiful dashboard, the seats, the carpet, the headliner and the door panels are all in a beautiful restored condition.

The cabin features front and rear bench seats upholstered in red vinyl with black pleated inserts joined by a color-coordinated dashboard, door panels, door sills, and carpets.

Equipment includes a power antenna, power windows, an analog clock, and a push-button AM radio.

Lots of chrome bits, two-tone upholstery and elegant door panels make it clear this was a premium automobile. Lincoln’s finest.

And what a nice place to spend time!

As a Capri, this was the nicest interior you could get from Ford Motor Company at the time.

ENGINE BAY

The 205 HP strong 5.2 liter V8 engine runs very well and the gearbox shifts excellent.

It features a gold air cleaner assembly, a 12-volt starter solenoid, and a four-barrel carburetor.

Again the description is positive. The engine is completely rebuilt and runs beautifully.

DRIVING EXPERIENCE

From the moment that you start the car it gives a smile on the face.

The sound is absolutely fantastic but also the seat position is as you expect and see in the American movies.

Actually it feels as you are in the cinema instead of in a car.

The Lincoln is starting immediately and runs very well. The handling is smooth and easy.

All together this is a very rare example of Lincoln Capri and one of just a few American cars on the official Mille Miglia entry list.

If this legendary race is an event you’re yet to tick off your bucket list, this special Lincoln Capri offers a unique opportunity to acquire a rare, stylish and comfortable car with which to enter the Mille Miglia at a fraction of the cost of other models.

Disclaimer

The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.