Classic Car Overview
Limousines have been a staple of automobile production since the early 1900s, although making up a very small percentage of total production. Nearly all early cars were custom coach built is small numbers all usually special ordered for well-heeled clientele. As decades passed, and manufacturing processes improved, limousines started to be honed by premier suppliers, mainly Cadillac in the post war era. Ford Motor Company had exited the luxury limousine market altogether as executives in Dearborn found themselves plenty busy with other automobile segments. This absence of Ford-Lincoln in the niche limousine market hadnt gone unnoticed by two savvy, young Chicago entrepreneurs by the name of George Lehmann and Robert Peterson. In a chance meeting in 1962, both being race car enthusiasts, Lehmann met chief mechanic Peterson to help him repair a damaged race car he had owned, and the two instantly connected. During their early friendship, the idea of converting the luxurious Lincoln Continental into a proper limousine was born, with their first prototype was created using a brand new 1963 model year sedan. It would be cut and extended 34 at the center creating a 160 wheelbase, with a plush rear passenger compartment with seats facing one another for easy conversation, a proper refreshment bar with hidden ice bin, center divider window, and rear controlled air conditioning. Lehmann had arranged for the finished prototype car to be delivered directly to Dearborn for Ford executives to review and test for consideration of going into full production. The executives were initially concerned about the overall integrity and safety of the new frame section, so testing was thorough. And after extensive use and over 40,000 test miles, all concerns were put to rest. Ford was very impressed with the conversion and a contract was signed with Lehmann-Peterson for immediate production, and the prototype sent for showcase at the 1964 International Auto Show in New York. Sales orders would be taken directly through Lincoln dealerships. It nevertheless remained a very exclusive product, with production over the next 7 years totaling approximately 600 units. Owners included celebrities Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, Spencer Tracy, Robert Vaughn, Victor Borge, business magnate Aristotle Onasis, and even Senator Robert Kennedy. When the Pope toured the United States in 1964, he rode in a specially configured Lehmann-Peterson Lincoln Popemobile! Rock stars included the Rolling Stones, The Supremes, and Elvis Presley, all private owners as well! Even the movie screen showcased one in the James Bond movie, Thunderball, in 1965. They were not inexpensive, as the traditional price tag of a Lincoln Continental was approximately $6,000, and the limousine conversion by Lehmann-Peterson increased that investment amount nearly three times! They were produced into early 1970 before the contract with Ford-Lincoln came to an end. Known survivors total less than 150 examp
