2. Lincoln Continental (1961)
Debuting in January 1961, Ford’s revamped Continental stunned audiences with its slab-sided profile and iconic “suicide” rear doors. Beneath the 216-inch body lay a 430-cubic-inch V8 cranking out 300 hp, propelling the car from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds—a brisk time for a 4,500-pound luxury liner.
Its 122-inch wheelbase delivered a serene, cushioned ride, while the minimalist dashboard and bucket seats embraced drivers in true Lincoln style. With a base MSRP of $5,900, the ’61 Continental represented high-end American luxury, famously serving as the presidential limo for John F. Kennedy until that tragic November day in 1963.