Signé Magazine
Browse
  • Horology
  • Automotive
  • Fashion
    • Accessories
    • Gear
    • Insider
  • Art & Design
  • Lifestyle
    • Dining
    • Grooming
    • Hotel & Spa
    • Property
    • Travel
  • More
    • Auctions
    • Philanthropy
Search
Signé Magazine
Signé Magazine
  • Horology
  • Automotive
  • Fashion
    • Accessories
    • Gear
    • Insider
  • Art & Design
  • Lifestyle
    • Dining
    • Grooming
    • Hotel & Spa
    • Property
    • Travel
  • More
    • Auctions
    • Philanthropy
  • Uncategorized

Decoding the History of Lincoln

  • October 17, 2019
  • 2 minute read

Years of hearsay and guesstimates have shrouded the Lincoln name and emblem in mystery. Why did engineer and founder Henry M. Leyland chose Lincoln as the marque’s name when it would’ve been just as easy to call it Leyland? And what exactly does the Lincoln logo represent – a cross, a star, a compass, a coat of arms shield?

As it turns out, when Leyland founded the company more than a century ago, he chose to name it after the first President of the United States (POTUS) he had ever voted for – over five decades earlier – Abraham Lincoln, the 16th leader to sit in the American hot seat, arguably most notably remembered for abolishing slavery and modernising the U.S. economy.

1922 Lincoln Sport Roadster Model

Such was Leyland’s admiration for the self-taught former lawyer that, in 1922, five years after founding the company that bore Abraham Lincoln’s name, a statue was erected in his honour in front of Detroit, Michigan’s Lincoln plant. Though the effigy was later donated to the Detroit Public Library, the one term president’s legacy lives on through the brand that embodies strong heritage, power, and presidential class.

The history of Lincoln’s logo, however, has often proved more difficult to pin down. Having at one time been simple but stylish lettering, perhaps the leaping greyhound – embodying speed, stamina, and grace – of the 1920s’ Model L is the furthest removed from the current iconic four-pointed emblem. But the story behind the current star is decidedly short, and elegantly humble.

1923 Lincoln final assembly area
1923 Lincoln Motor Plant

“Today’s four-point star badge was originally designed in 1955 for the 1956 Continental Mark II,” said Jamie Myler, research archivist for Ford Motor Company Archives. “Though at the time, the design team, led by John Reinhart and Gordon Buehrig, hadn’t actually determined that a new emblem would even be used when the board of directors requested to be shown sketches the following day.”

The short time frame and quick turn-around inspired former Ford stylist Robert Thomas to design the star overnight, which met immediate unanimous approval.

Thomas’s remit was modest: create a simple, elegant design for an elegant car. And so, a star was born.

Though it has seen minor adjustments through the decades, that iconic four-pointed emblem holds true to its simple elegance, evoking a sense of luxury, and still sits proudly on every Lincoln that rolls off the production line, more than sixty years later.   
     

Related Topics
  • Henry M. Leyland
  • Lincoln
You May Also Like
MB&F LMSequentialEVO
View Post
  • Uncategorized

MB&F Legacy Machine Sequential EVO Sets Impressive Benchmarks

  • June 2, 2022
Theon Design
View Post
  • Uncategorized

A Peek Into Theon Design, UK’s Leading Classic 911 Restomod Specialist

  • May 30, 2022
Hublot Big Bang Samuel Ross
View Post
  • Uncategorized

The Limited-Edition Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross

  • May 25, 2022
Ferrari BR20
View Post
  • Uncategorized

The One Of A Kind Ferrari BR20

  • November 14, 2021
Rolls Royce Black Series Ghost
View Post
  • Uncategorized

The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost

  • November 13, 2021
2022 Mercedes-AMG SL
View Post
  • Uncategorized

The 2022 SL Becomes An AMG Only Model

  • November 11, 2021
Mercedes AMG GLB35
View Post
  • Uncategorized

GLB 35 4MATIC – AMG’s Latest Addition To Its “GL” Lineup

  • November 8, 2021
Bentley Mulliner Bacalar and Blower
View Post
  • Uncategorized

Bentley Mulliner Is Set To Deliver The First Bacalar And Blower Cars

  • November 1, 2021
FEATURED POSTS
  • The Crossing - Grand Master Chef Imtiaz Qureshi
    Master Chef Imtiaz Qureshi To Take Command At The Crossing In April
    • 30.03.23
    • 2 min
  • RM Sothebys Michael Schumacher Ferrari F1-2000 Chassis 198
    Michael Schumacher’s F1 Ferrari Is Up For Sale
    • 29.03.23
    • 5 min
  • Phillips x Bacs & Russo exhibition of last Qing Emperor Artefacts
    The Last Qing Emperor’s Artefacts, A Phillips Exhibition
    • 29.03.23
    • 4 min
  • Patek Philippe Grand Complications Sky Moon Tourbillon – Ref 6002G-001 sold at Christie's
    Patek Philippe ‘Sky Moon Tourbillon’ Breaks Record At Christie’s Online Sale
    • 28.03.23
    • 2 min
  • Breitling 6 New Premier Models 2023
    Breitling’s 6 New Premiers Celebrate 80 Years of The Historic Chronograph
    • 28.03.23
    • 4 min
Follow Us
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Make your Inbox more interesting.

Every alternate week get a packaged update from the world of luxury. A newsletter tastefully curated by the 'Keepers of Craft', Signé Magazine.

Signé Magazine
  • Contact Us
Keepers of Craft

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

 

Loading Comments...