Sixth Generation (1980)
See also: Lincoln Town Car and Lincoln Continental Mark VIIn order to meet federal fuel economy standards, the Continental underwent downsizing for the 1980 model year (three years after Cadillac). For the first time, Lincoln shared a common platform (the Ford Panther platform) with full-size Ford and Mercury sedans. In the redesign, the Continental shed fourteen inches in length, two inches in width, ten inches in wheelbase, and nearly a half-ton in weight; downsizing had brought some models of the Continental to within 200 pounds of the curb weight of the Versailles (marketed as a compact car). The Panther platform also served as the basis for the all-new Mark VI, a coupe sharing the wheelbase of the Ford LTD as well as the first 4-door Mark-series sedan. Gone forever was the 400 Ford 335 engine, replaced with the 302 cid 5.0 Windsor, the smallest engine in a Lincoln since the 292 cid Lincoln-Zephyr V12, last seen in 1948. The 351 cid Windsor was a relatively rare one year only option available in 1980. More important by far in the total Continental powertrain picture was the new 4-speed Automatic Overdrive Transmission (AOD). Developed under the name Ford Integral Overdrive (FIOD), this industry-first featured both a mechanically engaged overdrive (0.67/1 ratio) fourth gear and third and fourth gear torque converter lock-up. When combined with weight reduction this more-efficient powertrain provided the 1980 Lincoln and Mark with the best year-to-year fuel economy improvement (38%) in Ford history. The introduction of a standard overdive transmission enabled Lincoln to leap its competitors, going from the company with the worst CAFE rating to the most fuel-efficient full-size car sold.
During the 1970s, the Town Car trim level on the Continental had become increasingly popular, and in 1981, the Town Car took its place as Lincoln's standard full-size car. For 1981, the Continental name went on a brief hiatus, as it was to appear on an entirely different car the next year as Lincoln sought to expand its lineup beyond full-size cars. The only appearance of the Continental for 1981 was as the Mark VI coupe and sedan.
| 1979–1980 Comparison | 1979 Continental | 1980 Continental |
|---|---|---|
| Wheelbase | 127.2 in (3,231 mm) | 117.4 in (2,982 mm) |
| Overall Length | 233.0 in (5,918 mm) | 219.2 in (5,568 mm) |
| Width | 79.9 in (2,029 mm) | 78.1 in (1,984 mm) |
| Height | 55.4 in (1,407 mm) | 56.1 in (1,425 mm) |
| Front Headroom | 38.1 in (968 mm) | 39.0 in (991 mm) |
| Front Legroom | 42.0 in (1,067 mm) | 42.1 in (1,069 mm) |
| Front Hip Room | 56.0 in (1,422 mm) | 56.6 in (1,438 mm) |
| Front Shoulder Room | 61.2 in (1,554 mm) | 60.7 in (1,542 mm) |
| Rear Headroom | 38.6 in (980 mm) | 38.1 in (968 mm) |
| Rear Legroom–ins. | 42.0 in (1,067 mm) | 43.3 in (1,100 mm) |
| Rear Hip Room | 60.6 in (1,539 mm) | 57.8 in (1,468 mm) |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 61.1 in (1,552 mm) | 60.7 in (1,542 mm) |
| Luggage Capacity | 21.2 cu ft (600 L) | 22.4 cu ft (634 L) |
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