Classic Car Platforms

What do you do to shake up a model that was introduced in the late 1930s? How about making a bold statement based on the Thunderbird unibody. In 1961 Lincoln continued the trend used since the MKII using less chrome, simplified the design, further lowered the already scant profile, introduced a sleek body and returned to the 1951 model rear doors hinged at the back of the car. The iconic fourth-generation Lincoln Continental was born with what came to be known as "Suicide Doors". Despite the ominous name, the doors were so cool that ever since 4th generation was retired in 1969, Lincoln engineers have been looking to bring the unique rear door configuration back. So in 2019, they did just that with a limited and special edition Lincoln Continental. Car enthusiasts of each generation can recount the moment when they first encountered the luxurious, modern design. For me, it was seeing that door open the WRONG way revealed the ever-elegant Jacqueline Kennedy. Her husband...

Designers and engineers like to create purpose vehicles, although many of us don't use the vehicle as it was intended. Most notably the G-Glass is engineered to be used off road, however, few who drop over $100K for the truck ever take it off-road. Other examples include track-ready two-seaters used as date night cars. One car looked to buck that trend and cross the line between off-road and urban commuter, the Jeep Cherokee XJ. In the process created the crossover segment that is quickly replacing the family sedan. In 1984, Jeep introduced its first unibody truck. It parted from the ladder frame used since WWII and revolutionized the market with what some consider is the first successful crossover SUV. With room for 5, four doors, a hatchback and softer suspension the truck was an instant hit. Luckily, the engineers used a lot of components from the Wrangler, including the engines, transfer cases, differentials, and axles.  The result was a comfortable and capable truck that...