Lincoln introduced the Capri for the 1952 model year as a premium variant of the two-door Cosmopolitan, coinciding with a complete change in design across its lineup.

The nameplate would span three generations and cease production after the 1959 model year.

Large and luxurious with V-8 power, the Capri competed against the Cadillac Series 62, Chrysler New Yorker, and Packard Patrician.

From 1952 through 1955, it was virtually indistinguishable from the less-expensive Cosmopolitan—and later, the Custom Series—save for minor trim variances.

In 1956, the Capri was restyled with design elements inspired by the futuristic XL-500 and XM-800 concept cars.

With the introduction of the Lincoln Premiere that year, the Capri replaced the Cosmopolitan as the standard Lincoln in the product line—with the two again being distinguished only by subtle trim variances.

The 1958 model year brought another redesign before its last production year in 1959, which saw the Capri slightly shrink in size—...