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| This 1953 Lincoln Capri has lost the "Dagmar" bumper guards and quarter-panel protrusions that were among its few original adornments. All photos by visitcuba.com. |
But you will occasionally come across a fine Lincoln, especially in Havana. That's where the team from visitcuba.com spotted this 1953 Lincoln Capri convertible, not far from the Hotel Presidente on Calle G. (Interestingly, Havana is also home to a Hotel Lincoln and a Hotel Capri – the latter built by U.S. mobsters who could well have been chauffeured about in Lincolns or Cadillacs.)
The Capri was Lincoln's top model from 1952 to '54, with a new ball-joint front suspension, recirculating-ball power steering and a hearty 317.5-cubic-inch V-8.
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| Does it still have its original overhead-valve V-8 engine with four-barrel Holley carburetor? |
Understated styling – and a close resemblance to Ford's lower-priced Mercury sedans – didn't help the big Lincoln in the sales wars with the flashier Cadillac. But it earned a name as a solid and fast car by dominating Mexico's famous open road race, the Carrera Panamericana.
This Capri, tomato-red paint nicely set off by its wide-whites, is one of 2,372 convertibles made that year.
This Capri, tomato-red paint nicely set off by its wide-whites, is one of 2,372 convertibles made that year.
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| Stretched fenders suggest Continental Kit was a factory accessory, not an add-on. |
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