Is a Lincoln convertible the comeback we didn’t know we needed?

You're gliding along the smooth asphalt of the Pacific Coast Highway. The top is down and the fresh ocean breeze washes through your hair. Dire Straits' Sultans Of Swing echoes crisply through the Revel high-fidelity sound system and you feel the raucous rumble of a 500 horsepower, 5.0L Coyote V8 under your right foot. You try to fight the urge to smile, but you're helpless against the charm of your sparkling, brand new Lincoln cabriolet, and a proud grin forms on your face. You've made it.

A convertible Lincoln makes a clear statement

People who drive Lincoln convertibles understand that the greatest things in life are not empirically measurable. Whether it be love, vengeance, or the unshakeable belief that V8 engines possess souls, the nature of our deepest desires has always been an elusive subject. Sure, a turbocharged V6 or a plug-in hybrid powertrain might waste less fuel and make less noise, but comparing those to the soul of a Detroit-built V8 is like comparing Taylor Swift to Bob Seger.

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Don't get me wrong, I adore Taylor Swift, and there is certainly a time and a place for turbocharged, small-displacement engines and hybrid powertrains. They are economical, sensible, and can still be plenty of fun, but when I'm in the mood for old time for rock and roll, don't try to take me to a disco. Sometimes there really is no replacement for displacement. 

The renders included in this article have been created using generative text-to-photo artificial intelligence software and its extensive editing resources. Using official automotive press images as canvases, we imagine the visual possibilities of a contemporary Lincoln cabriolet.

Maybe it's just a case of Golden Age Thinking – the idea that a different period of time is better than the present – that has convinced me that a brand-new, V8-powered, two-door convertible from Lincoln would be an even remotely sound idea in the social climate of 2024. That may be so, but hasn't the use of nostalgia to generate excitement become common practice in the automotive industry these days? 

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There are far too many examples to list of recently-released vehicles that are styled and marketed in such a way that play directly off of collective nostalgia. The Ford Motor Company is no stranger to this strategy, just look at the Bronco Heritage Edition and the Mustang GT California Special. It's a tactic that has worked well for the automaker so far, so why not try it out with a Lincoln? As their lineup dwindles into irrelevance, it's a move that would generate some much-needed excitement for the brand. 

A convertible Lincoln could evoke nostalgia, but could it hold up to modern expectations?

First and foremost, a new Lincoln convertible with a V8 would be expected to perform. Aiming its sights directly at the Lexus LC500 and the Mercedes-AMG SL43, the Ford Mustang Dark Horse's powertrain would be the perfect suitor to compete against the Lincoln's imported rivals. Pumping out 500 horsepower and 418 lb-ft of torque, the naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8 is certainly no slouch. 

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That being said, it takes more than sheer power to compete these days. Thankfully, Ford's contemporary DC2 platform that underpins the Mustang is more athletic than ever, having proved its abilities in GT3, GT4, and NASCAR racing championships, and would make for an excellent base. Using Ford's rapid-shifting 10-speed automatic transmission to send the V8's vicious power to the rear wheels (or potentially all four), Lincoln's new convertible would have no trouble keeping up with its rivals. 

Not simply a rocket, a Lincoln convertible must also be supremely comfortable and distinctly elegant

Throughout Lincoln's lengthy history of crafting prestigious automobiles driven by the likes of American presidents and The King – Elvis Presley – himself, superior comfort and dominating road presence have become essential ingredients of a successful Lincoln. A contemporary Lincoln convertible would take advantage of the brand's wonderful modern interiors, laden with exquisite materials, plush massaging bucket seats, and ergonomic dashboard layouts. 

Space is a virtue that Lincolns often behold, and the brand's convertible offerings are no exception. Ample seating for four adults and enough trunk space for at least two sets of golf clubs are essential. Large, cushiony seats will offer La-Z Boy levels of comfort matched with advanced electronically-adjustable lumbar support.  

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Since it will often be open for the world to see, a Lincoln convertible's interior upholstery and materials should be second to none. Current interiors are draped in Deepsoft leather, an immensely soft material created by Bridge of Weir in Scotland, exclusively for Lincoln. Combining this high-end material with easy-on-the-eye two-tone colour schemes would offer an interior environment to give Genesis and Mercedes-Benz a run for their money. 

By offering a boutique cabriolet, buyers might take Lincoln seriously once again

It's disconcerting to see a brand once known for its extravagantly luxurious sedans, coupes, and convertibles essentially become a lineup of Ford crossovers with extra chrome and upgraded leather. This sentiment has resonated with buyers too, as seen by the company's decreasing yearly sales figures. It's time for Lincoln to do something brave and exciting – a Mustang-based cabriolet could be just that. 

Old-school rock & roll, vinyl discs, and film cameras are all remnants of a bygone era these days, but they are all just as popular today as ever. It seems these days that everything beloved from the past is being revived and adapted for modern audiences. From Singer's air-cooled Porsche 911 resto-mods to Top Gun: Maverick, nostalgia is at an all-time high, and it could be the key to success for revitalizing Lincoln's reputation.

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Could Lincoln have a chance at reinvigorating its audience appeal by introducing more exciting models into its lineup, or is the brand destined to continue its descent into eventual failure by exclusively peddling tarted up Ford Explorers? Tell us what you think in the comments – your opinion is important to us!