I find the basic proportions of the 500 & Montego to be excellent - just 8 little modifications.

- They should be able to get the length down to just under 197" pretty easily by trimming that huge trunk (a sport model can do with a bit fewer cubes there, maybe raise it up a tad for looks and packaging) and just be disciplined with the front.

- Forget the command seating. Lower & square-off the roof! Let its big brother compete with Carnegie Hall. As long as 'my' D385 can seat 4 adults in pure comfort, that's fine... and base it on this version:

- Also the roof should have 2 options - aluminum (part of a sport pkg., hood too) as well as the glass Vistaroof.

- A better profile - use some of the corporate technology shown in the innovative Volvo SCC to achieve a coupe/hardtop look with a hidden B-pillar (attachment 1), and add a little kick-up in the rear quarter beltline (60's Continental).

- Use the Aviator concept grille in a bottom-breather style for just a hint of Quattroporte.

- Hidden headlites - maybe behind the grille work, leaving just an LED fog-turnsignal combo that's even slicker than the MkS.

- Make the hood deeply sculpted (sorta an exagerated production-Zephyr style, attachment 2) and have the logo on the hood, not the grille. Possibly add some very very subtle hood scoops on either side of the logo, functional on the turbo.

- Rear styling - there's sooo much to choose from (just don't look at any production Lincoln!) See attachments 3,4,5 for some ideas from Mr. Nesbitt, just file off the sharp edges. Or how about the tail of the 49 concept? easily elegant enough for a Lincoln! with or without a Continental kit

Oh... #9: NO BEIGE PAINT - offer 24k gold if they must, metallic cream ok, but NO BEIGE!

Bold yet elegant (and able to really move) is what I was aiming for... did I describe it right?
You know, I'd almost rather see the Continental name used on this than the E386...
but my favorite is still H.R.L. !!

part deux