Lincoln Continental 1968

This car-once called the, epitome of automotive design-has slid a little further down the ladder. Fiddling with sheet metal changes over the past few years has done a lot to take the edge off the basic tasteful lines of the Continental. The only engine available is a 340-hp, 462 cu. in., derivative of the 390/428 series. It's unchanged from last year except for the new "Improved Combustion Emission Control System" and a dual diaphragm distributor that allows a leaner fuel/air mixture at normal cruising. This cuts down the gas bill, but the proud owner of a $6000, 221-inch, 5200-lb. car probably couldn't care less what his gas bill is.

For all its size and weight the Continental handles well, due largely to the 62-inch track. Cornering under power induces sizeable amounts of understeer and lots of tire squeal-but with the air conditioning on and the power windows rolled up, only pedestrians will hear it. And with front disc brakes the car stops quickly and in a straight line. Although not the visual standout of old, the Continental is still one of America's best luxury cars.