President’s Choice in 1949
Introduced as part of a complete redesign following World War II, the Cosmopolitan represented a modern, streamlined departure from pre-war models. Its very name, “Cosmopolitan,” was a deliberate choice, selected to evoke sophistication and worldliness—a reflection of Lincoln’s ambitions to appeal to well-traveled, upper-class buyers.
As Lincoln’s flagship model, it was designed to compete with other luxury cars of the era, such as Cadillac and Packard. The 1949 Cosmopolitan featured sleek, aerodynamic styling with integrated fenders and a lower, longer profile. One particularly striking design element was its rear-hinged back doors on the sedan model. These “suicide doors” added a touch of dramatic flair, although they were later discontinued industry-wide due to safety concerns. In keeping with its modern aesthetic, the Cosmopolitan’s dashboard was relatively sparse, featuring a large, easily readable speedometer—a deliberate choice to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.
The Cosmopolitan was available in several body styles, including a four-door sedan, two-door coupe, and convertible. Interestingly, Lincoln had also planned a wood-bodied station wagon variant, affectionately known as the “Woody.” Despite its potential appeal, this model never made it to production, primarily due to the high costs associated with crafting its intricate wooden body.
The 1949 Cosmopolitan was notable for its engineering innovations, including an independent front suspension that enhanced ride quality. It was powered by a 337 cubic inch (5.5 L) V8 engine producing 152 horsepower, which was considerable for the time. In a testament to its performance capabilities, a Lincoln Cosmopolitan finished third in the first-ever NASCAR strictly stock race in 1949, proving it could hold its own against purpose-built racing machines.
The Cosmopolitan was at the forefront of automotive technology. Some models were equipped with early power steering systems, making Lincoln one of the first American brands to offer this groundbreaking feature. Additionally, Lincoln experimented with a steering column-mounted automatic transmission shifter in some 1949 Cosmopolitans, years before this design became the industry standard.
The interior was luxurious, featuring high-quality materials and advanced options such as power windows and seats. In a remarkable feat of engineering, the Cosmopolitan’s back window was made in one piece—the largest single piece of curved glass in any American car at that time, offering passengers an expansive, uninterrupted view.
Perhaps most famously, the Cosmopolitan gained renown through its association with world leaders. Several specially modified 1949 Lincoln Cosmopolitans were included in the White House fleet and used as official state cars for President Harry S. Truman. These presidential limousines were equipped with additional security and comfort features, making them the first modern presidential limousines. One unique feature was a compartment in the roof that allowed Secret Service agents to stand and survey the crowd—an innovative solution for executive protection.
The Cosmopolitan’s influence extended beyond American borders. In a remarkable customization, one 1949 model was fitted with a “bubbletop” transparent plastic roof for Pope Pius XII. This unique modification allowed the public to see the Pope clearly as he was driven through the streets of Rome.
A five-year sales history can be seen at Classic.com. In-depth specifications can be found at Classiccardatabase.com. Current values can also be seen at Collectorcarmarket.com. In-depth production specifications and data can be viewed at Automobile-catalog.com. Production data can be seen at Conceptcarz.com. Some history of the early Lincolns can be read at lcoc.org.
Nadaguides.com – Average price: $8,700
Image credit – Wikipedia.org
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