1920s Lincoln Automobile Ads

Here is a fascinating collection of Lincoln car ads from the 1920s, showcasing the elegance, engineering, and artistry that helped establish Lincoln as a premier automotive name during this decade. These vintage ads not only highlight the luxurious appeal of models like the Berline Landaulet, the Cabriolet, and the 4 Passenger Coupe but also capture the aesthetic sensibilities and lifestyle aspirations of the roaring twenties.

One particularly striking ad features a beautifully illustrated family leaning against their Lincoln automobile, watching a biplane gracefully soar through the sky. This imagery reflects the 1920s ethos: a time of technological innovation, social change, and a fascination with the possibilities of flight and movement. Automobiles like the Lincoln were status symbols for the wealthy, embodying sophistication and modernity.

The Lincoln Motor Company, acquired by Ford in 1922, was at the forefront of luxury car production during this period. Under Edsel Ford’s artistic vision, Lincoln combined masterful craftsmanship with stylish design. By the mid-1920s, Lincoln’s reputation for producing reliable, opulent vehicles rivaled luxury European brands. Ads like these helped cement the brand’s connection to wealth, elegance, and technological advancement.

For instance, the Berline Landaulet model, featured in one of these ads, was a luxurious enclosed car with a distinctive design that blended function and fashion seamlessly. The Cabriolet, another highlight of the decade, offered a convertible model with charm and versatility, while the 4 Passenger Coupe exuded an understated elegance that appealed to affluent families.

These advertisements did more than simply showcase the cars. They painted Lincoln automobiles as an extension of a modern lifestyle—gracious living infused with the glamour of the Jazz Age. Visually, the artwork often featured sharp architectural lines and refined color palettes, echoing the dominance of Art Deco design that defined much of 1920s culture.

It’s important to note that while cars like Lincoln exuded luxury, they were unattainable for much of the population during the 1920s. This exclusivity paired perfectly with the advertising campaigns. By leaning into aspirational marketing, manufacturers elevated their automobiles to objects of desire, not just tools of utility. Driving a Lincoln symbolized having truly “arrived.”

The 1920s were an era of immense transformation in America, and cars like Lincoln vehicles played a pivotal role in reshaping the nation’s mobility, culture, and aspirations. These ads are more than simple marketing pieces—they’re glimpses into a decade of glamour, innovation, and societal shifts where the automobile transitioned from a luxury to a cornerstone of the American Dream for those who could afford it.

Have a favorite ad from this collection? One of mine remains the serene scene of the family marveling at the biplane—a visual reminder of how technologies of the sky and land were ushering in a new age of marvels.