1951 Lincoln Cosmopolitan Convertible
Only 857 examples of Lincoln’s Cosmopolitan Convertible were produced in 1951, making it among the rarest configurations in the marque’s postwar lineup.
This final year of the envelope-body design introduced in 1949 brought subtle refinements, including a revised grille with a center horizontal section and five vertical louvers.
The signature sunken headlamps remained unchanged, providing visual continuity with earlier examples. These details helped distinguish the 1951 models while retaining the formal presence that defined the Cosmopolitan name.
Built on a 121-inch wheelbase, the Cosmopolitan shared its basic body structure with Mercury but distinguished itself through more refined trim and a larger 337 cubic-inch flathead V-8 producing 154 horsepower.
A GM-sourced Hydra-Matic automatic transmission came standard, along with independent front suspension, rear leaf springs, and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.
A 1950 dashboard redesign carried over, placing the speedometer directly in front of the driver, fitting for a car that period testing showed could exceed 100 mph. Power-assisted features and generous interior appointments reinforced its position at the top of Lincoln’s lineup.
The model’s capabilities impressed beyond luxury circles. Johnny Mantz finished ninth overall in the 1950 Carrera Panamericana driving a Lincoln, and the White House ordered 19 examples for presidential and government service.
A Lincoln Cosmopolitan also recorded fuel economy of approximately 25 mpg during the March 1951 Mobil Economy Run, an impressive showing for a full-size luxury convertible powered by a V-8.
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