Poll: Which '59? (2/4/2026)

1. Imperial 

2. Lincoln 

3. Cadillac 

Posted by: @jack-dodds

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This is what I love about your comparisons John; in this case these cars competed in the same class/price range yet were so completely different from one another.  The way these differences impact Forumites is equally varied and I find our reasons for liking or disliking them very interesting.  USA sales stats for these three marques (all body styles) are interesting as well: shocking to me in fact *(see below).  GM was smiling all the way to the bank!  Given the outlandish, "over the top" styling of their '59 Caddy versus its comparatively conservative and very successful previous years, I would say it was a very significant gamble as to how it would be received.  I'm sure there was heated discussion in the board room before production approval was granted.  These comparison sales numbers were very similar for 1960 as well, further signifying this GM home run decision.  Cadillac sales seem to have truly dominated this segment for many years before and after 1959.

*The 1959 Imperial was a luxury, full-size vehicle, featuring a 226.3-inch length. While 17,710 units were sold, this was significantly less than competitors such as Cadillac, which sold 142,272, or Lincoln, which sold 26,906, notes Curbside Classic. 

 

Lincoln is my choice followed by the Imperial. Chris and others can gladly have the Caddy ! Thanks John ☺️

@georgeschire  I'm not a fan of any of the three, and if a gun was held to my head and I had to choose one, I'm thinking I'd tell the gun holder to pull the trigger! 

Last chance George, pick one of these gorgeous land yachts!  They're all spacious luxury for us trunk monkeys!

Three totally iconic cars from the end of the 50s - seriously what's not to like with any one of them. They each ended their excessiveness of the 50s with the best yet. 1960 saw these cars tone down a bit and by 1961 only the Imperial hung on to the past.

For me, the most iconic "right in your face" look is the Cadillac, of the three, I'd be honored to own any of them, but the Caddy is my 1st choice, followed by the Lincoln and then the Imperial.

I voted for the Lincoln. It was unibody and the largest regular production passenger car ever made in the USA. It had a 131" wheelbase! I loved the Breezeway rear window. Cadillac is #2 for me.

@jack-dodds 

LOL Jack, that's funny.  But sorry, I'm not a fan of any of the three boats offered up today.  Pull the trigger!   

@jack-dodds 

I suspect that the reason the Cadillac outsold the Imperial and the Lincoln was because of its lower base price.   

Cadillac Coupe DeVille - $5,252

Imperial Crown - $5,403

Lincoln Continental MK IV - $6,508

My choice is the majestic Continental.

@georgeschire But sorry, I'm not a fan of any of the three boats offered up today.  Pull the trigger! 

George....I'm disappointed but I understand.  How about you throw on a coat and go outside?  My associate Carmine is in the black sedan on the curb.  He'll drive you to meet me for dinner at Luigi's; their cacciatori is to die for....we'll talk......come alone.

It's a tie between the Cadillac and the Lincoln, for me.

I agree with George.  I don't like any of them. Voted no interest. 

Posted by: @jack-dodds

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@georgeschire But sorry, I'm not a fan of any of the three boats offered up today.  Pull the trigger! 

 

George....I'm disappointed but I understand.  How about you throw on a coat and go outside?  My associate Carmine is in the black sedan on the curb.  He'll drive you to meet me for dinner at Luigi's; their cacciatori is to die for....we'll talk......come alone.

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LOL Jack, I appreciate your offer to provide a one-way excursion for me.  And Carmine looks a guy who doesn't monkey around.   

@georgeschire Yeah...Carmine's a made monkey........knows the jungle so to speak.  His patch is over on Vine.

All three scream "I'm at the top of my game." For me, the '59 Cadillac and Continental are in a tie for #1.

Gents, thanks for your responses.