In an impressive feat of automotive engineering and design, the team at Kindig-It Design transformed a 1958 Lincoln Continental, famously named “Maybellene,” into a modern luxury cruiser, blending vintage charm with contemporary innovations. This restomod (restoration-modification) project was spearheaded by Dave Kindig and his team, known for their exceptional craftsmanship and ability to take classic cars and give them a completely new lease on life. The result? A stunning, powerful machine that maintains the Lincoln’s original character while boasting 21st-century enhancements.
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The Challenge of Transforming a 1958 Lincoln Continental
The Lincoln Continental from the late 1950s was a behemoth of American automotive design—bold, flamboyant, and distinct with its canted headlights and massive fins. However, the original design posed challenges for modern driving needs. Tad Leach, the owner of “Maybellene,” approached Dave Kindig with the vision of taking this large, heavy car and turning it into a powerful, drivable, and luxurious cruiser. Together, they aimed to retain its vintage style while updating performance and comfort.
Sculpting the Classic into a Modern Masterpiece
One of the most significant visual changes involved reshaping the car’s body to modernize its flow while respecting its heritage. The team at Kindig-It made notable modifications, such as creating custom rear quarter panels that mimicked the car’s original scalloped fenders, giving it a streamlined, balanced look. Additionally, they added a custom aluminum rear panel, sleekly incorporating LED taillights—a subtle but vital touch that brought modern lighting technology to this classic.
Kindig and his team were meticulous in refining the bodywork, shaving off emblems and excess trim to simplify the car's exterior. The chosen paint for this restomod, AkzoNobel’s Teal Later, provided a vibrant, eye-catching finish that enhanced the Lincoln’s dramatic lines. The effort to keep the Lincoln’s bold 1950s design spirit alive while updating its aesthetics showcases the design prowess that Kindig is celebrated for.
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Under the Hood: A Beastly Engine for Power and Performance
Beyond its striking looks, “Maybellene” received a heart transplant to match its modern appearance. Under the hood lies a supercharged, all-aluminum 600-cubic-inch V12 engine, crafted by Ryan Falconer of Falconer Racing Engines. This powerhouse of an engine generates an astounding 940 horsepower and 1,040 lb-ft of torque, making this Lincoln a true performance machine despite its original bulky build.
Paired with a 4L80E transmission, this enormous V12 engine provides a seamless and exhilarating driving experience that brings the old-school Lincoln into the modern era of high-performance luxury cars. The combination of the engine and the updated custom frame by Art Morrison, along with adjustable suspension by AccuAir, ensures that this cruiser handles like a dream.
Interior Luxury Fit for Modern Times
The luxuriousness of “Maybellene” extends to its interior as well. In line with Kindig-It Design’s attention to detail, the interior was completely revamped with top-shelf materials. Custom upholstery by JS Custom Interiors included Bentley-grade leather in a rich Beer Foam color, ensuring that the interior matched the elegance of the car’s exterior. Every aspect of the cockpit was meticulously tailored, from the custom-made Dakota Digital gauges to the fine stitching, blending comfort with high-end style.
A Tribute to Automotive History with a Modern Twist
In many ways, the “Maybellene” project serves as a tribute to George Walker, the Ford designer behind the original Lincoln Continental. By maintaining the core elements of the 1958 design, such as the bold fenders and long, flowing body, Kindig paid homage to an era that celebrated excess and innovation in American automotive design. At the same time, Kindig’s thoughtful updates modernized the car’s aesthetics and performance, ensuring that it would stand out not only as a vintage gem but also as a contemporary marvel.
The Kindig-It team’s success with “Maybellene” lies in their ability to honor the original design while making subtle yet transformative changes. The result is a car that looks as though it has always belonged on today’s roads—a rare blend of old and new that exemplifies what the team does best. From the custom aluminum details to the luxury interiors and the monstrous engine, every element works in harmony to elevate the Lincoln from a mid-century relic to a head-turning modern cruiser.
The “Maybellene” build by Kindig-It Design is more than just a restomod—it’s a work of art that seamlessly blends the past with the present. By combining cutting-edge technology with classic design, Dave Kindig and his team were able to breathe new life into a vintage Lincoln Continental, creating a one-of-a-kind luxury cruiser that is as impressive on the road as it is in the showroom. This project is a shining example of how restomod culture can preserve the beauty of automotive history while embracing the power and comfort of modern engineering.
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