Lincoln C: 2009 compact concept car
Lincoln C — the 2009 compact luxury concept car unveiled in Detroit with rear-hinged doors that open to the opposite side. This was an attempt to show what a smaller Lincoln could look like.
Lincoln C in brief
The Lincoln C was a five-door compact concept introduced at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. It envisioned a smaller, more economical Lincoln tailored for city drivers.
The design stood out above the typical hatchback, with distinctive Lincoln grille slats and large alloy wheels.
History and development
The concept pointed to a new direction: luxury in a compact package. Its standout feature was the 'Coach Door' style rear doors that opened backwards, making access to the rear seats more convenient.
The interior featured the 'Ford Sync' system, which introduced a virtual assistant. This reflected the technological trends of the time.
Technical specs
According to the reveal, the car was to have a 2.0 l EcoBoost four-cylinder engine capable of around 180 HP, and a six-speed automatic transmission.
This combination suited the compact car's purpose: dynamic yet economical. Exact specifications depended on the concept's description.
Value and where to see it
The Lincoln C never made it to production, but it showed that Lincoln was considering the possibility of a compact luxury model. Later, in 2013, the MKC concept paved the way for a production model.
The car was shown at a US auto show but never went into production.
A step towards the production model
The concept has no trims; we show a later direction.
Lincoln C
2009 model yearA compact concept with 'Coach Door' rear doors
- Rear-hinged rear doors
- 2.0-litre EcoBoost
- Digital cabin management
MKC konceptas
2013 model yearThe next step towards a smaller Lincoln SUV
- Compact class
- The luxurious Lincoln interior
- The path to the production MKC
The Lincoln C and compact luxury rivals
| Lincoln C | Audi A3 | BMW 1 serija | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Concept | Production model | Production model |
| Body | Five-door, smaller | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Produced | No | Yes | Yes |
The Lincoln C doesn't have a direct production equivalent, but it shows that compact luxury models caught the attention of US manufacturers too.
Pros
- The original 'Coach Door' solution
- Compact luxury model
- Intriguing digital cabin
- Influenced later thoughts on Lincoln compacts
Cons
- Production never started
- No details on all parameters
- Not seen in showrooms
Frequently asked questions
Can you buy a Lincoln C?
No, it was a concept car.
What makes the Lincoln C special?
Rear-hinged doors and luxury features in a compact body.
Did the Lincoln C eventually go into production?
Not directly, but the 2013 MKC concept paved the way for a production model.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically





























