Discontinued Cars: These Classic Chevy, Lincoln, and Cadillac Sedans Are History After 2021
The American sedan was once the gold standard of the automobile. Today, capable manufacturers the world over can compete with Detroit. In addition, the crossover is the default mode of transportation, and the sedan is an endangered species. One-by-one, Detroit is canceling its classic car badges. After 2021, three more historic Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Lincoln sedans are joining the ranks of the discontinued cars.
Cadillac CT6: The luxury flagship is now a discontinued car
The Cadillac CT6 is not a storied badge. But it did continue a legacy. The CT6 stood for Cadillac Touring 6. It was the first rear-wheel-drive full-size Cadillac sedan since the 1996 Fleetwood. When introduced in 2015, it immediately became Cadillac’s flagship car.
When we think of the Cadillac badge, we think of a long, low Cadillac car. The kind of thing Elvis Presley would paint purple, or Johnny Cash would steal–one piece at a time. It is hard to imagine Cadillac’s lineup without a full-size car. But according to Forbes, when CT6 sales lagged, General Motors ended up canceling the car and retooling the factory for the new Hummer EV. This signals a pivot to smaller, performance-oriented Cadillac sedans.
Chevrolet Impala: The sixty year old classic joins the discontinued cars
The first Chevrolet Impala rolled out of Detroit in 1958. It has been a cultural icon ever since. From lowered Impalas to drag-race-ready Impalas, fans have built every imaginable custom. The timeless Chevy Impala was a hero car in Fast and Furious 8 and again in Many Saints of Newark.
The tenth generation of the Chevrolet Impala debuted in 2014. With I4 and V6 engines, the midsize sedan was a reincarnated American classic that went toe-to-toe with the Camry and Accord. But as vehicle buyers trade in their sedans for crossovers, even the timeless Chevrolet Impala could not turn back time.
Lincoln Continental: The end is here for an American icon
The Lincoln Continental isn’t just a badge. The Lincoln Continental is a symbol. Its been a symbol of American manufacturing and elegance since 1939. By the late 1960s, Ford was considering ending Lincoln. Instead, they poured all their resources into a single model: the iconic 1961 Lincoln Continental with its rear-hinged rear doors. This dramatic, imposing car won awards and put Lincoln back on the map. It has staying power and has appeared as a gangster car in films from James Bond to Hit & Run.
In 2017, Ford unveiled a tenth generation of the famed Continental. Every one of the full-size luxury cars came with a V6 engine. These ranged from a 2.7-Liter Ecoboost to the 3.7-Liter Cyclone. It was available as FWD or–for the first time in a Lincoln Continental–AWD. Though the Continental’s tenth-generation was shortlived, it made its own impact. Lincoln engineered a rear-hinged rear door prototype of the newest Continental. The prototype made a splash at the auto shows. It even delivered Serena Williams to the Met Gala. Sadly, sales continue to slump in favor of the Lincoln Navigator. Thus, the Lincoln Continental is canceled yet again.
