Continental tire's Slogans & Taglines

Continental kit (also referred to as a Continental tire) is an automotive accessory featuring an upright, externally-mounted spare tire located behind an automobile's trunk. The design first appeared in 1942 on Edsel Ford's Lincoln Continental, lending the feature its enduring name. By the early 1950s, the Continental kit had become a widespread fad across the North American automotive market, offered as a factory option by virtually every major manufacturer including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, Mercury, and Pontiac. Core offerings encompass both original factory-installed kits and aftermarket reproductions, with specialist manufacturers such as Continental Enterprises producing exact steel duplicates for over 200 different makes and models from 1949 through 1999. The dramatic, eye-catching appearance of the externally mounted spare wheel typifies the spirit of 1950s automotive styling, symbolising an era of bold design and luxury aspirations. Today, the Continental kit remains a highly sought-after accessory among classic car enthusiasts and restorers, serving as one of the most distinctive visual signatures of mid-century American automotive culture.