Another Ford would takes its place as the royal Luang Prabang carriage later in the 1950's, this time a luxurious and classy Lincoln Continental. The Continental is one of the most well-respected American luxury car nameplates, to the point that Lincoln is releasing an all-new Continental sedan for 2017. This classic Conti' looked stately in white, and was in beautiful condition.
Apparently the Royal family were as much fans of the big Lincoln as I am, because they replaced the 1950's model with a mid 1960's version when it came time to upgrade. This newer Continental was wide, long, and low, with a massive hood and trunk. I can imagine the impression this massive car made as it drove through town and along the quiet country roads with the Royal family in the back and the crest and flags decorating the sides.
Unfortunately pictures were not allowed inside the museum, though it would seem that my camera slipped out of my pocket at one point (by coincidence when the guards weren't looking!), and I must have accidentally snapped a fairly well-aligned shot of the four cars...
It was a small but impressive collection of classic vehicles that seem quite out of place in calm, colonial Luang Prabang. It's nice to see these important vehicles are not only being properly stored, but also shown to the public. I only hope that if the descendants of the King see this 'stolen' picture they will issue me a Royal pardon!