page_title: Continental tire
section_title: Models
hierarchical_section_title: Continental tire / Models
caption_attribution_description: English: Metropolitan convertible finished in all red. Photograph taken in Kenosha, Wisconsin at the car show "100th Anniversary meet Rambler (1902-2002)" that was held in the park overlooking Lake Michigan.
context_page_description: A Continental tire or a Continental kit is an upright externally-mounted spare tire located behind an automobile's trunk, made popular by the original Lincoln Continental. The term also describes a non-functional bulge that is stamped into the trunk lid or a cosmetic accessory to the rear of the car giving the impression of a spare tire mount.
context_section_description: In the United States, the external Continental tire mounting was a factory option on various types of cars during the 1950s and early 1960s. On some models – such as on the Nash Metropolitan, Jeepster Commando, and Mercury Turnpike Cruiser – the Continental tire was a standard feature. Most often, the car's rear bumper was extended and the tire had a fabric or metal cover. The bracket for the spare wheel was designed to swing away for access to the trunk.
  Contemporary examples of Continental kits are sometimes found on customized automobiles. It has become an accessory that typifies "the spirit" of the 1950s. Continental kits were also made popular by the pimpmobile craze of the 1970s, not to mention the Pimp My Ride show. Continental tires are known as 'fifth wheels' in hip hop slang. 
  Numerous compact sport utility vehicle (SUV) models of today have an exposed rear-mounted spare tire. This is no longer described as a Continental tire. However, the historic Jeep DJ "Surrey Gala" with the fringed top, seats and Continental tire mount are of colorful vinyl-coated fabrics with "candy stripes" of pink, green or blue to match solid body colors.
caption: Nash Metropolitan with continental tire mount
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