Chassis no. 56LA10263L

368-cid, 275-hp V-8 engine, automatic transmission, independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with leaf springs, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126-inches

In the mid-1950s, the Ford Motor Company realized that their top of the line Lincolns were no longer competing for sales with Cadillac, but rather Oldsmobile. The introduction of a fully restyled line of cars in 1956 headed by an all-new flagship, the Continental Mark II, indicated that Lincoln was gearing up to challenge Cadillac for supremacy in the American luxury field. While the Continental Mark II possessed an almost simplistic elegant beauty, the all-new Premiere acknowledged American ostentation in what was expected from a luxury automobile of that era. With styling influences borrowed from the 1954 Mercury XM-800 show car; the design was, in essence, a venerable posturing of chrome, futuristic forms and loud colors. The flamboyant design was recognized by the Industrial Designers Institute with an award for excellence in automotive design.

The Lincoln Premiere characterized the American auto industry’s dedication to luxury and comfortable, technologically-advanced motoring in the 1950s, even becoming the star of the Lincoln-Mercury-sponsored Ed Sullivan Show. Imposing in its size, it was several inches longer than its Series 62 competitor, inspiring the advertisement catchphrase, “Never before a Lincoln so long… and so longed for”.

The 1956 Lincoln was longer, lower, totally redesigned, stunningly styled, and thoroughly modern, packing an upgraded overhead-valve V-8, producing 275 horsepower and mated to a standard three-speed Turbo Drive automatic transmission. All of this came at significantly higher prices, which thrilled Lincoln devotees were willing to pay. Sales for 1956 reached record levels, rising from 23,673 cars in 1955 to 47,531 in 1956. Rarest and most expensive of all models was the Premiere Convertible.

One of 2,447 Premiere Convertibles built, the example presented here remains in remarkable condition with just 50,027 miles. It is finished in light yellow with a black convertible top boot and a matching two-tone upholstered interior. Graceful and elegant in its presence, it is complemented by tasteful chrome accents, along with certain script and badging executed in gold, plus white sidewall tires with chrome wheels, all of which appear to be highly presentable and in excellent condition. Further design cues found on the Lincoln include fender skirts, rear bumper exhaust ports, dual rearview mirrors and a rakish convertible top that makes the car look great with it either up or down. The sporty soft-top design merely extends the essential theme of the overall Lincoln design.

The condition of the interior is of the same high caliber and benefits from such added features as an optional Town and Country AM radio in its distinctive wedge-shaped dash and aircraft-inspired heater levers. Surviving in the high-end class in the mid-1950s required an abundance of gadgetry and the new 1956 Lincoln Premiere did not disappoint. Such features as power windows, four-way seat, steering and brakes were all standard fare. Safety features included improved door latches, a deeper steering wheel and padded seatbacks and door panels.