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.

An automotive writer of the era observed that no other car seemed quite as natural in convertible form than a Lincoln; and with the design of the 1956 Lincoln Premiere, you can easily see the car he had in mind. When you crown its flowing lines with a rakish convertible top, it is simply the extension of the essential Lincoln theme of design; stylish and ready for action.

The 1956 Lincoln was totally redesigned: longer, lower, stunningly styled, and thoroughly modern. It was packing an upgraded overhead-valve V-8, producing 275 horsepower, and measuring 368 cubic inches and mated to a standard three-speed Turbo Drive automatic transmission. All of this came at significantly higher prices of nearly $5,000, 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, this exceptional example was professionally restored by Harbor Auto Restoration in Pompano Beach, Florida during the course of 2001-2002 with outstanding results. An excellent candidate for restoration when the current owner took possession; the Lincoln is reported as being acquired with the original paint, original top, original tires, original interior, and low miles.

A multiple time winner in many venues that includes Antique Automobile Club of America National Junior and Senior awards, AACA Grand National awards, Lincoln and Continental Owners Club National Firsts with 100 out of 100 points scored twice, LCOC Best of Show “Bell Trophy” in 2002 in Ventura, California, Rocky Mountain Concours Best in Class, and at the Concours d’Elegance of America at St. John’s with a Best in Class in 2013, plus winning the Meguiar’s Best Reflection award the same year.

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. Additional equipment includes power top, automatic headlight dimmer, push-button lubricator, Town and Country AM radio, and driver’s side spotlight/mirror. The proper spare, jack, and liner are found in the trunk.

With a great show of detail throughout; the Lincoln is finished in code 16 Amethyst with an Amethyst and Black interior, plus a Black soft-top with an Amethyst top boot. Outstanding and distinctive brightwork decorates the car on the lower sides, including the rear fender skirts. Factory fits and finishes are seen throughout.

When Motor Life magazine first tested the 1956 Lincoln Premiere in October 1955, author Ken Fermoyle concluded that “from both a styling and engineering standpoint the car has a lot of interesting things to offer…..Lincoln should keep its old friends and very possibly find a lot of new ones.” Old friend or new, this desirable Lincoln awaits.