Lot 107

Amelia Island 2018

1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible

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$86,240 USD | Sold

United States | Amelia Island, Florida

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Chassis No.
56WA20039L
  • Formerly of the Eugene Beardslee collection
  • Very rare and desirable convertible model
  • Beautiful Hibernia restoration in wonderful colors

Lincoln was the sole U.S. make (other than Rambler) to offer a complete restyle in 1956, nearly doubling sales. Inspired by the Futura show car, the cars were seven in. longer, three in. wider, and had sharp angular lines. Lincoln finally caught up with other manufacturers and offered a wraparound windshield for the first time, the biggest in the industry. The Premiere was Lincoln's new top-of-the-line and featured a unique eight-pointed star medallion that was located liberally on the exterior of the car along with gold Premiere nameplates. There was no mistaking what car this was!

The company boldly referred to the car as "the longest, lowest, most powerful, most wanted Lincoln of all time." Ads claimed that women considered Lincoln "easier to drive than even a small car." This was in no small attempt to play catch-up with rival Cadillac and broaden its market appeal, yet sales remained only a third that of Cadillac. In addition to the updated styling, the Premiere rode on a new chassis with full box-section rails, while the True-Power V-8 engine grew to 368 cu. in. and 285 hp with dual exhausts.

The Premiere convertible offered here is a very well-preserved restoration by the late Robert Turnquist's Hibernia Auto Restorations for well-known collector, Eugene Beardslee. It is finished in vivacious Admiralty Blue with tan and chocolate leather upholstery; all instruments and accessories (radio, heater, clock, power windows, power seat, and power antenna) are reported to be in excellent working order, and the car runs and drives well. It is one of the finest examples of this rare model to be offered in some time.