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.

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, seats, steering and brakes were all standard fare. Safety features included improved door latches, a deeper steering wheel and padded seatbacks and door panels. With its lavish outfitting and fresh new styling, the Premiere was aimed squarely at the Cadillac Series 62 DeVille. Although period advertisements described the Premiere as “Unmistakably Lincoln”, it shared little with its predecessors and the exceptional improvements to the platform would prove to be a resounding success.

Few would disagree that the Convertible Coupe is the most attractive and desirable model in the Premiere line. Only 2,447 convertibles were built of this one year only design, compared to nearly 40,000 total coupes and sedans. Based on a 126-inch wheelbase chassis, the Premiere was fitted with a 368-cid, 258-hp V-8 engine mated to a three-speed automatic transmission. Independent front suspension with coil springs, live axle rear suspension with leaf springs and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes completed the mechanical framework. The bodywork is graceful and elegant; it is complemented by tasteful chrome and stainless accents and white-sidewall tires with the proper wheel covers. All of which appear to be highly presentable and in excellent condition.

This Lincoln is finished in Island Coral with a white convertible top and boot with a matching two-tone upholstered interior. The condition of the interior is of the same high-caliber and benefits from such added features as an optional radio in its distinctive wedge-shaped dash and aircraft-inspired heater levers. Other factory options on this car include the classic Continental spare-tire mounting and dual spotlights with integral mirrors. The Lincoln Premiere Convertible characterized the American auto industrys dedication to luxury, comfort and technology to advance motoring in the 1950s.