Model 76B. 300 bhp, 368 cu. in. OHV V-8 engine, three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, independent coil spring front suspension and live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 126 in.

• Lincoln’s flagship model for 1957

• A classic top-down cruiser

Although post-war automotive sales had been healthy, Ford was engaged in a cutthroat competition with General Motors, pitting their spectacular new Cadillacs against Lincoln. Lincoln received some advances beneath the skin; chief among these was the introduction of a powerful overhead-valve V-8 motor, going head to head with Cadillac in the engine bay. Proving its mettle in the Carrera Panamericana races in Mexico, this era Lincoln competed successfully with the performance-oriented Oldsmobile 98.

While Ford and Mercury were considerably freshened in time for the blockbuster five-million-car 1955 season, Lincoln held pat with a fourth year of what should have been a three-year design. As the 1956 model year dawned, however, Ford’s flagship line finally received the dramatic new styling demanded by the high end of the market.

The longer, lower, totally-redesigned, stunningly-styled, and thoroughly modern 1956 Lincoln was a worthy competitor to GM’s Cadillac. Power was provided by an upgraded overhead valve V-8 with 368-cubic inch displacement and 285 horsepower. The three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission was standard. Even at significantly higher prices, Lincoln sales reached record levels, increasing from 23,673 in 1955 to 41,531 in 1956. For the following year, the horsepower rating was upped to 300 and among the “standard options” were power seats, power steering, electric windows, and power brakes.

This example also has a Town & Country AM radio, a heater/defroster, and a padded dash. It shows 57,561 miles on the odometer and appears to be largely original, with maintenance or restoration work performed as-needed. Finished in turquoise with a white top and matching two-tone interior, this example is correct and serviceable and will make a great top-down cruiser that can be left as-is or cosmetically upgraded as its new owner so desires.