Despite being the second year of an all-new body/chassis, the 1957 Lincoln was extensively updated in order to remain competitive with Cadillac and Imperial, which were both all-new. The Premiere Convertible remained at the top of the order and Lincoln’s most expensive car, at $5,381. Prices jumped a whopping $781 from 1956, which paralleled that of its competitors. Styling changes were most extensive at the rear of the vehicle and included higher fins and flared quarter panels, tail lamps, bumper, and lower back panel applique. Up front was a new grille, a revised bumper, and a newly legal four-headlight “Quadra-Lite” arrangement.

Engine improvements included a higher compression ratio, with horsepower increased by 15 to 300. A new Carter four-barrel carburetor was employed, and a centrifugal vacuum-advance distributor; throw-away, spin-on oil filter; harder camshaft; self-locking tappet adjustment screws; revised exhaust manifolds; and a Paper-Pak air cleaner were among other advances. The Turbo-Drive automatic transmission was now water-cooled rather than air-cooled, and a smaller torque converter was adopted. Power vent windows, electric door locks, and a six-way power seat were added to the options list for the first time.

In total, Lincoln sold 3,676 convertibles from a total production of 41,193 cars—a number exceeded only twice in Lincoln history. Premiere Convertibles also featured something not shared with any other American convertible for 1957: a self-locking top.

This example is painted a striking and appropriate Fifties-era yellow with a contrasting interior in tan and white with yellow, black, and white door panels and black dash. Outside, it rides on period-correct whitewall tires. The Premiere is also equipped with the standard power steering, brakes, windows, and seat, as well as an automatic transmission, making for an ideal car for tours or cruise-ins. The consignor has owned this car for three years, prior to which it was stored by the previous owner for some two decades. Upon his purchase, the car was stripped of its chrome and trim and re-painted, as well as mechanically sorted. He adds that the chrome is very nice, and the jack and lug wrench are included with the car. The car has never been shown and has seen only occasional use while in his possession.

This is a lovely example of one of the great Lincolns of its decade.