The 1956 Lincoln was longer, lower, stunningly redesigned, and thoroughly modern. Under the hood, it packed an upgraded overhead-valve V-8 that could produce 285 horsepower, measured 268 cubic inches, and was mated to a standard three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission. All of this came at significantly higher prices, which thrilled Lincoln devotees who were willing to pay for it.

Sales for 1956 reached record levels, rising from 23,673 cars in 1955 to 47,531 in 1956. Capturing customer’s attention at the top end in the mid-1950s required an abundance of gadgetry and the all-new 1956 Lincoln Premiere did not disappoint, making such features as power steering, brakes, windows and four-way seat all standard fare. With all of this in mind; it is easy to see why the 1956 Lincoln Premiere hardtop coupe was able to win an award from the Industrial Designers Institute for excellence in automotive design.

Looking properly prestigious, this beautiful 1956 Lincoln Premiere is finished in Huntsman Red with a complementary red and black leather interior in original pattern, accented by a black dashboard cover, carpets, and pleated seat inserts. The absence of the window pillars accentuates the long, unbroken lines that characterize all of the 1956 Lincoln models. The rear fender skirts and restrained lower bright trim only add to the understated beauty of this design, as do the gold-toned accents and lower roof drip moldings that expand to cover the entire rear pillar.

This Premiere displays a very nice older cosmetic restoration that included new paint, new chrome, new interior, and a highly detailed engine compartment in factory-type colors and presentation. The uniquely-styled dashboard mounts the speedometer, warning lights, and clock above the safety-padded dash panel with switches below the center of the dash. Aircraft-style levers are mounted to the left of the deep-dish steering wheel and control air and temperature. An AM radio is center-mounted and appears to be the factory issue Town and Country unit. Period-correct wide whitewall tires are mounted on stylish red wheel rims with Lincoln Premiere log full wheel covers.

Get well-acquainted with this Lincoln; it proves that a car can be large and spacious, yet lithe and graceful too. The artistry must be seen to be properly appreciated.