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 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. Playing with the big dogs 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 seats all standard fare.

This Premiere Hardtop Coupe is one of less than 10% of the 19,619 examples built that were ordered with the then innovative factory air conditioning system. Cold air sinks, so vents for the air conditioning were in the roof of the car. Air fed the trunk-mounted system from small scoops above the rear wheels.

The previous owner of this Premiere was an engineer who had a particular interest in the 1956 Premiere Coupe. He found a collection of three Premieres with air conditioning and picked this one as the best example to restore. During the full restoration of this example, it was strikingly finished in the period Lincoln colors of Starmist White and Amethyst with a matching pink and white leather interior. All interior amenities are reported to work, including all power accessories, the heater, the original radio with power antenna, and even the air conditioning. An original sales brochure, period road tests, and other advertising materials are included with the sale of the car.