1957 Lincoln Premiere Convertible

1957 was the second year of the all-new body and chassis, however it was given extensive updates in order to remain competitive with Imperial and Cadillac, which were both all-new. Lincoln's most expensive and top-of-the-line model was the Premiere Convertible, priced at $5,381, was $781 more than the prior year. Most of the styling changes were reserved for the rear of the vehicle which received higher fins and flared quarter panels, tail lamps, bumper, and lower back panel applique. In the front, there was a new grille, four-headlight 'Quadra-lite' arrangement, and a revised bumper.

Mechanically, the engine received a higher compression ratio, which increased the horsepower 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 transmission was now water-cooled rather than air-cooled, and a smaller torque converter was added. Power vent windows, electric door locks, and a six-way power seat were added to the options list for the first time.

Mostly due to its cost, the 1957 Lincoln Premiere was an exclusive automobile, with just 3,676 examples sold. This particular example is finished in Fifties-era yellow with a contrasting interior in tan and white with yellow, black, and white door panels and black dash. It has standard power steering, brakes, windows, and seat. There is a 'Turbo-Drive' three-speed automatic transmission, 368 CID OHV 'True-Power' V8, and four-wheel power hydraulic drum brakes.

By Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2016