1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible

In 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible was brought to the Monterey Sports & Classic Car Auction presented by RM Auctions, where it had an estimated value of $100,000-$150,000. It was offered without reserve. It is powered by a V8 engine with a four-barrel carburetor and nearly 260 horsepower. There is a Turbo-Drive automatic gearbox and four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

The Lincoln Premier was a well optioned car, with many amenities as standard. It came equipped with power steering, brakes, windows and seats all standard. Options from the factory included push-button lubrication, automatic headlight dimmer, radio, heater, and power antenna.

These were attractive vehicles with many advanced features such as the tubeless tires and wraparound windshield. They carried a sticker price of $4,747 which made them a very popular car with the American public. A total of 2,447 examples were Convertible Coupes, and even fewer remain in modern times.

This example has traveled just 58,713 miles since new. It is finished in the Wisteria color and complemented by a white convertible top. It is an identical example of the one purchased by Elvis Presley in 1956.

Though the Premiere Convertible's are often overlooked by their pricier older sibling, the Continental, these are still popular. At auction, this was proven true as bidding nearly reached the estimated value. A high bid of $93,500, still a fair price for the vehicle for both buyer and seller, was enough to secure new ownership. The lot was sold.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2009