1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible

The 1956 Lincolns were new - really new. Though ads proclaimed them 'unmistakably Lincoln,' there were scarcely a trace of the trim 55s. Wheelbase grew three inches, overall length seven inches, width three inches. Styling, partly previewed by the 1954 Mercury XM-800 show car, was fully up to date, with wrapped windshield, clean grille, peaked headlamps and rakish vertical taillights. Matching the new styling was a bigger engine, a V8 enlarged to 386 cid and 285 bhp. Despite their greater bulk, the 1956s didn't weigh much more than the 1955s, but they cost a whopping $500 - $700 more, the range running from $4,120 to $4,750. This example is as close as possible to being a clone of the car that the owner's father bought in 1956 after a 'good year' in the plumbing business, and which the owner drove to his high school senior prom. After a five-year restoration, it's one of the finest examples of the marque in existence.

The Lincoln Premiere was a luxury car sold by Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury division. It was produced in both two and four door versions, both seating six people.

The Premiere was sold in the mid to late 1950's and was positioned below the company's Continental. It featured a six-liter V8 engine and was approximately 223 inches (5664 mm) long. The heavy vehicle weighed in at 4,357 lbs (1976.3 kg).

With a price tag of approximately $4,600 in 1956, the Premiere was known for its stylish exterior, high-grade interior and some unique features.

It came equipped with power steering, power brakes, power windows and power seats - all standard. Options from the factory included push-button lubrication, automatic headlight dimmer, radio, heater and power antenna.

In 1988, while at an auction in Lapeer, Michigan, the current owner found this car and purchased it in spite of its poor condition. After ten years and a lot of work, he finally completed the restoration. He restored the car to be the exact replica of his father's 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible.