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1956 Lincoln Premiere

The Lincoln Premiere was produced from 1956 through 1960 and was an exclusive, luxury car that was positioned below the company's Continental Mark II during 1956-1957 and above the Capri. Body styles included a convertible, a 2-door hardtop coupe, and a sedan, all having room for six passengers.

For 1956, both the 2-door and sedan had similar production figures with around 19,500 examples each. The convertible was much rarer, with just 2,447 examples built. The Premiere hardtop won an award from the Industrial Designers Institute for excellence in automotive design.

The Premiere, like all Ford Motor Co. products for 1956, was fitted with a plethora of safety features including improved door latches, deep-dish steering wheel, and heavily padded seatbacks and door panels. An optional factory air conditioning system was available which ran through overhead ducts in a similar fashion to an aircraft. The cool air was directed to the roof via a pair of clear plastic ducts visible through the rear window located at each side, connecting upward from the rear package tray.

Standard equipment included four-way power front seats and power windows. Power was from a 368 cubic-inch Lincoln Y-Block V8 engine with a Lincoln four-barrel carburetor and delivered 285 horsepower at 4,600 RPM. The Mark II engine was also a 368 CID V8, but with a Carter four-barrel carburetor and delivered 300 horsepower. A Turbo-Drive automatic transmission was standard equipment. Optional equipment included power brakes (ninety-eight percent of all 1956 Lincolns were equipped with this option), air conditioning, power four-way front seat, power windows, heater, radio, whitewall tires, and an automatic headlight dimmer. Nearly all (99-percent) of Lincolns had heaters and 98 percent rode on whitewall tires. Power windows were also popular with 86 percent being equipped with the feature.

1956 was the year Lincoln replaced the 6-volt for a 12-volt electrical system.

by Dan Vaughan

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.

Convertible
Chassis number: 56LA8904L

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 Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 56LA10263L

Historically, competition has been one of the biggest factors in inspiring change. For Lincoln, their model-line had become very dated by the mid-1950s and the Ford Motor Company realized that change was needed in order to compete with other luxury automakers such as Cadillac and Oldsmobile. In 1956 they introduced their fully restyled line of cars with the flagship being the Continental Mark II. The body was elegant and simplistic while in contrast the Premiere followed in the mold of the traditional American luxury car. It was bold, full of chrome, flamboyant design cues, loud colors, and futuristic forms. It was modern, elegant, and youthful. It was recognized by the Industrial Designers Institute with an award for excellence in automotive design.

The Premiere's were well equipped with many power options offered as standard equipment. Safety was not forgotten; they came equipped with improved door latches, a deeper steering wheel, and padded seatbacks and door panels.

There were 2447 examples of the Convertible Coupe created making it one of the most exclusive of the bodystyles offered. There were nearly 40,000 coupes and sedans constructed.

This example has traveled just 50,027 miles since new. It is painted in light yellow with a black convertible top and matching two-tone upholstery. In 2008 it was brought to the Automobiles of Amelia presented by RM Auctions where it was estimated to sell for $120,000 - $140,000. Though the vehicle had a reserve, the lot was sold for $79,750 including buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

In 1956, Reporters called the Lincoln Premiere the most beautiful car in the world. It was based on a dream car prototype and only 2,447 examples were ever produced.

This example has been completely restored. It has a 368 cubic-inch engine and mated to an automatic gearbox. It is painted in Taos Turquoise with a Turquoise & white interior. Options and accessories on this car include power windows, power seat, power brakes, Continental kit, seat belts, power steering, and power antenna.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 56WA35376L

This 1956 Lincoln Premiere Sedan has approximately 47,000 miles. It is painted in light blue, accented by nice brightwork and trim, as well as painted steel wheels, full wheel covers and period style wide whitewall tires. The interior has multi-tone upholstery and passenger amenities including a clock, courtesy lights, a heater/defroster and a Town & Country AM radio, in addition to a power-operated front seat and power windows.

In 2009, it was offered for sale at the Vintage Motor Cars of Hershey presented by RM Auctions. It was estimated to sell for $30,000 - $35,000 and offered without reserve.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 56LA9137L

The 'all new for 1956' Premier was genuinely that, 'all new', with little brought along from the previous year. Ford Motor Company's Lincoln-Mercury 'luxury' Division offered 2- and 4-door versions, both with six seats, pulled along by a big 386 cubic-inch V8 with 285 horsepower, ready to 'power' accessory everything. All for an additional $500 - $700 over the previous year's price - a lot of money in 1956 - totaling near $4,600. Surprisingly, perhaps, the 1956 at 4,357 pounds, didn't weigh more than the 1955 did. Lincoln sold 2,447 examples in 1956, one to Elvis Presley.

Convertible
Chassis number: 56WA25507L

This 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible was given a meticulous restoration in 1993 and won a National First Prize from the Antique Automobile Club of America in 1994. It is finished in Presidential black and the interior is black-and-white genuine leather. Power is from a 368 cubic-inch overhead valve V8 engine developing 285 horsepower. There is a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission with four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes.

In 2012, this vehicle was offered for sale at RM Auction's sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $100,000-$125,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $66,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 56WA43818

This Lincoln Premiere Convertible is painted in Wisteria which is a factory original color. The inside is white and there is a white vinyl convertible top. The car was painstakingly restored in prior long-term owners to 'better-than-new' condition. The work was completed in 2010. The original engine was replaced with a new old stock 1956 Lincoln V8, which came out of the Ford Technical School when it closed.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

Regarded as one of the finest executions of mid-century design, the all-new-for-1956 Lincoln Premiere line drew styling cues from the Futura and XM-800 concept cars. Ads touted it as 'the longest, lowest, most powerful Lincoln of all time.' Its long overhangs and wraparound windshield caught the attention of contemporary reviewers. A full complement of power accessories, a nod to safety, and a vast color palette exemplifying the height of 1950s fashion led to increased sales. Not just a cosmetic redesign, recent successes at La Carrera Panamericana resulted in a focus on performance and handling. Displacement increased to 368 cubic-inches boasting improved drivability with peak torque at mid-range RPM. With a new lowered frame and a re-engineered front suspension, critics lauded the Premiere for improved cornering without sacrificing a plush ride. With production of only 2,447 units, the 1956 Premiere convertible has emerged as one of the most desirable Lincolns.

Convertible

This was originally a California car. It was acquired by the current owners in 1987 and restored in Cleveland, Ohio, between 1994 and 1996 in Amethyst with a white top. It has been shown in numerous AACA events and won Junior, Senior and Grand National awards. It was awarded the Chocolate Town National Award in 1997 and the Lincoln Continental Owners Club Best Primary Division award in 2001. There were 2,447 Lincoln Premiere convertibles produced and the suggested list price was $4,747. They featured a 368 cubic inch V8 engine, producing 385 horsepower. The Premiere also sported modern power accessories such as power steering, power brakes, power windows and a power seat. The Premiere rode on a wheelbase over 10 feet long. It occupies over 18 feet of space and weighs in at just about two and a half tons.

Convertible

This Lincoln Premier Convertible is one of 2,447 examples made in 1956. It is finished in Taos Turquoise and is spent many decades in the San Francisco Bay area. It was given a cosmetic restoration in the late 1980s and was then featured on the cover of the January 1991 issue of Cars & Parts magazine, as well as in a future article within. The car is equipped with factory-correct dual spotlight/mirrors, fog lamps, pinched-seam leather upholstery, a four-way power seat, a Town & Country radio with power antenna, correct trunk lining, and replacement 'New Old Stock' Lincoln floor mats, as wells as all of the expected power luxuries.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 56WA20039L

From 1922, Lincoln was the Ford Motor Company's flagship. After World War II, the 1946 through 1948 models were based on the 1940 Lincoln-Zephyr model. The models were redesigned for 1949 and shared their bodies with its Mercury sibling. New bodies were introduced company-wide in 1952. Also introduced with an overhead-valve V-8 motor with a 317.4 cubic-inch displacement size. Although it was slightly smaller than the flathead that had preceded it, it did develop more power.

Mercury and Ford received overhead valve V-8s for 1954.

For 1956, Ford's flagship line was given dramatic new styling. Drawing inspiration from the Futura show car, the Lincolns were seven inches longer, three inches wider, and featured angular lines. Like many other luxury brands on the market, Lincoln finally offered a wraparound windshield for the first time. An eight-pointed star medallion was placed in various places on the exterior of the car along with gold Premiere nameplates. Power was supplied from an upgraded overhead valve V-8 with 368 cubic-inches and 285 horsepower. The three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission was standard equipment.

Despite their significantly higher prices, Lincoln sales were strong, increasing from 23,673 in 1955 to 41,531 in 1956. The most expensive bodystyle in the lineup was the convertible, of which 2,447 were built.

This particular example wears a restoration by Hibernia Auto Restorations. It is finished in Admiralty Blue with tan and chocolate leather upholstery. Instruments and accessories include a radio, heater, clock, power windows, power seat, and power antenna.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible

Lincoln and Rambler were the only U.S. automakers to offer complete restyles in 1956. It worked, as Lincoln sales doubled. Inspired by the Futura show car (later to become the Batmobile) the cars were longer, wider and had sharp angular lines. Lincoln finally offered a wraparound windshield, the biggest in the industry. The Premiere was Lincoln's new top-of-the-line model.

The company referred to the car as 'the longest, lowest, most powerful, most wanted Lincoln of all time.' Ads claimed that women considered Lincoln 'easier to drive than even a small car.' In addition to the updated styling, the Premiere rode on a new chassis with full box-section rails, while the True-Power V-8 engine grew to 368 cubic inches and 285 horsepower.

This car was purchased at auction by the current owner in 2012 and underwent a four-year restoration.

Sedan
Chassis number: 56WA39622L

This 1956 Lincoln Premiere is powered by a 368 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 258 horsepower and backed by an automatic transmission. It has power steering, power brakes, and is one of 19,465 sedan examples produced. The total 1956 Lincoln Premiere production was 41,531 units which accounted for approximately 83 percent of Lincoln's total automobile production.

by Dan Vaughan

Convertible
Chassis number: 56WA24105L

Much of the Capri had replaced the Cosmopolitan as Lincoln's top model a few short years before, the Premiere replaced the Capri in 1956. The new Continental was introduced in the same year, but it was initially viewed as a separate marque. So, for a time, the Premiere was the top of the line. It featured a 368 cubic-inch Lincoln V-8, modern styling, and a face that leaned forward - into the future. It was also available in a seemingly endless variety of colors and an array of options.

This Premiere Convertible is painted a rare and rich Taos Turquoise color -the same color of the car used in original advertising materials to promote this new creation. Lincoln marque expert R.V. Hardesty spent nine years perfecting its registration, and the current owners acquired it from him in 2016. It is a past Lincoln & Continental Owners Club National Best of Show winner, and at the 2017 Sam Pack National Ford Meet it was awarded Best Ford by Sam Pack himself.

Convertible
Chassis number: 56WA30612L

This 1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible has received a frame-off restoration with a rebuilt motor and transmission. The 368 cubic-inch engine delivers 285 horsepower and is paired with an automatic transmission. It has power steering and power brakes, and is one of 2,447 convertibles produced in 1956.

by Dan Vaughan

A personal luxury coupe that inspired dramatic foresight and vision to the automobile industry, the Lincoln Premiere was sold in the mid to late 1950's. Designed by a company synonymous with design, comfort, and luxury, the arrival of the Premier prompted impulse for futuristic designs. Power steering, power brakes, power windows, wraparound windshields, tubeless tires, and automatic seats all began with the Lincoln Premier.

During the 1920's Lincoln distinguished itself as the premier American luxury automobile and marketed to an elite market with high expectations. Luxury and prestige were standard in all vehicles. During the war years of the 1940's, Lincoln facilities aided Ford in the production of tank engines, bodies for amphibious vehicles, and over 140,000 jeep bodies. Vehicle designs in the years following the war were restyled versions of pre-war cars much like most American cars.

The 1950s were bringing many dramatic changes to Lincoln, with the elemental design of the Lincoln Premier leading it. New advancements were occurring throughout the automobile industry thus prompting Lincoln's chief stylist to start thinking of ideas for the future.

Sold by Ford's Luxury division, the vehicle featured a 6.0L V8 and approximately 223.01' (5664mm) in length. Weighing 4357 lbs (1976.3 kg) the Premier embodied the luxury standard to it's creators. In 1956 the Premier cost approximately $4,600 which bore the equivalent of roughly $31,730 in American dollars.

by Jessican Donaldson