Lincoln Premiere classic cars for sale

History of the Lincoln Premiere

The Lincoln Premiere was introduced in 1956 as Lincoln’s answer to the surge in American luxury car competition. Sitting between the exclusive Continental Mark II and the more restrained Capri, the Premiere brought Lincoln into the limelight with its bold embrace of full-size American opulence. Built until 1960, the model stood for technical innovation, comfort and prestige, rolled out in both coupé, saloon and cabriolet forms. The car’s market debut was met with enthusiasm, with production exceeding 50,000 units for 1956, and the final tally reaching just over 100,000 vehicles. With its blend of progressive engineering and attention-grabbing design, the Premiere cemented Lincoln’s prestige in the booming automotive culture of the 1950s.

Model History: Generations and Evolution

Manufactured from 1956 to 1960, the Premiere’s model history splits into two main series. The first series (1956-1957) introduced cabriolet and hardtop versions, each available with two or four doors. Influenced by the Mercury X-800 and Lincoln Futura concept cars, these first-model years set the visual tone with abundant chrome and exaggerated lines. The major mechanical highlight was the V8 engine with 368 ci (approximately 6 litres) and robust three-speed automatic.

For 1958, Lincoln heavily revised the Premiere. The update brought a unibody chassis and an enlarged V8 with 430 ci (over 7 litres). The interior focus remained on comfort for six passengers and a raft of standard luxury features. The heavily restyled 1958-1960 series aligned the Premiere closer to Lincoln’s broader 1950s strategy, just before it made way for new models in the early 1960s.

Unique Features and Highlights

The Lincoln Premiere is notable for both its sheer presence and technical innovations. Noteworthy details include the push-button lubrication system, electrically adjustable seats and windows, and air-conditioning with innovative air tunnels above the rear parcel shelf—positioning the A/C outlets in a manner ahead of competitors. The Premiere set standards with FM radio as an option and lavish use of chrome both inside and out. Special touches like two-tone paintwork (such as Bermuda Coral/Pink) speak to the extravagance and personalisation typical of America’s premium segment in the 1950s.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Premiere convertibles from the 1956 and 1957 model years are particularly desirable due to their combination of rarity and representative 1950s American luxury. Distinct factory colour combinations and highly optioned examples—especially with factory air conditioning—also stand out. While there were no official limited editions, trim variations such as exclusive paint and interior treatments are often sought-after by collectors.

Engine, Driving Characteristics and Handling

Underneath its imposing chrome and flamboyant bodywork, the Lincoln Premiere shares the solid underpinnings of U.S. luxury engineering of its era. The large V8 offers substantial torque and smooth performance, geared more toward comfort than sportiness. The three-speed automatic transmission matches the engine’s characteristics, focusing on effortless cruising. An independent front suspension with anti-roll bar and rear leaf springs gives the car a dignified, floaty ride, typical for luxury cars of the 1950s, but with pronounced body roll and limited agility in corners. The power-assisted brakes and steering support easy, one-finger operation.

Long distance motoring in the Premiere is enhanced by remarkable ride quality, and its capability to accommodate six adults makes it a true representative of full-size American luxury motoring. 1. 1956 Première Hardtop Coupé – V8 (368 ci) with 285 hp, 3-speed automatic, notable for its debut year high production and stylish two-tone paint options. 2. 1957 Première Sedan – Engine enlarged to 6,030cc and 300 hp, electric seat and window lifts standard. 3. 1958-1960 version – Unibody design, V8 (7,032 cc), peak American luxury features for the era.

Interior, Comfort and Design Details

The Lincoln Premiere’s design echoed the optimism of the Atomic era: sweeping lines, extravagant tailfins and jet-age details shaped the bodywork. Inspired by concept cars like the Mercury X-800 and Lincoln Futura, the exterior merges dramatic proportions with subtle luxury cues—chrome flourishes everywhere, large wraparound windscreens, and contrasting two-tone paint jobs among them.

The interior set standards, featuring real metal and high-grade plastics, plush upholstery and unusually placed ventilation outlets above the side windows, offering an efficient and somewhat futuristic climate concept for the time. Electric seat adjustment, luxurious fabrics and an optional FM radio cemented the car’s place as a showcase of contemporary American design. Rare original accessories include tissue dispensers, floor consoles, and unique trim options tailored for personalisation enthusiasts.

Other Features

In some European markets, notably the Netherlands, surviving Lincoln Premieres are exempt from regular vehicle inspection (APK), thanks to their age. This can simplify ownership for collectors. The car’s sheer size, weight and left-hand drive configuration should be kept in mind for potential buyers in Europe, especially when considering parking and traffic in historic city centres.

Summary

The Lincoln Premiere embodies the zenith of late-1950s American luxury: visually extravagant, technically advanced and generously equipped. With roots in advanced concept car design and market-defining innovations, it remains a testament to the period’s ambition and US car culture. The Premiere’s prevalence among Lincoln listings and its buyer demand underline the continuing fascination with its flamboyant style, technical features and collector status within the classic American car scene.