1956 | Lincoln Premiere Hardtop Coupé

Lot details

Year: 1956
Make: Lincoln
Model: Premiere
Registration: 280 XVR
Chassis No: 56WA8420L
Odometer: 86,500

The Premiere was introduced in 1956 as an upscale version of the Lincoln Capri. It featured a 6.0 litre Lincoln Y-Block V8 with 285bhp and it was approximately 5,700mm long and had a base price of $4,601 in 1956. The top-end Lincoln, it was substantially different from the much more expensive and conservatively styled Continental Mk. II sold by Ford's Continental Motorcars division, and was marketed against the Cadillac Series 62, Imperial Crown Coupe and Packard Patrician. To emphasise Lincoln's exclusivity and specialised appearance, there were 20 available colours, with 34 two-tone exterior colour selections for 1956.

The Premiere's appearance reflected the Capri's derivation from the radically different concept cars, the Mercury XM-800 and the Lincoln Futura in an era of fascination with the Space Race and mid-century modern architecture and monochromatic appearances. It was known for a stylish exterior, high-grade interior and some unique features, such as optional factory installed air conditioning being run through overhead ducts much like those in an aircraft. The cool air was directed to the roof via a pair of clear plastic ducts visible through the rear window at each side, connecting upward from the rear package tray. Four-way power seats were standard, and the front suspension was independent with a stabiliser bar.

This two-tone 1956 Lincoln Premiere two-door hardtop is presented in white over lavender, which is the same colour combination Elvis Presley had in this very model, a car he traded his 1954 Cadillac for. The car was kept by its last owners in a town near Sacramento in the US for over 12 years until they were too old to use it having tried for 35 years to buy it from the previous owner, eventually they succeeded. In 2021 it was imported into the UK by an American car enthusiast who then proceeded to have the car stripped and superbly repainted in its original colours and retrimmed in the lovely black and white scheme before our vendor took ownership in 2023. Specified when new with power steering and overhauled power brakes, and optional headlamp main beam automatic dipping unit (although not tested). The engine bay is detailed, all the fixtures and fittings are reported to be in excellent order and the vendor states the interior is in excellent condition. The front and rear electric windows go fully down giving a very open feel to the car (pillarless) and the front bench seat moves forward and tilt allowing easy access to the huge rear seat, air conditioning until is all present but currently not operational. Well-kept and maintained, we are advised it could do with a new inlet manifold and carb gaskets upon its next service as it is running lean but otherwise given the enormous V8 and necessary power brakes is still drivable, indeed the owner has driven the last few hundred miles knowing this is the next job to do. Fancy a bit of Elvis…. This is the car for you! Consigned by Mathew Priddy