Any way that you cut it, a Lincoln Premier makes a big visual statement. At first blush, it reminds me of a Virgil Exner (Chrysler head designer) creation but it’s not, it’s just late ’50s styling exuberance. This 1957 example is a bit special however as it’s a low production volume convertible. Spied by T.J., this Lincoln is located in Norwich, New York and is available, here on eBay for a current bid of $13,000 with one bid tendered so far.
Offered between model years 1956 and 1960, the Premier was initially assembled in two and four-door hardtop body styles, along with a four-door sedan and convertible. After a facelift in ’58, the convertible was dropped. Total 1957 Premier production approximated 35K copies with the $5,300 convertible generating about 3,600 units.
Typical for the era, the Premier was a big car, about 5,000 lbs. and riding on a 126″ wheelbase – and of course, the requisite tailfins were in place. The finish appears to be Saturn Gold, a seemingly unlikely Lincoln color but it was extensively displayed in their sales catalog so it was probably a popular choice. The seller states, “paint has flaws and a few rust bubbles showing-see pictures, stainless exterior trim shows minor ripples- see pictures, exterior chrome shows some pitting- see pictures…” This Lincoln looks good from the proverbial “20 ft” perspective but it obviously has some issues that will require attention. And one of those items has to do with the folding top as there is a claim of “convertible top frame needing repair” – no elaboration beyond that, however. The fabric top, however, looks to be in good nick. Finally, get a load of that continental kit, it may be the most outrageous ever!
Under the hood is a 300-gross HP, 368 CI V8 engine that is best represented by an embedded listing video link. It is stated, “car starts and runs fine, brakes function properly…” Gear changing occurs thanks to a three-speed “Turbo-Drive” automatic transmission.
As for the interior, it possesses a certain 1957 radiance about itself. The upholstery is a leather affair in what Lincoln describes as a “button and biscuit” style of decor. The interior, all in all, still shows well with the steering wheel’s oversized “X” horn ring commanding front and center attention. The carpet, dash pad, instrument panel, and door panels reveal no obvious issues. It’s a busy environment finished off in black, chrome, off-white, and a dashboard swipe of the exterior hue, again, typical for the era.
This is supposedly a California car that has been in New York State since 1999 and is located at a classic car museum – whether or not it was an exhibit, is not said. The one bid tendered may be a seller bid which establishes a minimum without actually having a bid reserve set – just a surmise. I’m not sure what the draw for one of these will be, its rarity should help, however. We’ll have to watch this one, anyone care to suggest a final selling price?
The 56-57 were the best-looking of the Fifties Lincolns. Hopefully this goes to someone who will give it a proper restoration.
Ugh, that continental kit. As best I can tell from other online photos it’s not a factory one, so it would need to go. Even if I’m wrong and it is original, I think I’d have to remove and store it if this car were mine.
In every other way this is a magnificent car. Good observation on the Exner resemblance; it foreshadows his early 60s cars actually in its over-the-top-ness. And it will likely be the only one at any show. Really cool car.
This is a far sight prettier than the coming hideous 58-60 models. If there was a picture in the dictionary for butt ugly those would be there
I was going to mention the 58-60 models, but I figured someone else would. This car just needs to have that continental kit removed. They’re better looking without them.
I’ll never understand how someone can have a specimen like this in such wonderful condition and show it to the world with dirty whitewalls.
I have to agree with you also brings back memories of a water bucket some sos pads cleaning the wide white walls
Baby got way too much back.
Primary colors aren’t this models best friend.
That continental kit would have to go if I bought it. Ungainly in size, and throw off the proportions of this car horribly. The color I seriously doubt is the original factory yellow shade, and looks more fitting on a `73 Vega than a `57 Lincoln.
I like the note of advise that comes with the sale on e-bay. There should be a note of advisement on every car sold… new and old.
Great car, Love the continental kit on the rear makes for a classy ride.
Cool car, but looks crude and rudimentary compared to the Exner era Chryslers.
Totally agree that Continental kit should be deleted. 57, 58 and 60 were fugly years for Lincolns IMO, and that color doesn’t help matters much. Hopefully someone who likes these years will enjoy it.
Can’t believe no one has mentioned the fact you could make a beautiful Batmobile out of this, if so desired.
I do love these cars by the way. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
I think I’d consider keeping the continental spare on it – they’re pretty rare and do add a ’50s Las Vegas flashiness to a convertible.
I’d even consider two-toning it (after tackling the rust issues): black below the body side molding, the fins, and the trunk, and leaving the hood and the rest of the upper body yellow – or maybe off-white (wouldn’t want to be TOO flashy)!
I don’t think Virgil Exner could even think of designing anything this ugly.