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Stored 55 Years: 1956 Lincoln Premier

This 1956 Lincoln Premier hardtop coupe has been sitting since 1967 according to the seller. That’s a long time to keep this much beauty away from the public. The fender-mounted mirrors are an unusual touch and this gorgeous project can be found posted here on craigslist in Denver, Colorado, and the seller is asking a mere $3,500! Here is the original listing as this one will not last long, and thanks to Mark_K. for sending in this tip!

We don’t know if the rear fender skirts are included and I think this car really needs those to let the beautiful design lines flow smoothly, almost as if you’re looking at a 1950s ad for this car. I do not need another project but oh man would I love to have this car. I think it’s beautiful and the thought of having the windows down on a teal two-door Lincoln and driving around on a summer day is almost overwhelming. This car is not perfect as you can see, it will need some heavy lifting.

Yeah, it really needs those fender skirts. How about that rear bumper? Those government regulations!! Just kidding, you could have had chain saws for bumpers in this era and nobody would have cared (insert patriotic music here). It was all about design and every square mile of this giant car is gorgeous. The exhaust ports built into the bumper are a nice touch that a few manufacturers used. Hagerty is at $12,900 for a #4 fair condition car and $19,700 for a #3 good condition car. If the next owner can locate a rear window, this is one heck of a buy. I see that there’s one on eBay for $440 right now.

Lincoln made the Premier for a half-dozen years: 1955 through 1960, and a handful of model years: 1956 to 1960. They were considered an upmarket version of the Lincoln Capri and it has a decidedly 1950s look compared to its midcentury-modern jewel, the Continental Mark II. Both cars would look out of this world parked in the driveway of your classic Palm Springs house. The interior looks solid in this car other than a cracked steering wheel and old seat covers.

The backseat is also covered so we don’t see the condition of the original fabric, and there is no back window for this car so be prepared for that expense. And, there is no title, according to the seller.

The engine is Lincoln’s 368 cubic-inch V8 which had around 275 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. This one hasn’t been started in over five decades according to the seller and they report not having tried to start it. It’s dusty and dirty but we hope that it will be on the road again. How about this gorgeous Premier: good buy or goodbye?

Comments

  1. Charles F Connell

    Gone!

    Like 5
  2. RoughDiamond

    Somebody pounced and probably got an unbelievable deal. I sure hope so.

    Like 6
  3. Cadmanls Member

    Wow that’s a beauty and the price was crazy low. Sure hope it gets back on the road soon.

    Like 4
  4. MattR

    Just shows there is still gold in the Craigslist hills.

    Like 7
  5. Scotty Gilbertson Staff

    Arrrrgh! I hope a Barn Finds reader snapped it up.

    Like 5
  6. David P. Reeves

    The 1956 Lincoln is one of my all-time favorite postwar designs, constantly battling the 1960 Chrysler for the number one spot in my heart. This is an excellent example of one, and I’m glad someone got it for such a steal! My lottery car would be this but that lovely mint green everywhere that this one is turquoise.

    Like 2
  7. Dave, Australia

    Interesting write up Scotty, thanks.
    The modern cars here in Australia that have the misfortune on hitting a kangaroo are caved in and undrivable.
    This Premier wouldn’t suffer that fate, she’s very solid, could even smash into a cow and drive off with ease.

    Like 0
  8. don lafaver

    I have owned 2 of these Lincolns. One I bought in 1985 with only 10,000 miles and had been sitting in a hanger since 1957. I flew to Oklahoma city and with very minor repairs I drove it out of the hanger and back to Denver with out issue.

    Like 5
  9. Rick

    Dual spotlights with the mirrors incorporated were a more attractive option than the mirrors on the fender.

    Like 1
  10. Vince H

    Parts alone are worth the price.

    Like 2
  11. Johnmloghry Johnmloghry

    I belong to a 56-57 Lincoln site. This was an excellent deal. Owners of these cars are always looking for parts and information. This one likely got snapped up by a collector. It will probably be back on the market soon, but for a lot more money. If a flipper got it then it might be listed again in days, for a profit of course. Even then it will likely be snapped up quickly.

    God Bless America

    Like 0
  12. Bob McK

    Someone got the deal of a lifetime. Congratulations.

    Like 1
  13. Eric B

    Um, wow. Unless the undercarriage was a disaster, which I highly doubt, what on Earth were they thinking? I hope it went to someone that will love it and appreciate the deal they got to boot, but you just know it’ll be on flea bay in a couple months.

    Like 0
  14. Eric B

    Is that the stock air intake and if so, I had no idea anyone was doing such a thing at that time. Why was it not standard practice on every car to run a duct up to the grille for cold air? Every car with an open air element is just sucking in hot air.

    Like 2
  15. Jason Member

    I wonder if the seller can explain why there is no title. Could that be why it was priced at $3500.

    Like 0
  16. Connecticut mark

    Great deal, we will see it soon running and with a Window here soon for 30 grand.

    Like 0

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