Although the practice of producing concept cars isn’t as prevalent as it once was, Lincoln drew inspiration for the 1956 Premiere from the Futura, a car that would go on to become renowned as the Batmobile in the 1960s Batman TV series. This Premiere is the Hardtop Coupe version, with the seller stating that it is a genuine survivor. It has no apparent needs and is ready to provide a new owner with luxurious classic mooring joy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting this beautiful Lincoln listed here on Craigslist in Smithtown, New York. The seller set their price at $49,900 for a car that they describe as a time capsule.
Launched in 1956, the Premiere slotted above the Capri in Lincoln’s model range. The company had Imperial, Packard, and Cadillac firmly in its sights, and the sales tally demonstrated that it was a successful strategy. The first owner ordered this Hardtop Coupe in Desert Buff and Starmist White, and the impression provided by the seller is that this is a genuine survivor that has spent most of its days in California. Therefore, this classic’s rust-free status is unsurprising. The preservation level is impressive, with no major paint or panel problems. One aspect of the Premiere that I have always found interesting is the bright trim. Manufacturers during this period were fond of attaching acres of chrome to their luxury models, but Lincoln’s approach was quite restrained. This car’s glass is clear, and the wide whitewalls suit it perfectly.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” approach to mechanical specifications for the 1956 Premiere. Buyers received a 368ci V8, teamed with a three-speed “Turbo-Drive” automatic transmission and power assistance for the steering and brakes. Interestingly, the seller states that this car places around 310hp at the driver’s disposal, although Lincoln’s 1956 model range Sales Brochure quotes a power output of 275hp. Therefore, it is unclear whether it may have received upgrades to unleash additional ponies. The seller doesn’t mention whether they hold evidence confirming that the odometer reading of 91,300 miles is genuine. However, if it is, that means that this Premiere has only covered around 1,300 miles per year. It has been meticulously maintained and appears to be a turnkey proposition.
What would a luxury car be without creature comforts, and this Premiere delivers, courtesy of the power windows, power front seat, leather trim, and the Town & Country radio. The interior is stunning in Brown, Tan, and Bronze, with no evidence of wear or other problems. The leather looks supple and inviting, carrying the wrinkles that typically accumulate as this material ages elegantly. The wheel has avoided cracking, the dash appears perfect, and there are no aftermarket additions.
The Premiere proved to be a sales success for Lincoln in 1956, with 41,531 buyers handing over their cash to drive one home. The Hardtop Coupe was the popular choice, accounting for 19,619 vehicles. This one is a stunning survivor, and it appears to need nothing beyond a new home. The seller’s price sits at the top end of the market and isn’t what many people would consider affordable. However, its originality and stunning preservation may justify the price, and it will be fascinating to see how quickly this Lincoln will find a new home.
What a great looking car! I realize that it was the trend at the time, but I think that adding fins on the 1957 models was a poor decision. The fact that fewer Premiers and Capris were produced in 1957 vs. 1956 may indicate that the car buying public had the same reaction.
On my way to Montana,I spotted this one at a lot
in Cottage Grove,Oregon.These have stunning lines.
The one featured here is in much better shape.
These have never really been on my radar. But I’ll admit, this car certainly has presence and is a good representation of a 50’s luxury car. Slowly cruising down the main drag on a Friday or Saturday night would fit it perfectly.
It’s a stunna , that color pops. The 57 had a stacked headlight on some models, and the headlights got more unique in 58and59. Nice cruisers- love to find any one cheaper
I thought the ’57 models really perfected the relatively conventional style of the ’56. I really liked those stacked headlights and the dramatic fins of the ’57. Too bad the ’57 Imperial had the drama with refinement. Even Cadillac was caught off guard with its stodgy fussy styling. But back to the ’56 Lincoln, it was understated coolness. This car is certainly a remarkable survivor, although the price may be overly optimistic.
My grandparents had one of these in black and as my grandfather owned a body and customizing shop in the 50’s and 60’s here he had his shaved, cleaned up, seams filled, lowered ,triple deuces and hand fabricated headers on the 368..It was the very first car i can still remember from my youth.They are stunning cars.
Not a fan of the later stacked headlight models. This is more the Lincoln understated style of luxury. I like that one shot of the interior taken from the back seat. The cabin looks enormous.
Conelrad!
It is what became the Batmobile
no, that was a Ford showcar, the Futura . the basic platform underneath may have been the same however
So this is what Pontiac was trying to copy with their; longer, lower, wider of the late 50’s early 60’s.
This piece has that understated elegance of the period.
With the gas crunch of the early 70’s a lot of these got squished out.
I have a couple of the hubcaps on display in the barn. I could tell they are Lincoln, I couldn’t pin point the year. Now I get to climb the latter and mark the insides.
Kids thease days don’t know what they are looking at, so they just throw things away.
56 won the first-ever Outstanding Product Design Award by the Industrial Designers Institute. And was the basis for the 1st Batmobile.
What’s with the weirdness of the headlights?
Dark in the center.
Showing body color around the center.
Almost like it was AI enhanced, poorly, and tried to turn headlights into eyes.
@Allen L
They are eyes! And they’re watching your every move. This cars nickname is “The Car.” LOL
Only a few of you will get that. That was a Lincoln also but I don’t remember the year.
The car color on the headlights is from the hooded fenders. There’s body color underneath and it’s reflecting from the bottom of the headlights. The black in the middle? I don’t know. Maybe they’re just old lights.
Wow – a 69 year old car in that condition is very rare. A Lincoln with all the bells and whistles of that model year in that condition is not only rare, but well worth $50K – and the seller should be able to get it.
Beautiful car.
Really like the steering column in these cars. A little car trivia.The same column was used in the 55 and 56 Mercs as well as the 58-60 square birds. I’ve been around 56 Mercs for most of my life, so it’s one thing that I’ve noticed thru the years.
It’s a Ford.
There is going to be an interchange across different makes and models.
The hubcaps on our 55 wagon were also on the Thunderbird.
Right. Just that I never saw this column on the actual Fords; Just the cars that I mentioned. The Fords always seemed to use the unattractive, IMO, two piece unit with the shifter tube/rod running along the side instead of being concealed inside the column. I may be wrong about that. Won’t be the first time.
As I bleed blue, I’m well acquainted with the Ford family of cars. For sure, Ford, Mercury, Lincoln have all shared parts over the years as you say. Just not all parts. Just an innocent (I hope) observation on my part.
You are good Brother.
As long as it is old; I love it.
I can appreciate 59 Studebaker Lark, ugly ass car.
There are so few of them left, I can still enjoy it.
I want to find a 36 Willys coupe, or, even a Terraplane of the period.
Looks like something out of a Dr. Seuse comic book.
Those wild wavey body lines are very unique.
Beautiful AND SMOOOOTH!
ACQD, You may be correct. But I think it’s a combination of the reflection of the garage in front of “The Car”!, the chrome and the person taking the picture.
JMHO. Old lights would have a dark spot at the top. Filaments ” hot burning off, the ash, because it’s hot go to the top
@Wayne
Between you and I, we just might have this figured out.
Anyone watch “Futurama?” They did a parody on “The Car” where Bender (the robot) turns into “The Car” on the Scottish Moors.
Loaded, but no air conditioning?
Sweet automobile!
I must really be getting old. I miss the individuality cars like this and many once offered to the public. As that Eagle’s hit lyric says: “those days are gone forever, might as well let ’em go”
I agree Greg Owen’s, that’s why I like older cars/vehicles. Not only can to tell them apart. You can work on them easily. (Usually) I have all the test equipment to work on the newer stuff. But prefer not to. I have rid myself of the newer stuff and just keep building the older ones. There always seems to be someone willing to buy my stuff when I’m ready to sell. I love building older stuff that is modified to my own specs. Once I’m done and have driven it a little. Then I’m ready to go on to the next one. I make enough to cover expenses and fund the next one.
I love the car but hate the color combo.
I would love to have one of these, or the newer ones with the stacked headlights. Replace all of the hydraulics with electrics, modern a/c, modern brakes. Keep the original engine, just trick it out a bit. Kind of a semi-restomod. Then cruise it from one end of the country to the other. Probably won’t live that long, though.
The 56 Lincoln has long been one of my very favorite cars. To find any near-70 year old car in this kind of pristine original condition, is a rare treat. If the price were not so far out of my reach, that beauty would have a VERY good home right here!