1956 Lincoln Premiere Convertible (more photos 👇)
Production figures underscore the model’s exclusivity. Just 2,447 Premiere convertibles were built for 1956, making it the rarest body style in a lineup that also included 19,619 hardtop coupes and 19,465 four-door sedans.
With a base price of $4,747, the convertible served as Lincoln’s flagship open car, positioned between the entry-level Capri series and the $10,000 Continental Mark II.
Engineering advances matched the dramatic styling shift. The enlarged 368 CI Y-block V-8 produced 285 HP, emphasizing strong midrange torque for improved drivability. A new 12-volt electrical system replaced the previous 6-volt setup across Ford Motor Company.
Independent front suspension developed under Earle MacPherson featured coil springs and a stabilizer bar, earning praise for its balance of handling and ride comfort, while a lowered frame enhanced the car’s sleek proportions.
Styling drew heavily from the Mercury XM-800 and Lincoln Futura concept cars, with a wraparound windshield, long hood, and bold bodywork stretching 223 inches overall.
Buyers could choose from 20 standard colors and 34 two-tone combinations. Optional air conditioning used overhead ducts that routed cooled air through clear plastic channels visible through the rear window.
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