Image of 1956 Lincoln Premier, sourced from www.hagerty.com , Image Link.

Introduction

The 1956 Lincoln Premiere glides from the golden era of American automotive grandeur, a testament to luxury and forward-thinking design. Born from the ambitious minds at the Lincoln division of Ford Motor Company, this vehicle emerged as a shining example of post-war opulence and technological advancement. The Premiere was not just a car; it was a statement of status and innovation, capturing the spirit of the 1950s with its bold lines and lavish features. A unique fact that car enthusiasts may find fascinating is that the '56 Premiere made an indelible mark by being one of the first cars to offer an array of power features as standard, including power brakes, steering, windows, and seats—a luxury at that time.

Design and Innovation

The 1956 Lincoln Premiere's exterior styling was nothing short of breathtaking. Its long, sleek body adorned with bold chrome accents, and the distinctive rear fins epitomized the era's love affair with space-age design. Inside, passengers were enveloped in a cocoon of luxury with sumptuous leather upholstery and richly grained wood trim. The dashboard was an artful arrangement of gauges and controls, all within easy reach of the driver. Technologically advanced for its time, the Premiere featured innovations such as a 12-volt electrical system and a "memory" power seat that could be adjusted to individual preferences. Color options ranged from deep blacks to vibrant reds, with popular choices often reflecting the exuberance of the decade—think Sunburst Yellow and Wisteria. Among its various body styles, the two-door hardtop coupe remains one of the most iconic and sought-after by collectors.

Historical Significance

The 1956 Lincoln Premiere set a new benchmark in automotive luxury and design. It was a vehicle that not only rivaled but in many ways surpassed its contemporaries from Cadillac and Imperial. Its introduction signaled Lincoln's commitment to becoming a top-tier luxury automaker, influencing future generations with its emphasis on comfort and style. The Premiere's legacy is evident in how it elevated the brand's status and helped shape consumer expectations for what a luxury car should be.

Performance and Handling

Underneath its elegant exterior, the 1956 Lincoln Premiere packed a powerful punch with its 368 cubic inch V8 engine, propelling it to top speeds that were impressive for such a sizable luxury vehicle. Acceleration from 0-60 mph was achieved briskly for its class, further cementing its reputation as a leader in performance. On the road, drivers enjoyed a smooth ride thanks to its sophisticated suspension system adept at absorbing bumps while maintaining composure on windy roads. Behind the wheel, one could hear the subtle yet assertive rumble of its engine—a sound that promised power without sacrificing refinement.

Ownership Experience

The 1956 Lincoln Premiere found its niche among those seeking a blend of daily driving comfort and show-stopping presence at weekend events or car shows. While not commonly used for racing due to its size and weight, it offered reliability that was commendable for its time. Maintenance could be straightforward for those familiar with classic car care; however, sourcing specific parts today may pose challenges due to rarity. Overall, owning a '56 Premiere is about embracing both its historical significance and enjoying the tangible connection to an era when cars were crafted with pride and passion.

Fun Facts

Among classic car aficionados, it's well-known that Elvis Presley owned a 1956 Lincoln Premiere—adding to its celebrity allure. While not known for holding speed records, it did set benchmarks in luxury features for American cars. Despite some criticisms over fuel consumption—a common trait among vehicles of this size during its time—the Premiere remains an emblematic figure in automotive history.

Collector's Information

The current value range for collectors can vary widely depending on condition, originality, and provenance; however, well-maintained examples can command prices northward of $50,000. It is estimated that several thousand units were produced during its run; however exact figures are elusive due to incomplete historical records. As appreciation for mid-century design continues to grow, it's likely that values will follow an upward trajectory.

Conclusion

The 1956 Lincoln Premiere stands as more than just a classic car—it is a rolling sculpture representing an era when American automobiles were synonymous with luxury and grandeur. Its combination of style, performance, and innovation has left an indelible mark on automotive history—a legacy that continues to captivate collectors and enthusiasts alike.

1956 Lincoln Premier Front Bumper Arm Grommets-BG 47Front Bumper Arm Grommets. 2" wide X 4-1/2" long, with 1-3/4" long inner slot. Pair

1956 Lincoln Premier Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 11Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D., 3/4" high, with 5/8" I.D. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D-BN 6Shock Absorber Grommet. 1" bottom O.D. X 1/2" high, with 3/8" I.D. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Clutch and Brake Pedal Pads-CB 90-BClutch and Brake Pedal Pads. For models with standard transmission. 2-1/4" wide X 3-1/4" long. Pair

1956 Lincoln Premier Brake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part-CB 90-CBrake Pedal Pad. Correct reproduction of a difficult part. 2-1/2" wide X 4-1/2" long. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/2" I.D., 4-1/8" O.D. Each-GF 24Gas Filler Grommet. 2-1/2" I.D., 4-1/8" O.D. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Molded Door Seals. For 2-Door. Pair R&L-LM 33-CMolded Door Seals. For 2-Door. Pair R&L

1956 Lincoln Premier Spot Light Pad. Please specify right or left-MP 819-LSpot Light Pad. Please specify right or left. 4-3/4" long X 2-1/4" wide. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Trunk Latch Pad. 21-1/4" X 4-7/8" wide. Each-MP 819-MTrunk Latch Pad. 21-1/4" X 4-7/8" wide. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Tail-light Pads. 7-3/4" long X 13-7/8" wide. Pair-MP 819-NTail-light Pads. 7-3/4" long X 13-7/8" wide. Pair

1956 Lincoln Premier Door Handle Pads. 3-1/8" long & 2-1/2" long-MP 820-BDoor Handle Pads. 3-1/8" long & 2-1/2" long. 4-Piece Set R&L

1956 Lincoln Premier Glove Box Bumper. Two used per truck. Each-SB 100Glove Box Bumper. Two used per truck. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Trunk Drain Grommets. Set of four-SMK 64-ITrunk Drain Grommets. Set of four

1956 Lincoln Premier Trunk Seal. Each-TK 42-18Trunk Seal. Each

1956 Lincoln Premier Flexible window channel-WC 10-96Flexible window channel. Rubber covered with mohair lining and stainless steel bead. 96 in. long. Each. NOTE: $20 special shipping charge applies for domestic orders. Call or email for overseas shipping costs. Part can be sectioned in two or three equal lengths to reduce overseas shipping costs.