English
Lietuvių
Latviešu
Eesti
Polski
Русский
Українська
Deutsch
Nederlands
Čeština
Slovenčina
Svenska
Norsk
Dansk
Suomi
Lincoln Premiere: 1956–1960 American luxury classic
Lincoln Premiere — the top-tier Lincoln mainline trim from 1956–1960, a luxurious large American car with a powerful V8 engine and lavish chrome detailing. We look at what sets early and late Premiere models apart, which engines were used, and what to check if you're considering buying this classic car.
Premiere in brief
The Premiere name was reserved for the top-of-the-line Lincoln mainline trim — above the Capri. It's a large, low, and wide car with long fenders, substantial chrome detailing, and a spacious, plush interior. Body styles included a two-door and four-door hardtop, sedan, and, in the early years, a convertible.
Today, the Premiere is a collector's item. You won't see one on Lithuanian roads as a daily driver — it's usually an imported, meticulously maintained showpiece participating in classic car rallies.
Which one to choose
Early 1956–1957 models still feature a classic, separate chassis construction and more subdued styling. They're considered elegant, and their design is appreciated by collectors.
The 1958–1960 Lincoln was essentially redesigned: the car became significantly larger, its body unibody, and the styling more aggressive, with large fenders and rectangular headlights. These models have a distinct look, but they're more complex to restore, so the body condition is paramount.
Engines and transmissions
Early Premiere (1956–1957) models came with a large-displacement V8 petrol engine, roughly 6 litres in capacity. From 1958 to 1960, cars received an even larger, approximately 7-litre V8.
The transmission is automatic, with rear-wheel drive. These engines are notorious fuel guzzlers, but the design is relatively simple, and spare parts can still be found in clubs and specialist dealers overseas.
What to check when buying a Premiere
First and foremost — corrosion. Check the floors, sills, undersides of the fenders, boot floor, and areas under the glass. Later models' unibody construction is particularly susceptible to rust, and repairs can be very expensive.
Carefully inspect the chrome details, glass, and interior trim — original parts are scarce, so you might need to source them from abroad. It's worth having a specialist familiar with classic American cars check the engine and transmission condition.
Verify the documents, VIN, and whether the car matches the original specification. When registering a classic car in Lithuania, it's worth familiarising yourself with the rules for historical vehicles.
Generations
Premiere was a distinct trim level, not a separate model; it mainly differs by production years and body style, so we provide generation overviews.
Premiere (1956–1957 m.)
1956–1957 m.Early generation with a more restrained style.
- Separate frame construction
- Often — a two-door hardtop, sedan, or convertible
- Lavish chrome trim
Premiere (1958–1960 m.)
1958–1960 m.Later, significantly larger and more distinctive generation.
- Unibody construction
- Larger, approximately 7-litre V8 engine
- Often — block headlights and prominent fenders
Comparing generations
| 1956–1957 m. | 1958–1960 m. | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For fans of elegant, classic style | For those who love big, bold 1950s American cars |
| Body construction | Separate chassis | Unibody construction |
| Engine | Approximately 6-litre V8 | Approximately 7-litre V8 |
| Price in the classic car market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ |
Early cars are simpler and more elegant, later ones are bigger and more flamboyant, but harder to restore. Value depends heavily on the body condition and originality.
Pros
- Authentic 1950s American luxury
- Powerful, smooth and quiet ride
- Distinctive, recognizable design
- A rare collector's car in Europe
Cons
- Very high fuel consumption
- Parts are hard to find and expensive to repair
- Rust can hide serious issues
Frequently asked questions
Can the Premiere be used daily?
Not really. It's a very large, fuel-guzzling car with an outdated design, so it's usually kept as a hobby or collector's item.
How does the Premiere differ from the Capri?
The Premiere was a higher trim level than the Capri and came with more luxury features and a more upscale interior. As model names, they were part of the same Lincoln family.
Are parts hard to find?
Some parts can be found through American classic car dealers and clubs, but early and late model parts differ. Rarer chrome and interior details can be pricey.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
