Lincoln was the sole U.S. make other than Rambler to offer a complete restyle in 1956, nearly doubling sales. Inspired by the Futura show car, its offerings were seven inches longer, three inches wider, and had sharp angular lines. Lincoln finally caught up with other manufacturers and offered a wraparound windshield for the first time—the biggest in the industry. The Premiere was Lincoln's new top-of-the-line model and featured a unique eight-pointed star medallion boldly applied to the exterior along with gold "Premiere" nameplates. There was no mistaking what car this was.

The company confidently referred to the Premiere as "the longest, lowest, most powerful, most wanted Lincoln of all time." This was a clear attempt to play catch-up with rival Cadillac and broaden its market appeal, though sales remained only a third of Cadillac’s. In addition to the updated styling, the Premiere rode on a new chassis with full box-section rails, while the True-Power V-8 engine grew to 368 cubic inches and 285 horsepower with dual exhausts.

This 1956 Premiere Convertible was built at Lincoln’s Los Angeles plant. It was the 195th example produced, and it left the factory finished in Wisteria over Starmist White and Wisteria leather. Today the car is offered having been refinished in red over a two-tone red and white interior with a white convertible top. Its V-8 engine is backed by an automatic transmission and the car rides on thin whitewall tires mounted to painted steel wheels with factory wheel covers.

Equipment includes power steering, power brakes, power windows, power driver’s seat, and a power convertible top. A white tonneau cover conceals the convertible top when lowered and the rear wheels are partially hidden behind stylish fender skirts. The interior is nicely appointed, featuring a radio, dash clock, and Autronic Eye automatic headlight dimmer.

Lincoln’s top-of-the-line offering for 1956, this Premiere Convertible, one of just 2,447 built, offers the luxury and opulence typical of Lincoln in the mid-1950s.