1957 Lincoln Premier 4 Door Hardtop

1957 Lincoln Premier Description

Up for sale is my 1957 Lincoln Premiere 4 door hardtop in "hot pink". It has the tallest fins for 1957. This is a member of the first generation of the Lincoln Premiere, from 1956-1957. Parts are typically interchangeable from these two model years, with slight styling differences in the two years. Lincoln made the Premiere from 1956 to 1960, before reviving the name "Premiere" as a trim level on modern Lincoln models. It is a long vehicle (18.5 feet).

It is commonly mistaken for a "pink 1959 Cadillac". The Lincoln Premiere was a competitor to Cadillac in the luxury car market. The engine is an original 368 cubic inch, 6.0 liters, Lincoln Y Block V-8. The transmission is an original 3-Speed Turbo-Drive Automatic transmission.

This particular model is the 4 door hardtop. This car has a lot of power options that were available on the model such as power seats, power windows, power brakes, and power steering. (The car does not have A.C.) The car's design makes it feel like you are sitting on a couch while you drive it. But, I have come to the conclusion that I just have too many vehicles at this point. I've owned this car since 2011.

This car gets a ton of attention! It is not uncommon to have people taking a picture of the car as you drive down the road or come up to you in a parking lot to ask about it. It is not the typical 1950s car, as this was a luxury model, and very pricey for 1957. Some people will mistakenly believe this model is called the "Landau" because that nameplate is also printed on the vehicle. But, Landau is a term that was used to denote a "luxury type carriage" and stems from old fashioned horse drawn carriages. Lincoln used Landau to denote their 4 door Premiere model for 1957.

Alas, the car has been stored/undriven for the last 3 years and should go to someone else who will enjoy it.

We asked our classic car mechanic to complete the following items during the week on 10/19/20:

1. New Battery (51R type)

2. Carburetor Overhaul - completely rebuilt carb.

3. New Distributor Cap

4. New Ignition Rotor

5. New Ignition Wires

6. New Spark Plugs

7. New Ignition Points

8. New Fuel Filter

9. Fuel filter flush - removed old gas

And prior work included:

1. Rebuilt starter (in 2014)

2. Removal of 4 brake drums/cleaned/adjusted/replaced (in2014)

3. New White Wall Tires (in 2014) - Probably have driven about 200 miles on them since putting the tires on. These are "DB Fury3" Whitewall Tires" bought from Diamond Back Classic Tires.

Current Condition: The Engine runs strong and it starts right up. For a video of the engine starting/running, please see it on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5KdqgCYh_oU

But, the car is in need of a new (or rebuilt) master cylinder for the brakes. Thus, it has no ability to brake at this time. We've reached our budget for investing in the car and it is time to let it go. (One option is to have the master cylinder and drum brakes replaced with a disc brake conversion kit).

The car does have a cut off switch under dash to the battery. While not original, classic cars have a tendency to drain the battery for various reasons. This helps keep the battery fresh. The vinyl and cloth interior is all original. The back seat still has the plastic wrap (like Grandmom put over her couch) which has definitely kept it in fairly good condition. Plastic wrap had also been on the front seat for some time (indeed, there is still some plastic covering the back. But the bench seat is not covered, and is more rough (see pictures), but still comfortable. The power seats work just fine.

The carpet and headliner should be replaced at some point, as the headliner has started to sag a little and the carpet is in bad shape. The car does come with the rubber mat for the front with the Lincoln Logo. The driver's side window is cracked. All other glass is intact.

The car color is not original. The original was, indeed, pink, but more of a "pastel" pink compared to the hot pink that the previous owner painted. The paint job still looks good from a distance, but there are a few surface rust spots on the front quarter panel that are starting to show and on a few other spots. Please see photos for details. There is a lot of chrome and brightwork pieces. All in various states (again see pictures).

We wanted to ensure that the car engine was good before listing, hence our desire to have the fuel system flushed of old gas and carb rebuilt. Prior to it sitting, we enjoyed driving it regularly - the car ran and drove as we took it to local car shows and for fun drives of about 50 miles or so. The car easily got up to 55 mph.

I have a free and clear title.

Mileage: The odometer doesn't work, indeed, has never worked, and thus there is no way to tell how many miles this engine has from this 63 year old vehicle. We originally bought the car, sight unseen, off eBay in 2011 from upstate New York. It's been fun, but we have 2 other classics that we drive more often and realize it does the car no good to just have it sit.

History of the model: After World War II, Lincoln was producing some of the finest cars available in the American car market. For the 1956 model year, Lincoln introduced all-new models, and an all-new level of luxury and performance. The Premiere, available in 2-door coupe, 4 door sedan or 2 door Convertible - these cars became the flagship vehicle Lincoln line. The cars introduced bright colors, more trim, and a number of safety features, including deep-dish steering wheel, padded dash, strengthened seat backs, and reinforced door panels and better doorlatches. These cars were, with a hardtop coupe, a four-door sedan, and a convertible all ranging between $4,600 and $4,750. Only one motor was offered across the line the 368-cid, 285-hp overhead-valve V-8 was mated to an automatic transmission. A 12-volt electrical system became standard across the Ford/Lincoln product line. The Lincoln Premiere was no exception, and received all of the upgrades.

Well optioned, these cars featured Power seats and windows and most owners also added power brakes. For 1957, the Premiere gained big fins, more chrome, four headlights, and engine output was bumped to 300 hp. A four-door Landau hardtop sedan was added to the Premiere lineup this year, as well, and prices jumped by approximately $500 on nearly all models. The Lincoln Premiere is a wonderful example of 1950s auto design. Its large size, strong performance and great style, gives the car an imposing road presence. It is the epitome of 1950s nostalgia.

PAYMENT: I will require anon-refundable $500 deposit within 48 hours of winning or commitment to purchase. You can use Pay Pal for that. Full payment is required within 7 days of offer acceptance unless other arrangements are agreed to in writing. If deposit and/or full payment are not provided within said timeframe, the vehicle will be relisted and transaction will be considered void. For balance of payment I will accept a bank wire transfer (preferred), (vehicle shipment will be delayed until check clears).

Vehicle Pickup and Shipping: All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. Car is parked at the end of my driveway on flat ground. Since it has no brakes, it will need to be winched onto a flat bed or car carrier. I can help to some degree. Note, for local pickups, only a long flatbed tow truck can pick this up, not a regular tow truck, due to its length.

I am in no rush or pressure to sell the vehicle. It can sit under its car cover until pickup/shipping can be arranged.

AS-IS: This vehicle is sold "ASIS" "Where Is" and with no warranties expressed or implied.

Right to cancel Auction early: As with most people trying to sell their vehicle, I am listing this on multiple platforms, and trying to sell it locally. If it does sell locally, I'll cancel the eBay listing. I do not need any help in "selling" the vehicle.

Please no scammers. I'll answer any questions to the best of my availability and/or take any additional photos. Please contact me directly through eBay.

Sorry, I cannot piece the car out for parts.

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Update on 12/3/20 with some questions and responses to various eBays who have contacted me:

1. Unibody design - I've been contacted by a Lincoln fan and they believe that the Unibody design didn't start until the 1958 model. Thank you for the info!

2. Hardtop, not a sedan - another Lincoln fan has pointed out that this is technically a hardtop, and not a sedan. I have updated the description. According to info on oldride.com, "hardtop = no post between the side windows. sedan = post between the side windows. Hardtops are typically more desirable than sedans."

3. "Do you have any extra spare parts for sale"? I actually do have a few spare parts, but mostly body parts I bought from a guy that dismantled his 1957 Lincoln because he was making a reproduction of the Lincoln Futura (precursor to the 1960's Batmobile). I have a spare front bumper, spare rear bumper, and the back clip (back side quarter panels and rear). Those parts are stored in a barn I have in Maryland near Washington, DC. Back clip is in great shape - no rust. I thought about making it a "couch" but my wife was not a fan of that idea.

The bumpers are in okay shape, but are not perfect (as I recall). I don't have pictures of them at this time. But, if anyone is interested in any of them AND can pick them up (about 45 mins outside of DC), I'd be willing to sell them. I may also have a spare Upper Ball Joint - not sure, but will look the next time I am at my barn.

4. Is your other 1957 Lincoln Premier for sale? - No. While I do have second Lincoln Premiere, it is not for sale at this time. I suspect it will take a few more years of my wife constantly recommending me to sell it to list it for sale.

5. What is your reserve price? I do not have a reserve set. I've had some offers via eBay and locally, but they have all been too low so far, IMO. I have lowered the asking price. While I would like to see the car go to someone who will enjoy it, I am in no rush to sell.

6. Does the car run and drive? Yes, as I stated in my main description, we just had a new battery installed, the fuel tank and lines were flushed, the carb was redone, and the engine had a tune up. But, before "driving", the brake master cylinder will need to be rebuilt or replaced, so at this time, the brakes won't work until that is done. Prior to the tune up, the car has sat for about 3 years.

7. Landau "nameplate" - I researched the meaning of "Landau" and came up with descriptions referring to a "four-wheel carriage with a top divided into two sections that can be folded away or removed and with a raised seat outside for the driver". There are other references referring to auto companies associating this with luxury models. I've been contacted by a Lincoln fan who explained that it was really a luxury association. Thank you. My main point in mentioning "Landau" is to explain that, there is a name badge on the vehicle with the word, and I frequently have people ask me about my "Landau" model, as they think it is the model name. It is really just the Lincoln Premiere.

8. Shipping - For those of you that have contacted me outside the local Philadelphia, PA Metro area inquiring about shipping - I absolutely can hold the car until you arrange for a shipper to pick it up. I have used the company called "Uship.com" in the past, but there are many shipping companies and "brokers" (matching shipments to truckers that have excess space to be able to carry an antique car to a destination). I recommend getting quotes from multiple sources.

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Update on 12/10/20:

It is amazing how prevalentscammers are. Relisted after a scam buyer. To help reduce the hassle of relisting due to scammers, I won't be accepting any bids if your feedback is less than 10. Please ask questions about the car through eBay messaging before you submit an offer - contact me first. This helps protect you as a legitimate buyer and me as an honest seller. I have dropped the asking price, and I am open to all serious offers.