1957 Ford Lincoln Premiere Coupe – Exterior and Interior – Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden 2021
By 1957, restraint was no longer a priority in American luxury design. Cars were expected to signal confidence, prosperity, and technological optimism at a glance. The Lincoln Premiere Coupé embodied that moment, presenting size, styling, and power not as indulgence, but as reassurance.
Technical Details:
The 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupé was powered by a 368 cubic inch (6.0-liter) V8 engine, part of Ford Motor Company’s Y-block family. In Lincoln specification, the engine produced approximately 300 horsepower, delivering strong acceleration and effortless highway cruising. Torque output was substantial, reinforcing the car’s role as a high-speed long-distance automobile.
Power was transmitted to the rear wheels through a three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, operated via push-button controls mounted on the dashboard—a feature that emphasized modernity and ease of use. Manual gearboxes were not offered, reflecting Lincoln’s positioning firmly within the luxury segment.
The chassis used a body-on-frame construction, with coil-spring suspension at the front and a live rear axle supported by leaf springs. This configuration prioritized ride comfort and straight-line stability over agility. Power steering and power-assisted brakes were standard or widely specified, reducing driver effort despite the car’s considerable size and weight.
Braking was handled by hydraulic drum brakes on all four wheels, typical for the period. The mechanical package focused on smoothness, isolation, and sustained cruising rather than performance precision.
- Manufacturer: Lincoln
- Model Name: Lincoln Premiere Coupé
- Year of Manufacturing: 1957
Design:
Design was the defining language of the 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupé. The body was long, low, and heavily sculpted, featuring sharp tailfins, slab-sided panels, and dramatic rear quarter detailing. The car’s proportions conveyed authority, with a wide stance and extended overhangs emphasizing scale.
At the front, the Premiere featured a bold grille flanked by quad headlights, creating a strong visual identity distinct from Ford and Mercury models. Chrome was used extensively, outlining body contours, accentuating fins, and reinforcing the car’s premium status.
The roofline of the coupé was low and sweeping, lending the car a more dramatic silhouette than its sedan counterpart. Wraparound glass at the front and rear enhanced visibility while contributing to the car’s futuristic appearance.
Inside, the Lincoln Premiere embraced luxury without subtlety. Upholstery materials included high-quality fabrics or leather, complemented by extensive chrome accents and padded surfaces. The dashboard was expansive, housing push-button transmission controls, large gauges, and integrated climate and audio systems.
Seating was wide and heavily cushioned, designed for comfort rather than lateral support. The interior emphasized isolation from road noise and vibration, reinforcing the sense that the Premiere was designed to glide rather than engage.
Historical Significance:
The 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupé arrived during the height of the American automotive styling race. Manufacturers competed aggressively through design, technology, and size, and Lincoln sought to reassert itself as a credible alternative to Cadillac within the luxury market.
The Premiere nameplate represented Lincoln’s attempt to combine modern styling with traditional luxury cues. The 1957 redesign was part of a broader effort to reposition the brand, aligning it more closely with contemporary tastes and signaling technological progress.
Although the car was well received for its styling and comfort, its production coincided with increasing concerns about excess and efficiency. As a result, models like the 1957 Premiere are often viewed as peak expressions of 1950s automotive optimism—arriving just before tastes began to shift.
Quirks and Pop Culture:
The 1957 Lincoln Premiere Coupé has become a visual shorthand for late-1950s American luxury. Its fins, chrome, and sheer size make it instantly recognizable in period photography and advertising.
While not as frequently featured in films as some contemporaries, the Premiere often appears in exhibitions and collections focused on mid-century design. Its exaggerated styling has also made it a favorite among collectors interested in the boldest expressions of Detroit-era aesthetics.
One notable quirk is the dashboard-mounted push-button transmission. While futuristic at the time, it required familiarization and stands today as a reminder of an era eager to redefine the driving experience through design.
Display and preservation:
The vehicle was exhibited at the Oldtimer-Meeting Baden-Baden in 2021. This event, held annually in the spa town’s Kurpark and along the Kaiserallee, is one of Germany’s most picturesque classic car gatherings. In 2021, the 44th edition featured 300 vintage vehicles from 80 different brands, including rare models. The event embraced a 1970s theme, showcasing over 40 vehicles from that era. An innovative highlight was the “automobile fashion show,” where models presented current fashion trends while riding in open-top classic cars through the park. The event concluded with the traditional Concours d’élégance, awarding 120 prizes across 15 categories.
Conclusion:
The 1957 Ford Lincoln Premiere Coupé represents a moment when luxury was expressed through scale, styling, and technological confidence. Mechanically straightforward but visually assertive, it prioritized comfort and presence over subtlety or restraint. As tastes evolved, such cars became symbols of a specific cultural moment rather than templates for the future. Today, the Premiere Coupé stands as a compelling artifact of mid-century American ambition—defined by its willingness to be seen and remembered.
