1958 Lincoln Premiere
The 1958 Lincoln Premiere represented a significant, albeit controversial, departure for Lincoln's flagship luxury sedan, marking a new era of styling and engineering under the Ford Motor Company's premium division. As part of Lincoln's complete redesign for 1958, the Premiere aimed to position itself as a bold, modern statement in the competitive luxury car market of the late 1950s.
Styling and Design:
The most striking aspect of the 1958 Lincoln Premiere was its radically new styling, penned under the direction of Elwood Engel. This was a dramatic departure from the more conservative and graceful lines of previous Lincoln models. Key design elements included:
- Massive Proportions: The Premiere was an exceptionally large car, even by the standards of the era, emphasizing its status as a premium offering.
- "Forward Look" Styling: Influenced by the prevailing automotive design trends, the Premiere featured sharp, angular lines, prominent canted fins, and a distinct forward-thrusting appearance. This was a stark contrast to the rounded, chrome-laden styling of its predecessors.
- Quad Headlights: A prominent feature was the adoption of dual-stacked headlights on each front fender, a design element becoming increasingly popular in the late 1950s.
- Wraparound Windshield: The large, panoramic wraparound windshield contributed to the car's modern and airy interior feel.
- Vertical Tail Fins: While less pronounced than some of its competitors, the Premiere featured distinctive vertical tail fins that housed its taillights, contributing to its aggressive stance.
- "Floating" Roofline: In certain body styles, a distinctive "floating" roofline, achieved through the use of contrasting roof colors or extensive use of chrome trim, gave the impression of the roof being detached from the body.
- Extensive Chrome: Despite the angular styling, chrome trim remained a significant design element, adorning bumpers, grilles, side moldings, and window surrounds.
Chassis and Engineering:
The 1958 Lincoln Premiere was built on an all-new unibody chassis, a significant engineering advancement that replaced the traditional body-on-frame construction. This innovation was intended to improve structural rigidity, reduce weight, and enhance handling.
- Unibody Construction: This was a pioneering move for Lincoln, contributing to a more modern and integrated vehicle design.
- Engine: Powering the 1958 Premiere was Lincoln's massive 430 cubic inch (7.0-liter) "MEL" V8 engine. This potent powerplant was known for its smooth operation and ample torque, producing around 365 horsepower and a substantial amount of torque, making the large Premiere surprisingly sprightly.
- Transmission: The engine was mated to Ford's then-new three-speed Turbo-Drive automatic transmission, offering smooth gear changes and contributing to the car's luxurious driving experience.
- Suspension: The Premiere featured a coil spring suspension system on all four corners, designed to provide a comfortable and compliant ride, characteristic of American luxury cars of the period.
Interior and Features:
The interior of the 1958 Lincoln Premiere was designed to be as opulent and spacious as the exterior suggested.
- Spacious Cabin: The unibody construction allowed for a more spacious and open interior, with ample legroom and headroom for all occupants.
- Luxurious Appointments: High-quality materials such as leather upholstery, optional wool broadcloth, and extensive use of polished aluminum and chrome trim were standard or available.
- Power Accessories: As expected in a luxury car of this caliber, the Premiere offered a wide array of power accessories, including power steering, power brakes, power windows, and power seats.
- Climate Control: Optional factory air conditioning was a highly sought-after feature, contributing to the car's overall comfort.
- Advanced Features: Features like an AM radio, a dashboard clock, and a dual-circuit brake system were standard.
Body Styles:
The 1958 Lincoln Premiere was offered in several body styles, catering to different customer preferences:
- Four-Door Sedan: The most common body style, offering comfortable seating for six.
- Two-Door Coupe: A sleeker, sportier option for those seeking a more personal luxury car.
- Convertible: The highly desirable convertible model offered open-air motoring, often adorned with even more chrome and luxurious appointments.
- Hardtop variations: Both two-door and four-door hardtop versions were available, featuring pillarless styling for a more open cabin feel when the windows were down.
Legacy and Reception:
The 1958 Lincoln Premiere received mixed reviews upon its release. While its advanced engineering and powerful V8 engine were praised, its radical styling was a point of contention. Some found the dramatic fins and sharp lines to be aggressive and a bit over the top, while others admired its bold, futuristic aesthetic. The economic downturn of 1958 also impacted sales, as large, fuel-thirsty luxury cars were less desirable.
Despite the styling controversy, the 1958 Lincoln Premiere is now recognized as a significant milestone in Lincoln's history, showcasing the brand's willingness to experiment with design and embrace new engineering technologies. It remains a collectible classic, appreciated for its distinctive character and its representation of a pivotal moment in American automotive design.