1960 Lincoln Premiere: A Farewell to Fifties Flair
The 1960 Lincoln Premiere marked a significant turning point for Ford's luxury marque, representing the final iteration of the company's distinctive, jet-age styling that had defined the latter half of the 1950s. While the "big fins" era was drawing to a close, Lincoln managed to send it off with a car that was both an evolution of its established identity and a subtle hint at the cleaner, more restrained designs to come.
Design and Styling:
The 1960 Premiere was a derivative of the 1958-1959 models, but with notable refinements. The most apparent change was the softening of the extravagant tailfins. While still present, they were less prominent and more integrated into the overall bodywork, tapering more smoothly towards the rear. The canted "cantilever" roofline, a signature Lincoln feature of the era, remained, contributing to the car's imposing and dramatic presence.
The front end featured a prominent, wide grille, characteristic of the Lincoln marque. Quad headlights, which had become increasingly common, were integrated into the front fenders. The overall impression was one of substantial size, elegance, and a powerful statement of American automotive luxury. Chrome accents were liberally applied, from the brightwork along the sides and around the windows to the bumpers, enhancing the car's opulent feel.
Lincoln offered the Premiere in several body styles, including:
- Two-door Coupe: The quintessential personal luxury car of the era.
- Four-door Sedan: Offering more practicality for families.
- Four-door Hardtop: Providing a pillarless look when the windows were down, enhancing the airy and spacious cabin feel.
- Convertible: The ultimate expression of open-air luxury.
Powertrain and Performance:
Under the hood, the 1960 Lincoln Premiere was powered by Ford's formidable 350 cubic inch (5.8-liter) V8 engine. This powerplant was engineered for smooth, effortless cruising and provided ample torque for the car's substantial weight. It was mated to Ford's 3-speed "Cruise-O-Matic" automatic transmission, which further contributed to the relaxed driving experience. While not designed for outright speed, the Premiere offered a powerful and refined performance suitable for long-distance journeys.
Interior and Features:
The interior of the 1960 Lincoln Premiere was a sanctuary of luxury, reflecting the era's penchant for comfort and opulence. High-quality materials were standard, including plush leather upholstery, often combined with vinyl accents. The dashboard was designed with a driver-centric approach, featuring a panoramic instrument panel with clear, easy-to-read gauges.
Standard luxury features for the 1960 Premiere included:
- Power steering and power brakes: Essential for managing the car's size.
- Automatic transmission: As mentioned, the Cruise-O-Matic was standard.
- Heater and defroster: Crucial for all-weather comfort.
- Radio: Often a push-button AM radio.
- Electric windshield wipers: A step up from vacuum-powered wipers.
Optional features offered an even higher level of indulgence, such as:
- Air conditioning: A highly desirable and expensive option that made the Premiere a true year-round luxury vehicle.
- Power windows: Allowing for effortless opening and closing of all windows.
- Power seats: Providing multiple adjustments for optimal driver and passenger comfort.
- Cruise control: A pioneering feature that allowed for hands-free highway cruising.
- Whitewall tires: A ubiquitous styling cue of the era.
- Wire-spoke wheel covers: Adding a touch of sporty elegance.
Significance and Legacy:
The 1960 Lincoln Premiere is a significant automobile for several reasons. It represents the zenith of Lincoln's distinctive 1950s design language, showcasing the bold styling that appealed to buyers seeking status and grandeur. It also serves as a transitional model, foreshadowing the more restrained and European-influenced designs that would emerge in the early 1960s with the introduction of the 1961 Lincoln Continental.
Despite its substantial size and relatively traditional engineering, the 1960 Premiere offered a compelling package of luxury, comfort, and style. Today, these cars are appreciated by collectors as prime examples of late-fifties American automotive extravagance, embodying a specific era of optimism, prosperity, and unashamedly grand automotive design. They are rolling testaments to a time when American cars were not afraid to make a statement.