The 1956 Lincoln body and chassis were completely new. The Custom designation was dropped, and the Capri became the low-priced line, subordinate to the new Premiere name.
This was the first new body since 1952, and the wheelbase was increased to 126 inches, with the overall length of the car being 222.8 inches. The engine was increased to 368 cubic inches, and 285 horsepower, with virtually everything in the engine new, including the camshaft, crankshaft, oil pump, carburetor and ventilating system.
The compression ratio was raised to 9.0. Twelve-volt electrical systems replaced six-volt systems for the first time. Seat belts were offered for the first time, and a “deep dish” steering wheel was standard.
The Premiere line contained a two-door hardtop, four-door sedan and convertible, while the Capri contained a two-door hardtop and a four-door sedan. A total of 50,322 units were produced, with the Premiere two-door hardtop edging out the Premiere sedan by 154 units, for a production run of 19,619 units.
The convertible weighed 4,452 pounds and sold for $4,747.00. The 1956 Premiere two-door hardtop was awarded the outstanding product design award by the Industrial Designer’s Institute in Chicago, the first such award to automotive designers.
Check out other years!