Sun Star 1956 Lincoln Premiere Open Convertible

The Lincoln Premiere was introduced in 1956, an entirely new design to reinvigorate and ingrain the marque’s image as a luxury frontrunner. (Of course the Continental, a name re-introduced with the Mark II in ’56, was at that point technically not a Lincoln, but a free-standing marque, designed and manufactured independently, and intended by Ford to compete with the cream of European luxury.) A few styling elements borrowed from the Capri aside, the overall effect of the Premiere was all new: long, sleek and very elegant. For the first time, a Lincoln sported a wraparound windshield (which turned out to be the biggest in the industry). Advertising copywriters went to great pains to cement the new car’s image with phrases like “most beautiful,” “most powerful” and “most wanted,” while also touting it’s power and handling. The Premiere measured 223 inches long, nearly 80 inches wide and weighed close to 4400 lbs. It was powered by a new 368 cid V8 producing 285 horsepower. Whether as a coupe, convertible or four-door sedan, it made an immediate and indelible impression. By any measure, this was a grand automobile.

Sun Star’s Lincoln Premiere, the first model in their new, high detail “Platinum” line, is sensational. Rest assured this beauty is no shrinking violet. At just under 12 ½ inches from bumper to bumper, it’s every bit as big, heavy and (dare I say) impressive as the great P100 ’57 Chrysler 300C, a model often cited as a touchstone for scale accuracy and precision.

The level of detail is little short of breathtaking, and includes (in addition to upscale niceties like realistic door and hood hinges, interior carpeting and an authentic trunk lining) photo etched components in the grill, exquisitely formed, real metal hood and trunk ornaments and, perhaps most striking, pristine 3D “Lincoln” and “Premiere” scripts on the fenders and hood. Overall, the fit and finish are close to perfect. Note particularly the smooth operation of the doors, how snugly they fit and the tight, true alignment of the wing windows with the windshield frame. The black paint is deep, lustrous and mirror smooth…as fine as I’ve seen on any model at any price. The chrome work, always a Sun Star hallmark regardless of price point, is simply immaculate, with the intricate details of door handles and keyholes, grill openings, rear bumper exhaust openings and antenna mast beautifully formed and perfectly scaled. Windshield “glass” is remarkably clear and distortion-free, and the light lenses fore and aft are top-notch, with no visible mounting posts, even on the parking lights.

The interior is brilliantly done, too. The soft “leather” seats, in a lovely rose color with black inserts, are realistically textured with simulated stitching clearly visible. (Of course, the front seats fold forward.) The wheel and dash have fine depth and presence, with many of the instruments and lettering legible under magnification. As previously mentioned, the floor is carpeted, and there are also detailed doorsills and front floor mats. Of particular interest to collectors who’ve followed this image from its development phase is the revised and refined convertible boot, now perfectly scaled and done in a soft, pliable material with simulated creases, stitching and painted snaps. It is a huge improvement over the one shown on the prototype and on the yellow version of the model.

The engine bay is impressive, with the big V8 festooned in soft rubber wires and hoses, clear lettering and labeling and individual components finely done (even a separate chrome radiator cap). In the trunk, which sports the aforementioned patterned matting, is a full spare, jacking tools and a nifty little set of luggage. The undercarriage is rendered extremely well, with engine block, drive shaft, exhaust system, rear suspension and shocks and structural components all crisply represented with individual pieces. Operating features (aka “finger fun”), aside from those already mentioned, include poseable sun visors, fully articulated wipers (!) and working front and rear suspension. A final word on the packaging and presentation, which is first class all the way: the model is secured in a styrofoam clamshell, encased in a glossy, full color box. Rounding out the presentation is a reproduction of the ’56 Lincoln sales brochure and a brilliant chrome “Platinum” fob, attached “hang-tag” style to the rear axle.

I’m simply blown away by this Lincoln (in case you couldn’t tell!). I pre-ordered it a year ago, and it’s been worth the wait. At about $45 it can be compared without hesitation to any P100, Precision Miniatures or Highway 61 image I’ve seen. I can’t wait to see Sun Star’s new “Platinum” ’58 Buick Limited, to say nothing of the ’58 Continental MK III. If they turn out as well as this, we’re in for something rather special. And of course, there’s the forthcoming Premiere hardtop coupe. An embarrassment of riches, indeed.

-John Richards