Mark R. Beilfuss

Reference: 1957 Lincoln Premier
  
Back in 1998, My Dad Richard Beilfuss and I were asked to look at a car that was for sale to the highest bidder. Upon our inspection, we discovered the car was in decent condition although it was not driven for about six years. The car was owned by a 97 year old woman who purchased the car a Lincoln Premiere when it was new back in 1957. My Dad recalled seeing the woman drive the car around town on many occasions back in the early 80’s, that was when we first moved to Florida. 

As soon we purchased the car we began the process of restoration by taking the body apart, the interior was removed and all the chrome. My Dad wanted to complete the bodywork, even though he was ill with Rheumatoid arthritis and Emphysema, we had to improvise the tools for him to block out the bodywork. The tools were made to fit his damaged hands. The process took about two years of painstaking labor to restore the car. The body of the car is now painted with tri coat pearl and the roof is done in deep Ford maroon pearl. The interior is Cadillac tan and maroon with pearl accents. The engine has been restored to its original condition including the gold air cleaner. It is finished off with custom 1952 spoke wire wheels and radial whitewall tires.
 

My Dad and I have had a lot of fun restoring this car together. I have great memories of that time. My Dad’s health started to fail. He drove the car to a couple of Auto Shows wearing an oxygen tank. He did not let that stop him from enjoying the car. We went to an Auto Show on November 9 2003 that was the last time he drove the car. He went downhill fast after that and on December 2, 2003, he passed away. 

Since then my sister Tracy and my Mom and I have been taking the car to Auto Shows in honor of my Dad. Tracy is very proudly representing my Dad with his 1957 Lincoln Premiere. The car won the Best of the Show 6ft trophy in 2004 and the dedication read as follows:  TRACY E. BEILFUSS IN MEMORY OF MY FATHER RICHARD H. BEILFUSS, I know he is pleased with the honor.