Cruisin' Around Town with Ronnie Setser

Best of the Best

June 2004

Tracy Beilfuss' 1957 Lincoln Premiere
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 when it was new back in 1957. My Dad recalled seeing the woman drive car around town on many occasions back in the early 80's. That was when we first moved to Florida.

As soon as we purchased the car, we began the process of restoration by taking the body apart, the interior was removed along with all the chrome. My Dad wanted to complete the body work, even though he was ill with rheumatoid arthritis and emphysema. We had improvise the tools for him to block out the body work. The tools were made to fit his damaged hands. It took about two years of painstaking labor to restore the car. The body of the car is now painted tricoat pearl and the roof is done in deep Ford maroon pearl. The interior in 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 white wall 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, 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.

Mark Beilfuss