I personally prefer CI but for color I think ML is the truer red. CI does tend to pink out somewhat. If you want something that's really fire engine red look at Veterans' Honor! It last for ages both on and off the bush and even as it ages out it never goes pink at all.

phased,
Mr. Lincoln is the kind of rose flower you would admire on a magazine cover, perfect in every way.
The aroma is mildly strong, the red is dark perfect red, I would say that if I were only allowed one rose, this one would be at the top of the list.
It's an older hybrid tea, but a goodie, if not one of the best.
Just my opinion, but I think you better check it out online or in person.

I agree with Seil. Of the two MISTER LINCOLN is the "truer" red. The petals remind me of crushed red velvet. As a rule all the classic fragrant reds will "blue" (i.e. take on purple tones) as the blooms age. For ML this usually happens when the bloom is fully open. I actually don't mind the transformation as the burgundy petals contrast beautifully with the golden stamens in the center.

As for fragrance, to my sniffer ML has one of the best, if not THE best, Damask scents. It isn't just strongely scented, it is INTENSELY fragrant at all stages of the bloom development. Mister Lincoln was my father's favorite rose and he grew it for years until his death. Whenever I smell a red rose it is ML that I'm comparing it to.

One word of advice. Mister Lincoln is VERY vigorous cultivar. You'll need to prune it down hard after it booms to keep it in bounds and to encourage repeat bloom.

How does Mr. Lincoln compare to Etoille de Hollande? I have to special order Mr. Lincoln here, and on hmf they look fairly similar. I also have Crimson Glory, is ML worth adding to the collection?