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One of only two in this color/interior combination and one of only 64 tow-tone cars. Factory A/C, fully restored and already a trophy-winner.
This incredible 1956 Continental Mark II is one of 64 factory two-tone cars, one of 15 in Deep Bronze over Medium Bronze, and one of only two with this remarkable leather and cloth interior. So among a rare batch of cars, this one stands out. It has had a recent, comprehensive frame-off restoration to very high standards, and has collected top awards from the AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America) and LCOC (Lincoln Continental Owners Club). It has every available option, which amounts to tinted glass, a front-mounted license plate, and the ultra-rare air trunk-mounted air conditioner, which is in 100% operational condition. It is also fully documented, including the original invoice and manuals. In short, if you’re looking for an investment-grade Mark II, there are few more collectable than this one.
This car has been beautifully restored in its original color combination, which is quite rare and emphasizes the Mark II’s long, low styling. Those long expanses of sheetmetal, including the hood which reaches a staggering 70 inches, have been massaged to the same high standards that the factory exercised, and the crease along the side can be used to calibrate scientific instruments. The paint is modern two-stage urethane, which is vastly superior to even the multi-stage, hand-rubbed lacquer used originally and accurately captures the Dark Bronze over Medium Bronze color combination. It’s subtle, but striking when seen in the sunlight where the subtle metallic causes the car to seemingly glow from within. All the chrome has been refinished, with a final bill tallying more than $20,000. Also note the unique side mirror, which uses beveled glass—a piece that was restored with new glass at a cost of more than $700.
This car caused quite a stir at a recent national meet with its unusual interior, but documentation is included with the car to prove that it is authentic. Most Mark IIs were equipped with either all-leather or all-cloth interiors, making the leather and cloth combination here all the more remarkable. In truth, the code 2D3G interior is officially called “Light Beige Nylon (basketweave pattern) seat biscuits (2D) with Medium Beige leather seat bolsters (3) and light beige seat welts (G). That’s quite a mouthful, but the net result is an elegant interior that mimics fine European vehicles, which was exactly Ford’s intent.
That unusual interior has been fully restored to as-delivered condition, with beautiful leather and natural fabrics. Custom door panels continue the theme and the floor is covered in tasteful brown carpets to anchor the color scheme. It appears that the gauges themselves are original, and the 50,021 miles shown are believed to be authentic. The clock works, the A/C blows ice cold, and the original AM radio pulls in stations, with the original vacuum antenna invisibly converted to electric operation during the restoration. Sliding behind the wheel of this car, it is impossible to not feel like a million bucks.
The Continental used Lincoln’s new 368 cubic inch V8, which was rated at 285 horsepower. In truth, the number was perhaps closer to 300 horsepower, since the Mark II received the pick of components, all of which were hand-selected and meticulously assembled to far more exacting tolerances than the production line engines. The engine bay is fully detailed, from the gorgeous cast aluminum valve covers to the unique gold paint on the block, and every last component is as it was when the car was new. Special attention was paid to the mechanical systems, so the power steering and brakes work as they should, the cruise control holds any speed you wish, and as I mentioned, the A/C is cold. Of special interest is the unique hood pad, which was custom made just for this car, accurately duplicating the original piece—one can only speculate as to the cost of such an undertaking.
The chassis is neatly finished with zero signs of rust or repairs, and while this remains a high-point car in competition, the current owner is a driving enthusiast who believes that all cars should be driven, so it is not trailer queen perfect underneath (although it could be with a few hours’ work). It drives superbly, with effortless power at any speed and a remarkably hushed interior on the highway. Each vane on those gorgeous finned wheel covers is individually bolted in place, and it wears newer H78-15 Coker Classic wide whitewalls that make it a pleasure to drive and look authentic.
Documentation is extensive, including the aforementioned copy of the original invoice, original owner’s manual, a letter from noted Continental historian Lowell C. Domholdt, as well as various shop manuals, restoration guides, and a rare Continental brochure in its original envelope.
Forget what you know of these cars, because they’re simply not $25,000 also-rans anymore. Top examples are pushing six figures, and even basket cases are more than $20,000. Outrageously expensive to restore, there’s nearly twice the asking price wrapped up in the work on this car, and it is a fully sorted, ready-to-enjoy example that can be driven or shown with equal confidence. If you are a true Continental enthusiast, you understand the importance of these cars, and with this one you get a unique color combination and a ton of documentation. There are simply not many that are better than this. Give us a call today and we’ll be happy to tell you all about it.
For more information and photos, please visit www.VintageMotorCarsUSA.com.
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STOCK/INV. NUMBER:
132171
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