Vehicle Description
Purists may not be happy, but this 1956 Continental Mark II makes for one heck of a custom! Given that the cost of restoring one of these is astronomical and parts are unobtainium, the custom route has saved a car that otherwise might not have survived. The fact that it's also beautiful is merely icing on the cake.
The Mark II is generally regarded as one of the finest designs of the 1950s, but that's not to say that it didn't lend itself to a few well-chosen modifications. The most notable change is the chopped roof, which gives it a sleeker look but doesn't remove the "pagoda" styling that makes these cars unique. Then you have the usual tricks of shaved trim, frenched headlights, and a custom grille, all of which work rather well on the already trim Mark II bodywork. Things like the kick-up in the quarter panels, the vents on the rear fenders (originally designed to feed the trunk-mounted A/C unit), and the Continental's signature tire hump on the trunk all remain intact. The taillights appear to be from a Packard Carribbean, the hood has a few stylized louvers stamped into its surface, and color-matched sections under the bumpers make it look very low. The purple paint has that custom car look that belongs on an Auto-Rama show stage and with just over 5100 miles since it was completed, everything remains in first-class condition.
There's really nothing left of the original interior, which has been replaced by a custom setup that uses late-model power bucket seats, a fabricated center console, and OEM levels of fit and finish to create a car that is as comfortable as it is attractive. The vinyl and cloth upholstery has an OEM vibe to it and they did try to replicate the Mark II's instrument panel, which did stand up on top in its own little pod as it does on this car. Brushed aluminum dashboard surfaces add a high-tech look, as do the digital instruments, and all the secondary controls are neatly arrayed on the center stack. There's a powerful A/C system with vents neatly integrated into the dash, a custom steering wheel, and an AM/FM/CD stereo that sounds great in the custom Continental's hushed interior. A few original pieces such as the trick door handles and lower door trim remain, adding a custom look that only the OEMs could create. And there's still a massive trunk that's beautifully upholstered and very functional.
The original 430 cubic inch V8 has been supplanted by a 460 cubic inch big block that delivers a lot more power with fewer hassles. Using as many OEM components as possible, it's reliable and strong, and it's been dressed to show off with lots of chrome and color-matched details. Edelbrock supplied the intake manifold and carburetor, as well as the valve covers, while an aluminum firewall and matching radiator act as shiny book ends on the burly V8. A serpentine belt drive system from a late-model Ford makes it reliable and it's been upgraded with a C6 3-speed automatic transmission so it prowls the streets effortlessly. The front suspension uses tubular control arms and custom coil springs for that in the weeds look, and there are disc brakes up front for vastly improved stopping power. The rear suspension is leaf springs and air shocks, so the ride can be fine-tuned and those chrome steelies with custom centers are a very 1950s look. 225/75/15 wide whitewall radials finish the custom look and ride great.
You'll never see another one like this and the modifications more than live up to the legacy of the gorgeous Mark II. Call today!
