Vehicle Description
1956 Continental Mark II
The 1956-57 Continental MK II will go down in history as one of the
most elegant and graceful flops. Certainly not due to any awful
mechanical failures, or nagging maintenance issues, but due to the
fact that the original car was too expensive! Even the wealthiest
elite, would have trouble justifying the cost of this highly
appointed automobile.
Dripping with midcentury design elements, this 1956 Mark II has
truly witnessed history being kind to her. As opposed to her
original owner (one Lee Moran, a Seattle Washington Car Dealer who
loved to travel) who met an early tragic end, when on a flight back
to his vacation home in Palm Springs crashed into Jamaica Bay. The
current consigner (4th owner) has babied this car, and it has
retained all of its original charm, and expensive options, all in
working condition. One person's loss, mainly Lincoln's stuffed to
the brim with options rendering it unaffordable, is another
person's gain, in that not a large number of these are still
kicking around.
Exterior
Immaculate original black, covers all the original panels of this
car, and all are straight, and minding their gaps. Some crazing is
evident on the roof pillar area, as would be expected from a
63-year-old car. Chrome, brite-work, and badging is all correct,
and absolutely immaculate. Consigner states, and we have
documentation that all but 51,000 original miles are clocked. From
the massive small boxed egg crate style grille, to the massive
bumper below it, flanked by single headlights protruding from the
fenders, to the original continental trunk with its hidden but
obvious spare tire mounted to the rear of the trunk lid, only
INSIDE!. Just like the exhaust exits which are within the bumper,
this car was state of the art, and I emphasize ART. Oh and let's
show 4 wide whites with those expensive fanlike wheels all in
glorious original chrome wheel covers.
Interior
Deep red leather Biscuits, if you will, from the original Bridge of
Weir leather factory, are surrounded by white leather bolsters, on
a large split bench in front and the spacious rear bench to match.
The front seat is all power controlled, and work well, excepting
the fore and aft adjustment which is hung up. The massive door
panels emulate the design from the seats, and house all the power
controls for the seats, windows, and vent wings. The beautiful
simplistic dash with gold color plated aluminum, and enveloped by
red padded leather, has exacting gauges in steel blue machined
backgrounds and fine needles to show accurate readings. Even the
clock still works! Looking down we see Jetson -like toggles with
midcentury modern handles which control airflow and other
essentials. A search bar AM radio is embedded above the futuristic
handles and works well. A white headliner is tight, and blemish
free. Red thick pile Wilton carpeting covers all floor areas and
has nary a stain on it.
Drivetrain
Pop the hood and we are met with the original burlap noise
deadening material under the hood, as well as dual working courtesy
lights which beam down on the pristine engine. A "sympathetic"
preservation occurred in 2013 with slight mechanical workings, on
the uber clean 368ci engine. This is backed by the ultra-smooth
2-speed Lincoln Turbo drive transmission. It is unbelievable and a
must see for the beauty of this power plant.
Undercarriage
One would expect nothing less than close to perfection showing some
age, but certainly unremarkable as to any major faults. Independent
front, and leaf sprung rear suspension gives it a ride of an air
carpet, and power drum brakes are all around.
This major award winner including most recently AACA Post War Car
of the Year East Division in 2016 still holds its own as to
originality and pristine condition. Many and numerous awards have
been won over the years, and based on its provenance, this car will
continue winning. My test drive revealed a quick starting, smooth
riding, powerful piece of history. I only imagined the original
owner enjoying the trappings of his success, and driving down Union
Street to his dealership. One would have to go a long way to
experience a larger sense of satisfaction, and appreciation for
history.
VIN Decode
C56E2897
C-Continental
56-1956
E-March Build Month
2897-Production Number
BODY SPECIF
01-1F6M-305-5
01-Black
1-Leather Biscuits & Bolsters
F-Deep Red Biscuits
6-White Bolsters
M-Deep Red Welting
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 300 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania,
conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76
Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and
our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for
more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
