Vehicle Description
285 HP 368 CI V-8 ENGINE & AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONSTRIKING MAROON
PAINT OVER MATCHING INTERIORSOUGHT-AFTER, RARE AND GLAMOROUS 1950S
AUTOMOTIVE ICONTHE CAR OF THE RICH AND POWERFUL WHEN NEWOFFERED
FROM 22 YEARS OF SOLE OWNERSHIPWELL RESTORED, PRESERVED, AND
PRESENTED THROUGHOUTINCLUDES RESTORATION BOOKS, MANUALS AND
CATALOGUES In all respects, the Continental Mark II was a radical
departure for Ford Motor Company so much so, the car was not even
badged as a Lincoln. Instead, it was the launch product of the new
Continental Division of the Ford Motor Company, with a dedicated
assembly plant in Wixom, Michigan near Detroit. Development was
spearheaded by William Clay Ford and key staff included chief body
engineer Gordon Buehrig of Duesenberg and Auburn renown. With
excellent lines and tasteful adornments, the understated
Continental Mark II emphasized elegance over flamboyance, with
proportions similar to those of the Thunderbird and an homage to
the original Continentals of the 1940s, a molded trunk lid in the
shape of a concealed spare tire. Under the four-pointed star on the
hood resided a new, dynamometer-tested 368-CI V-8 engine developing
nearly 300 HP. A product of exceptional quality, the Mark II was
largely hand-built with only the finest materials used throughout.
Buyers could choose from 19 standard exterior colors and 43
interior design schemes with five fabric options. Even with an
initial sticker price of nearly $11,000 more than a contemporary
Rolls-Royce, Ford reportedly lost thousands on every Mark II built.
Mark II buyers were the eras wealthiest and most famous, including
Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Rockefeller and President
Dwight Eisenhower. Conceived at the height of automotive fashion,
the 1955 dbut of the Mark II at Paris was fitting. Production was
limited, numbering 1,325 for 1956 and 444 for 1957. Today, these
glamorous vehicles continue to rank among the postwar eras
finest.Finished in Burgundy over matching upholstery with Grey
accents, this 1956 Continental Mark II is a highly attractive
example throughout and continues to benefit from a quality
restoration. Comprehensive standard features and amenities include
power-assisted brakes, steering, front seat, side and vent windows,
plus full instrumentation including a tachometer and low-fuel
warning indicator. Air conditioning, a rare option, is present but
inoperative. Offered from 22 years of single ownership, this
Continental Mark II was shown just once at the Geneva Concours
dElegance. A recent test drive confirms it drives well and
straight, without rattles or squeaks, and tracks and stops
straight, providing a proper driving experience. Handsomely
presented and offered from long-term ownership, this sophisticated
1956 Continental Mark II stands proudly as Ford Motor Companys top
product for 1956-57. Contact us now to see this rare, glamorous and
highly collectible postwar icon for yourself and make purchase
arrangements!