Vehicle Description
When it debuted as a 1956 model in October of 1955, the $9,966 Mark
II was one of the heaviest American cars extant at 4,825 pounds
without air conditioning, 5,190 pounds so equipped. Riding on a
126-inch wheelbase, it stretched 218.4 inches long and sported a
low 56.25-inch roofline. The original Lincoln-Continental's
proportions remained, with the Mark II's hood stretching a massive
70 inches. Under that hood was a standard Lincoln engine and
drivetrain; the 368-cu.in. V-8 was overmatched by the car's weight,
offering a 0-60 mph time of just under 16 seconds and an indicated
top speed of 118 mph.The coupe's styling was considered quite
conservative upon introduction; its lack of tailfins, air scoops,
chrome moldings, two-tone paint or other "jet age" styling cues
gave the Mark II a tastefully understated appearance. And despite
its bulk, this low-slung car's conservative design approach helped
keep it fresh through the following decades. While the Continental
spare tire bulge was more a styling gimmick than useful, it became
a trademark used through the late 1990s Mark VIII, and details like
the stepped side character line, small nameplate lettering and fuel
filler hidden behind the driver's taillamp were delightful. That
conservative style continued inside, where the leather-covered
dashboard was an ergonomic triumph; in an age where engine
information was minimal and shiny dash chrome a distraction, the
Mark II had easy-to-read round-dial analog instrumentation that
included a tachometer, oil pressure and amperage gauge.The
Continental Division instituted a seven-point quality-control
program, and each Mark II required twice as many man-hours to build
as did a contemporary Lincoln. The quality of materials used in
these cars was one of their best attributes, as Ford felt
everything in their flagships should be the best. The standard
four-way power front seat could be covered in blemish-free Bridge
of Weir Scottish leather or a number of fabrics including
matelasse, brocade and broadcloth; in all, there were 43 standard
upholstery trim choices to complement the 19 standard exterior
lacquer finishes. Other standard features included power steering,
brakes, antenna and windows with tinted glass, a dual heating
system, premium Travel-Tuner AM radio with two speakers,
self-regulating electric clock, fully carpeted trunk and an engine
dress-up kit. The Mark II was so comprehensively equipped that the
only option offered was air conditioning, and if so built, the
condensing unit was housed in the trunk and four registers were set
in the headliner to deliver cool air to the occupants.Changes for
the 1957 model year were few: Four new metallic paint colors joined
the palette, and the air conditioning air intakes were relocated
from external scoops atop the rear fender kickups to ducting behind
the grille. Engine power was increased from 285 to 300hp, but the
factory's special process of shipping the $9,695 Mark II to
dealerships in fleece-lined plastic and canvas envelopes to protect
its finish continued. The Continental coupe had new competition in
the form of the Cadillac Eldorado Brougham in 1957, and this
combined with falling sales in a soft luxury-car market to seal its
fate; the Continental division was dissolved, and the Mark II
didn't return for 1958. While the proposed sedan, folding hardtop
convertible and fuel injection didn't make production, and a mere
3,014 Mark IIs were built, the premium coupe truly was, as
expressed in an advertisement, "A motor car which, more than
anything else, exemplifies the very finest expression of American
automotive craftsmanship."
To craft the finest automobiles in America" - This was the brief of
Ford's short-lived Continental Division. Luminaries such as
Duesenberg, Cord and Peerless were long gone, and Ford's
not-insubstantial order was a direct shot at knocking Packard and
Cadillac off their pedestals as the remaining premier American
marques. The first Continental that debuted was the 1956 Mark II;
while this premium luxury coupe was not the sales success that it
was hoped to be, it became one of the most influential designs of
the decade, famous both for what it was and for what it wasn't.
While these rare vehicles were among the most expensive and
exclusive when new, today a nice example costs about the same as a
loaded new Focus, making the Mark II a surprisingly accessible
piece of American automotive royalty. This 1956 Mark II has show
quality paint and chrome, recent full drivetrain rebuild including
brakes and suspension new wide whitewall tires
Please call us at 941-355-1955 7 days a week for a complete
detailed description
We can finace this car to 94 months and we ship world wide door to
door no problem.
