For Sale: 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II in Rogers, Minnesota

This 1956 Continental Mark II is a stunning, ultra-luxurious 2-door hardtop that is absolutely loaded with options including the elusive factory air conditioning! The story of the 1956 Continental Mark II begins in the early 1950s, when Edsel Ford's son William Clay Ford-grandson of Henry Ford-spearheaded Ford Motor Company's newly created Special Products Operations Division. This elite division was tasked with developing a worthy successor to the legendary Lincoln Continental, whose final model year had ended in 1948. Ford's team set out to design an automobile that would embody sophistication and timeless elegance, describing their new concept as "modern formal." On October 16, 1954, William Clay Ford announced that Special Products Operations would be elevated to a standalone luxury brand known as the Continental Division-a name that would represent Ford's most prestigious offering, even above Lincoln. Promoted as the "Rebirth of a Proud Tradition," the new Continental made its world debut less than a year later, on October 6, 1955, at the Paris Auto Show, introducing the stunning Continental Mark II to an international audience. The base Mark II model, priced at nearly $10,000 when new,instantly became a symbol of exclusivity and refined taste-positioning it among the most expensive American cars of its time. Interestingly, the Mark II only had a single available option, factory air conditioning, which would have pushed the MSRP above $10,000. Ownership was said to have been limited to celebrities, business magnates, and prominent figures of high society, making the Mark II a true status symbol. With its long hood, short deck, flawless proportions, and understated chrome trim, the 1956 Continental Mark II exuded restrained elegance. The front end featured a finely detailed ribbed mesh grille flanked by recessed, hooded headlamps and topped by a wide, flat hood adorned with distinctive Continental star emblems. Along the sides, its substantial body panels were sculpted with subtle sophistication, leading to a graceful rear deck with a faux spare tire motif-a tasteful nod to the original Lincoln Continental. Inside, the Mark II's cabin was every bit as luxurious as its exterior suggested, offering Tiffany-designed interior accents, finely stitched upholstery, and plush, heavily padded seating. Every detail reflected hand-crafted quality and meticulous attention to detail, reinforcing the Mark II's reputation as one of the finest American luxury cars of the 1950s. Due to the high price, production was limited to a mere 2,550 models which makes this particular Continental a supremely rare car today. This 1956 Continental comes to us from the collection of an east coast steward who owned and cared for the car for over 40 years. Under the hood on this Mark II is a massive 368 cubic inch V8 engine fed by a single 4 barrel carburetor that together were said to have produced a whopping 300 horsepower when new. The 368 V8 is mated to an Automatic transmission that makes this high class luxury cruiser an easy car for anybody to take on a Sunday cruise. Exhaust exits the 300hp powerplant via a dual exhaust setup that generates a terrific throaty sound out of the rear tailpipes. As perhaps the most luxurious American-made automobile in 1956, this Continental comes fully loaded with creature comforts and options! Squeezing into a tight parking space at the country club or at the local Lincoln & Continental Owners Club (LCOC) car show is almost effortless, since this 1956 Continental comes equipped with power steering. Further aiding with parking efforts and lane changes is a driver's side outside mirror that provides improved visibility down the side of this gorgeous Mark II. Additionally, bringing this nearly 4,800+ pound behemoth to a complete stop is also simplified thanks to power brakes that greatly reduce the effort required to stop. Riding on a set of wide whitewall tires paired with correct turbine-style full wheel covers, this '56 Continental Mark II has a fantastic, upscale look. The exterior of this 1956 Mark II has been correctly refinished in Black paint that completes the distinguished look of this high-class automobile. The interior of this 1956 Continental Mark II is gorgeous! The Green and White front and rear bench seats were reupholstered, providing a nice contrast to the exterior of the car and a comfortable ride for the driver and any of their passengers. The matching two-tone door panels, brand new green carpeting, padded dash, and steering wheel are all in wonderful shape as well and appear to remain in a stock configuration. Like the power train, the interior is comparably loaded up with options! You'll be able to stay cool even on the hottest summer days since this 1956 Continental Mark II is equipped with the only available option in 1956, Factory Air Conditioning, which is an ultra-rare feature seen on these cars. Furthermore, all four power windows, along with the vent windows, are opened and closed with ease, all with the simple flick of a switch. You'll also be able to adjust the front seat with minimal effort since this Mark II also comes with power front seat. A full bevy of instrumentation includes a 140 MPH speedometer, 5,000 RPM tachometer, oil pressure gauge, amp gauge temperature gauge, and fuel gauge, along with a clock. The dash is finished off with various vehicle controls including climate controls, a glovebox, and a push-button Town and Country AM radio. Whether you're buying your very first classic car, or you're adding to your existing Lincoln or Ford-centric collection, this 1956 Continental Mark II would make an excellent choice. Give Ellingson's a call today at 763-221-3098!

*368 Cu. In. V8
*Single 4 Barrel Carburetor
*300 Horsepower
*Automatic Transmission
*Power Steering & Brakes
*Optional Factory Air Conditioning
*Same Owner for Over 40 Years
*Correctly Refinished in Black
*White & Green Two-Tone Interior
*Power Windows & Power Seat
*Stock Instrumentation
*Odometer Reads: 87,408 Miles