"The Continental Mark II was introduced in October, 1955 at the
Paris Auto Show. It was offered in only one body style, a two door
hardtop coupe and was a virtually hand assembled car with a price
tag of $10,000. Every luxury feature known in 1956 was available on
this car. All were standard except air conditioning which was a
factory option and the electric eye dimmer which was a dealer
installed option. The Continental was priced way above the average
luxury car. In 1956, you could buy a new Cadillac for around
$4,000; a new Rolls Royce could be had for just over $10,000. The
high price tag and lack of other body styles limited sales. The
Mark II was carried over into 1957 with very few changes.
Production was halted in May of 1957. In all, about 3,000 Mark IIs
were produced." Joesherlock.com
For consignment, a 1956 Continental Mark II 2 door sport coupe
showing 21,900 miles, but the true miles are unknown due to aPA
title exemption. Famous and infamous Mark II owners included Nelson
Rockefeller, Barry Goldwater, Frank Sinatra, Cecil B. DeMille,
Doris Day, R.J. Reynolds, Bill Harrah, Elvis Presley and the Shah
of Iran.
Exterior
Distinctively elegant and long, there's nothing quite like a Mark
II, here in two stage Presidential Black paint which maybe more
than the other 18 colors offered, is especially elegant. Beyond the
straight shoulder line and slab sides, there are curves everywhere,
from the slightly domed roofline to the front fenders that contour
to the demands of the high, round headlights.In the back, high,
rounded fenders turn the corner to house flush tail lights while
the trunk takes on the rounded shape of the actual spare in the
trunk. Just below it, the bumper takes on some space age qualities
with wide exhaust ports and a pointed center. This pattern repeats
up front, replacing exhaust ports with marker lights and adding
bumper guards the rise to front the grated grille and Continental
call out under the crossed hood ornament. 15-inch wheels with
turbine covers carry 75 series white wall tires with a mid 2024
date code. Imperfections include chips throughout, touched and
untouched, cracked bodywork, rough surfaces and bubbling in the
drip rails and along trim, scratches throughout, stain inclusions,
edgewear, a cracked window,(a replacement is included with the
purchase), and polish burn through on character line.
Interior
Shades of gray leather adorn the door panels with button
ornamentation and metallic switchgear.There is an age to the
driver's door in particular where the armrest is cracked and the
metal is blemished and the edge is worn. The two tone seats pick up
on the colors and both the split bench and rear seats are in
fantastic condition. Age reemerges up front where cracks plague the
steering wheels and dash, gauges and pad all show patina. That
doesn't take away from the very cool configuration of it all. The
carpet is faded in spots and the headliner could also use a
freshening. The large trunk has carpet coverage and a covered
spare, both in good shape.
Drivetrain
Under the hood is the driver quality 368ci V8 with a 4-barrel
carburetor and a horsepower rating of 285. It's mated to a Borg
Warner Lincoln TurboDrive 3-speed automatic transmission routing
power to a Dana 44 in back.
Undercarriage
Consistent with the car's condition, the underside shows patina
with surface rust and metal oxidation, but is otherwise clean and
dry. The dual exhaust runs uniquely on the outside of the frame
rails and meets the stock style muffler toward the end, just before
exiting the bumper. Power drum brakes are on all four wheels and
suspension consists of coil springs up front and leaf springs in
back.
Drive-Ability
The car circles the test loop and we can only imagine what a
spectacular this was when new! We note that it pulls left during
the drive and there's a slight valve tap. In addition, the power
wing windows, driver's rear window, radio, clock and tachometer are
not working. All other functions work as they should. While Classic
Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time
of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be
working at the time of your purchase.
This car perhaps has fallen from its former grace, but the bones
are all in place and are begging for restoration. It's rare and
thus show worthy as is, but there's work to be done to bring this
back to its former glory. Judging from the conditions of the
upholstery, you can cross that off your to do list! And you won't
need tires for a while.
C5691142
C-Continental
56-1956
9-September Build Month
1142-Sequential Unit Number
BODY SPECIF
01-1E4L-92-3-II60A
01-Presidential Black
1-Leather Biscuits & Bolsters
E-Deep Gray Biscuits
4-Gray Bolsters
MLDeep Gray Welting
II60A-Continental MKII Sport Coupe
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price. All prices are before
state, city and county tax, tag, title and license fees. Out of
state buyers are responsible for all state, county, city taxes and
fees, as well as title/registration fees in the state that the
vehicle will be registered. Classic Auto Mall is not responsible
for errors and omissions. Please verify listings with dealer.
Vehicles may require VIN verification and/or safety and emissions
inspections to transfer ownership and register the vehicle in the
declared state of residence. Please check with your local DMV
office to ensure compliance with your states titling and
registration process.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
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