For Sale: 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II in Auburn, Indiana

To be OFFERED AT AUCTION at Auctions America's Auburn Spring event, May 11-13, 2017.

Chassis No.
C56C2533

Estimate:
$ 55,000 - $ 65,000 US

In terms of styling, the Continental Mark II was a departure from what Americans were accustomed to from a luxury car 1950s. With excellent proportions and lines penned by Fords newly formed and independent Continental Division, the car possessed an understated beauty, striving for elegance in place of flamboyance. Hoping to regain the Continental's prestige, Ford created a whole new organization, designated simply "Continental Division," headed by Edsel Ford's youngest son, William.

Mostly hand-made, the Mark II was a rolling piece of art and a product of exceptional craftsmanship. Only the very finest materials were used throughout, even the instrumentation displayed the precision of a finely crafted watch. The amenities did not come cheaply and even with a sticker of $10,000 Ford lost $1,000 per car sold. With a price tag equaling Rolls-Royce, the Mark II only attracted clients of wealth. Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Nelson Rockefeller and President Dwight D. Eisenhower were all proud owners of a Mark II, as was the Shah of Iran.

Conceived as the height of automotive fashion, its public debut at the Paris Motor Show of 1955 was fitting. The first year production of 1956 is reported as being 2,550 examples In 1957, only 444 were produced, making for a most uncommon vehicle in stature and number. At present, it is believed that the number of those surviving is about half the original figure and in various conditions.

This is a fine example (reported as period correct) of a Summit Green 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II with factory air conditioning; this is the only option that this exceptional car even offered in 1956. This distinctive platform has an impressive list of standard equipment. This includes power steering, brakes, windows, seat and door locks; heater, full instrumentation, radio, carpet throughout, dual exhaust, whitewall tires and pushbutton lubrication. The owner reports that all gauges, radio, factory air conditioning and power windows (including all vents) "operate as new." The interior is elegant and presented in two-tone white with complementary green that is rarely seen, as is the Summit Green exterior.

The Mark II has performance amply supplied by its 368-cid, 300-hp V-8 engine with automatic transmission; the drivetrain is reported as original to the car. This beautiful Lincoln Continental Mark II displays an AACA award plaque on the grille, as well as a badge from the Lincoln and Continental Owners Club. The owner reports this as being an original car in which the 108,000 miles on the odometer are believed to be original. It is further described as being "ready to hit the car shows or drive every day."

The work of master craftsmen; this was a car designed and built for those of inherent good taste and judgement. Conservative, aristocratic and elegant were used to describe the Mark II when new - the terms still apply as evidenced by this refined specimen.