Vehicle Description
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.
