1956 Continental Mark II

Description

An American automobile from a Big Three manufacturer that could rival a Rolls-Royce? That is exactly what William Clay Ford set out to do when he established the Continental brand within Ford Motor Company’s new “Special Products Division.” The result was the elegant 1956-1957 Continental Mark II.  

When introduced at the October 1955 Paris Auto Salon, the $9,966 Mark II was the most expensive domestic automobile sold in the United States at the time, and the only option offered was air conditioning for an additional $595. The cars were assembled by hand in Allen Park, Michigan, and Ford Motor Company estimated it lost nearly $1,000 for every unit produced. Only 3,000 or so Mark IIs were built over two years, and celebrity owners included Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, Doris Day, Cecil B. DeMille, Nelson Rockefeller, and Barry Goldwater. 

Ford advertising proclaimed, “The man who owns a Continental Mark II will possess a motor car that is truly distinctive and will keep its distinction for years to come,” and this 1956 model proves it. Originally delivered in Dark Gray with Red/White leather interior, it was restored a number of years ago and finished in Deep Red Metallic custom paint with Deep Red/White leather interior. 

Highlights 

• One of 2,550 Continental Mark II luxury sport coupes built for 1956 

• Refinished in custom Deep Red Metallic paint over Deep Red/White leather interior 

• Powered by a 368 cu-in (6.0-liter) OHV V8 engine with four-barrel carburetor rated at 285 horsepower and 402 lb-ft of torque 

• Three-speed Turbo Drive automatic transmission 

• The chassis number (C5601463) decodes as: 

  • C – Continental 

  • 56 – 1956 model year 

  • 0 – October 

  • 1463 – Serial I.D. number 

• The Body Spec data plate (11-1F6M-107-5) decodes as: 

  • 11 – Deep Gray Metallic paint 

  • 1F6M – Leather upholstery with Deep Red biscuit, White bolster, and Deep Red welt 

  • 107 – October 7, 1955, build date 

  • 5 – Plant rotation number 

• Body Style II-60A – Continental Mark II sport coupe  

Features 

• Working Air Conditioning converted to R134 refrigerant

• Power steering 

• Power windows 

• Power seats 

• Three-spoke steering wheel with horn ring and Continental center badge 

• Dash instrumentation includes 140 mph speedometer and odometer, tachometer, water temperature, fuel level, oil pressure, and battery amps 

• Town & Country pushbutton AM radio  

Known Imperfections 

• Car requires a battery jump box to start if it has been sitting for a while, but it requires sorting because it will not remain running

• Driver’s master power window switch for the back two windows does not work 

• Passenger rear window power switch does not work 

• Clock does not work 

• Scuffs and scrapes on interior paint, most notably on glove box 

• Screw is missing from driver’s side rear upholstery 

• Scratches, paint missing, and chrome separation on both front fenders  

• Paint is cracking on passenger rear quarter panel near door 

Included 

• Jack 

Ownership History 

This 1956 Continental Mark II is being sold by the estate of its owner, who purchased the car in 2015. A representative reports that the interior leather is in good condition with no rips, tears, or fading on any of the seats, and the column shifter moves between the gears smoothly and effortlessly with no hard pulling on the column shifter. 

Additional Notes  

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle. 

Contact: Matt Lowney Phone: 623.308.2640 email: mlowney@hagerty.com