1957 Continental Mark II

Description

Raleigh Classic Car Auctions have built a pristine reputation over 26 years of live auctions, as the go-to for the best-of-the-best offerings for car collectors and enthusiasts. Regionally trusted and nationally recognized, Raleigh Classic Car Auctions continues to find low-mile, original examples with documentation annually. The October Special is an offering of 28 premium quality, low-mile and desirable, domestic lots from three private estates. All vehicles are available for in-person inspection at The Raleigh Classic Showroom in Zebulon, NC; 9:00am-4:00pm Monday-Friday: 10/28/25 - 11/12/25 or by appointment.

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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. Ford established the Continental brand within the new “Special Products Division” to create the 1956–1957 Continental Mark II. The $9,966 the 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. They were assembled by hand in a dedicated factory in Allen Park, Michigan. Just 3,012 were built over two years, and its luxury and exclusivity attracted buyers like Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.

According to the selling dealer, “this Continental Mark II was built for Edward Gaylord who founded Gaylord Concept Cars with his brother. Gaylord Concept Cars were renowned for building concept cars and prototypes for Detroit’s automakers. With just three owners since new, the odometer currently reads 40,913 miles. The exterior has had one professional repaint in its factory-correct Starmist White paint, and the Deep Red and White Bridge of Weir Scottish leather interior is original to the car. This Mark II also features the rarely optioned factory air conditioning.” As a Ford advertisement stated, “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.”

Highlights

• Offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection

• 40,913 miles indicated from three owners

  • Based on the seller's thorough assessment, known history, and accompanying documentation, the odometer reading of this Continental Mark II is believed to be correct.

• Resprayed in original Starmist White (06) paint

• Original Deep Red and White (1F6M) Bridge of Weir Scottish leather interior

• Powered by a 368ci V8 producing 285 hp

• Three-speed “Turbo-Drive” automatic transmission

• Optional factory air conditioning

• 15-inch wheels with turbine vane wheel covers

• The chassis number (C56K3406) decodes as:

  • C – Continental Division (Ford Motor Company)

  • 56 – Mark II program code used for the 1956–1957 Mark II run

  • K – Continental internal series/production letter for the ’57 model run

  • 3406 – consecutive production number

Features

• Added stainless steel exhaust

• Power windows

• Power brakes

• Power steering

• Push button seat controls

• AM radio

• Tachometer

• Low-level fuel warning

• Stainless steel trim

• Chrome bumpers

• Dual exhaust

Known Imperfections

• As with any vintage vehicle, some imperfections may be present. Interested parties are encouraged to review the photo gallery and contact the seller with any questions.

Included

• Owner’s manual

• Continental Mark II Data Book

• Continental Mark II Master Parts Catalog Chassis and Body

• Period Continental Mark II advertising

• Can of factory-issued Blue Coral Preservative Sealer

Ownership History

This 1957 Lincoln Continental Mark II is offered from The Raleigh Classic Collection with a clean Ohio title with a Mileage Notation of “Actual”.