1956 Continental Mark II

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

In the early 1950s, Ford established the Continental brand with the goal of creating an ultra-luxurious automobile. The "Special Products Division," headed by William Clay Ford, Henry Ford II's brother, was given significant funding to develop a luxury vehicle that would surpass previous American luxury brands. The objective was to target customers who had previously owned a Rolls-Royce. 

When introduced at the 1955 Paris Auto Salon, the crowd was amazed by the timeless and elegant style penned by Gordon Buehrig and John Reinhart. The Mark II vaulted ahead of the competition with its style, luxury, and mechanical innovation. It was assembled by hand in a dedicated factory, where the paintwork was carried out in several time-consuming stages, and the engines were extensively balanced. 

The Mark II was the pinnacle of luxury American automobile manufacturing at the time, and prominent owners included Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor, and Elvis Presley. However, production was discontinued after just over 3,000 units were made because the high manufacturing costs made it uneconomical for Ford to sell their "labor of love." 

Highlights 

• Powered by a 368 cu-in V8 mated to a three-speed “Turbo-Drive” automatic transmission 

• Finished in Starmist White with a two-tone Medium Blue and White leather interior 

• 15 inch wheels with turbine vane wheel covers 

• A bespoke center console houses a Panasonic Bluetooth stereo which is connected to a trunk-mounted CD changer and subwoofer 

• Service work in 2022 is reported to include replacing the front wheel bearings, brake shoes, wheel cylinders, and brake drums 

• In May 2023, service work including repairing the charging system, replacing the points, condenser, carburetor, fuel filters, repacking the front wheel bearings, and rectifying the turn signal wiring for just over $4,000 

• Information from the Continental Mark II Registry reveals the original build specifications for chassis number C56D2824: 

  • Unit Number - 2824   

  • Build Month - February 1956  

  • Color - Pastoral Blue (04) 

  • Interior - Leather-Medium Blue-White-Medium Blue (1N6B) 

  • One of 189 examples built in this color combination 

• Please note that while the odometer displays just over 53,000 miles at the of listing, the true mileage is unknown 

Features 

• Power windows 

• Power brakes 

• Power steering 

• Air conditioning 

• Push button seat controls 

• AM radio 

• Stainless steel trim 

• Chrome bumpers 

• Dual exhaust 

Known Imperfections 

• The left rear window operates slowly 

Included 

• Service literature 

• Period marketing material 

• Continental Owner’s Club magazines 

Ownership History

According to the Continental Mark II Registry, this 1956 example was initially purchased by Ed Robbin through Palm Springs Lincoln-Mercury of Palm Springs, California. Since then, the car was purchased by the current owner in March 2023.

Additional Notes

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

Contact: Craig Zimmerman Phone: 586.707.5811‬ email: czimmerman@hagerty.com