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In 1956, Lincoln-Mercury dealers wanted something that would draw an even higher caliber customer to their showrooms. With increased competition from various British and German automakers vying for a piece of the luxury car market, the Continental MK II was introduced as a separate, higher-level offering.
The Continental was technically not a Lincoln since Ford's new Continental division manufactured it. It was built between 1956 and 1957 and drew inspiration from the original Continental. The cars were sold and serviced through Lincoln dealers and used a Lincoln drivetrain. These elegant cars were designed to be the most luxurious and elegant American cars available. They were fitted with power steering, brakes, windows, seats, and vent windows. Most of the production was hand-built. Power was from a 368 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 285 horsepower, and the price tag was a staggering $10,000, the price of two Cadillacs. Production was understandably low, with only 2,550 delivered in 1956 with another 444 in 1957 before being discontinued.
Originally penned as a convertible in 1953, the MK II was introduced as a two-door luxury coupe. Though a convertible was never cataloged, Ford commissioned one by coachbuilder Derham of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. It appeared as the centerpiece of Ford's auto show exhibits for 1956, but the car never went into production. There were two Mark IIs damaged during shipping from Allen Park to Chicago, and the cars were refused by the dealers. Ford Marketing in Chicago sent the cars to Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, had them crafted into convertibles to gauge public interest in the concept, then later used them as dealer demonstrators.
The stock Continental frame was designed with a convertible body in mind. To further enhance the chassis, Hess & Eisenhardt used 1/4-inch plate steel, along with tubular cross-braces welded in an X to further support the A and B pillars. Then a sub-structure was fabricated to support the heavy convertible top. Hess & Eisenhardt then fitted a power top mechanism driven by a power pack in the trunk.
This example was originally painted black, re-painted green in the 1960s, and then refinished in 1994.
The Continental was technically not a Lincoln since Ford's new Continental division manufactured it. It was built between 1956 and 1957 and drew inspiration from the original Continental. The cars were sold and serviced through Lincoln dealers and used a Lincoln drivetrain. These elegant cars were designed to be the most luxurious and elegant American cars available. They were fitted with power steering, brakes, windows, seats, and vent windows. Most of the production was hand-built. Power was from a 368 cubic-inch V8 engine offering 285 horsepower, and the price tag was a staggering $10,000, the price of two Cadillacs. Production was understandably low, with only 2,550 delivered in 1956 with another 444 in 1957 before being discontinued.
Originally penned as a convertible in 1953, the MK II was introduced as a two-door luxury coupe. Though a convertible was never cataloged, Ford commissioned one by coachbuilder Derham of Rosemont, Pennsylvania. It appeared as the centerpiece of Ford's auto show exhibits for 1956, but the car never went into production. There were two Mark IIs damaged during shipping from Allen Park to Chicago, and the cars were refused by the dealers. Ford Marketing in Chicago sent the cars to Hess & Eisenhardt in Cincinnati, had them crafted into convertibles to gauge public interest in the concept, then later used them as dealer demonstrators.
The stock Continental frame was designed with a convertible body in mind. To further enhance the chassis, Hess & Eisenhardt used 1/4-inch plate steel, along with tubular cross-braces welded in an X to further support the A and B pillars. Then a sub-structure was fabricated to support the heavy convertible top. Hess & Eisenhardt then fitted a power top mechanism driven by a power pack in the trunk.
This example was originally painted black, re-painted green in the 1960s, and then refinished in 1994.
No auction information available for this vehicle at this time.
1956 Continental Mark II Convertible Auction Sales
Recent Sales of the Continental Mark II Convertible
(Data based on Model Year 1956 sales)
1956 Continental Mark II Convertible by Derham Chassis#: C56G3190 Sold for USD$296,500 2022 RM Sothebys : Monterey | |
1956 Continental Mark II Convertible Conversion Chassis#: C56B1931 Sold for USD$63,800 2020 RM Sothebys : Auburn Fall Auction | |
1956 Continental Mark II Convertible Sold for USD$93,500 2019 Mecum : Las Vegas | |
1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II CUSTOM TOPLESS ROADSTER Chassis#: C5613309 Sold for USD$39,050 2014 Barrett-Jackson, Las Vegas | |
1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II 2 DOOR SEDAN Chassis#: C56D2830 Sold for USD$39,600 2014 Barrett-Jackson - Reno Tahoe | |
1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II Sold for USD$42,000 2014 McCormick's - Palm Springs # 56 | |
1956 LINCOLN CONTINENTAL MARK II Chassis#: C56E2943 Sold for USD$50,400 2014 Barrett-Jackson's 43RD Annual Scottsdale Auction | |
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II 368/300 HP, Automatic Sold for USD$62,000 2013 Mecum - Kansas City | |
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Sold for USD$40,700 2013 Worldwide Auctions - The Burt Collection | |
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Sold for USD$18,500 2013 Mecum Auctions - Dallas 2013 | |
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II Convertible Sold for USD$82,500 2013 Auctions America - Auburn Fall | |
1956 LINCOLN MARK II CONVERTIBLE Sold for USD$63,800 2011 Auctions America - Auburn Fall Auction |
Continental Mark II Convertibles That Failed To Sell At Auction
1956 Continental Mark II Convertible's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II | 2015 Auctions America Auburn Fall | $45,000 | |||
1956 LINCOLN MARK II | 2014 Mecum Houston | $37,500 | |||
1956 Lincoln Mark II | 2013 Mecum Auction Chicago | $28,000 |
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1956 Continental Mark II Convertible
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