1956 Continental Mark II Coupe

The first Lincoln was built by the Leland brothers but by 1922 the Ford Motor Company had taken over, with Edsel Ford at the helm looking to produce stylish new vehicles. He sought out the finest coachbuilders of the era and by 1930 Lincoln had established itself as a luxury brand. European designs influenced Edsel's vision for his Lincolns, and the result was a sleek and modern luxury car. One of the pinnacles of his endeavors was the 1939 Continental, which exuded the elegance and sophistication he so desperately sought.

The 1956 Mark II effort was led by William Clay Ford. His charter was to improve Lincoln's luxury cachet. The Mark II made its long-anticipated debut at the 1955 Paris Auto Show. Enthusiastic reviews called it a timeless exercise in automobile styling and each of the Ford brothers (Benson, Henry Ford II, and William Clay Ford) were quick to order one. Benson's was retrofitted with a 430 cubic-inch 350 horsepower V8. It was resplendent with chromed accessories that gave it a very noticeable and desirable appearance. Lincoln boss William Clay Ford had his custom-built and then updated again in 1968-69 with a 460 cubic-inch big block, C6 transmission, and disc brakes. Henry Ford II, unlike his brothers, did not feel the need for more power as the car was intended for his wife. Instead, his custom touches included a simulated landau top of black canvas and a high-quality broadcloth interior.

The Mark II was expensive, more than a Rolls-Royce. This contributed to the early demise of a car that some still view as the most elegant Lincoln of all time.

This Mark II was originally built to the special order of Mrs. John Olin, wife of the Chairman of Olin-Mathison Corp. The car was purchased by William Clay Ford Sr., Edsel Ford's youngest son. William headed the Continental Division of the Ford Motor Co. for the duration of its relatively short lifespan. He was primarily responsible for the concept, design, and production of the Mark II.

Under William Ford's direction, Ford's engineering staff made extensive mechanical and cosmetic changes to the car at the end of 1968. The original 368 cubic-inch engine was replaced with the new 460 cubic-inch Lincoln V-8. Many items were upgraded, including front disc brakes and electric windshield wipers. The exterior was repainted 'Honolulu Blue' and the interior was re-trimmed in matching blue with silver inserts, the colors of William Clay Ford, Sr.'s Detroit Lions football team. Mr. Ford's initials can be found in the center of the steering wheel. He was known to drive the car frequently.