1956 Continental Mark II Coupe

The Continental in 1956

Ford Motor Company's 1956 Continental MKII had two missions: to recapture the magic of the original Continental and to displace Cadillac as North America's most sought-after luxury car (even at a financial loss). In an era of excess, chrome trim was used sparingly, and no two-tone paint jobs were available. The fuel filler cap was concealed behind the left taillight, a la Cadillac. Extensive preparation and car went into body finishing, as panels were painted and hand-sanded several times, then two coats of lacquer were applied. Chrome plating was used extensively, not for appearance, but to protect such areas as the door end panels and doorjambs.

Even though it is said to be the most expensive production car of its time, about 1,300 Continentals were sold during the last quarter of 1955, many to celebrities such as politician Barry Goldwater, actor Frank Sinatra and the Shah of Iran. But after strong initial sales, the popularity of this Continental began to dwindle. Only about another 1,300 were built during all of 1956, and only 450 in 1957, when production ceased.

In spite of its lack of market success, the Continental MK II is a beautiful example of classic elegance married to modern engineering. It was a valiant attempt to recapture the spirit of the great cars of the '30s, but unfortunately for Ford, that era had passed.

This Car
This stunning black MK II has the easily recognizable understated egg-crate grille, and the long-hood/short-deck motif of cars of the era. Horizontal fender lines sweep back to a point just ahead of the rear wheels, and then kick up slightly before continuing to the taillights. Lincoln's new-for-1956 6-liter V-8 is fitted to the standard equipment 3-speed automatic transmission.

The Continental is quietly elegant inside. When the leather upholstery was ordered, it was from Bridge of Weir in Scotland; and the brushed-finished instrument panel holds four round gauges of equal size, including a tachometer.

Source - Gooding & Company