1956 Continental Mark II Coupe

Built to the special order of Benson Ford, head of the Lincoln-Mercury Division, C56I 3278 is a late 1956 model invoiced on August 29, 1956. He chose 'Green Lucite Metallic' (also called 'Medium Green Iridescent' was to be a 1957-only offering) finish and a special combination of interior colors and materials. While it has optional air conditioning, the air intakes atop the quarter panels have been eliminated for late-production vehicles.

Benson kept his special Mark II for years and, during the winter of 1958/59, had Ford Motor Company engineering staff replace the original 368 CID engine with the then-new Lincoln 430 CID engine having 10:1 compression along with chroming of accessory items.

This car came into the possession of the current owner from the family of the late Edson Williams, retired Ford Motor Company Vice-President for Customer Service. It has received a comprehensive restoration completed in 2009, which retained all engineering staff modifications.

Currently, the car wears a set of prototype Dayton knock-off wire wheels provided to the Continental Division for evaluation in the spring of 1954. They are said to have been displayed on the Paris Auto Show Mark ll, and photos exist showing them on a late prototype. They were not fitted during production due to concerns about strength and durability. The wheels were saved by a Continental Division employee who also served as the Ford family's personal mechanic.